So, you are having a party. Planning can be tough, but one area that can make it easier is whether to hire a Disc Jockey or to book a band. While pretty much everything else you do has many choices, this area only has 2 options. Do you want live music or listen to recordings that you and all of your guests hear all day, every day? There are benefits to each choice, but live music is ultimately the better option.

A DJ has become the most recent choice, but not always for the right reasons. Of course they are the easiest choice, because they show up, turn on the music and the party starts. However, there are major limitations that hiring live entertainers can eliminate.

Booking a live band offers other options that can make your party the function of the year!! A live band brings more flavor and more opportunities than just having songs played. When you hire a band, especially if they are familiar with the type of function you are planning, they will likely be more prepared and have more of the songs in their repertoire than a Disc Jockey.

When you hire a live band there is generally less of a challenge regarding your locations sound system. They will arrive with amplifiers and microphones in tow and after they set up, the music is ready to go. After a couple of sound checks, the music starts and the party is started. You have to consider the flavor of your party, but with a band, if you have chosen a theme, the band can dress the part and be more involved in your decor.

Let us compare how your party will differ with live music. Although a DJ can act as a Master of Ceremonies, the leader of the band is more likely to be able to lead your party. There is a different sound quality and performance level with live music, as you may be listening to the next winner of American Idol, in lieu of hearing the original artist sing a song your guests have listened to thousands of times on the radio. The live band may have different and entertaining arrangements of songs that have been or are current hits and your guests will enjoy the diversity.

Finding groups that suit your needs may be a little tougher, but in the long run, their presence will have a bigger impact on the party than anyone else. There are agents that will direct you to venues where local talent is playing. You get to see them in action to determine their sound, how they interact with the customers and their personalities. A DJ is really at a location to do nothing more than spin records, although now it is more of anything but records, and is not really there as entertainment.

If budget is a major hurdle, you may be limited with your choices and perhaps a DJ will be less expensive, but the overall performance and appreciation from your guests will justify the additional expense. Consider if there are times when songs are being done as part of the party. In other words, perhaps a first dance or introductions. A live band will be able to handle all of those circumstances easier than constantly interrupting a recording.

All in all, if you book a band gives you more options. Your guests will enjoy hearing a great band play than hearing someone spin songs that they hear everyday. Traditionally, live music will produce more people on the dance floor and your party will have the flavor that you intended and people will all have a great time.