Live Band or DJ? How to Choose the Best Wedding Music

There’s a reason every couple ends up asking, “Should we book a band or a DJ?” Music can turn a good wedding into an unforgettable party, but choosing the right entertainment isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Maybe you imagine everyone singing along to a live band, or maybe you just want that one friend who never dances to finally cut loose to their favourite song. Either way, getting it right matters.

So we asked four of our favourite Australian wedding entertainers – Andrew of DJ Andrew McClelland, Kathy of Mood Music Musicians, Serge from DJ:Plus! Entertainment, and the team at Baker Boys Band – to share how they help couples make this choice and what you might want to consider before booking anyone. Here’s what they had to say.

Setting the Mood

The mood you want for your wedding is where it all starts. For Kathy at Mood Music Musicians, there’s nothing like a live band to set the scene. She says, “A live band brings energy, excitement, and that personal touch you can only get from real musicians performing right in front of you.” It’s the kind of feeling that has guests clapping, singing along, or even jumping on the mic themselves.

But DJs aren’t just there to press play. Andrew McClelland, who’s made a career out of keeping dance floors packed, puts it this way: “Bands definitely have a great vibe, but I really get into the music, dance hard when I’m DJing, and encourage the audience to join in. I like to think I can replicate what a band brings, just in a different way.” Serge from DJ:Plus! Entertainment adds that a great DJ will “keep the energy up and the party flowing smoothly all night.”

And if your taste runs wide, Kathy notes, “A DJ provides a wider range of songs, plays original tracks, is usually more affordable, and maintains a steady flow all night.”

Photo via DJ Andrew McClelland

Range, Repertoire, and Personalisation

Music taste is deeply personal, and you want your reception to reflect yours. Andrew sums up the DJ advantage: “DJs have almost any song you could wish for at their disposal, while bands are limited to the set songs that they have learned. But they should be able to learn special songs for your night.”

If you dream of a first dance to a rare 90s ballad or want to surprise your parents with a classic from their wedding, a DJ can usually cue it up in seconds. Bands, on the other hand, often bring their own creative spin to your favourites. Kathy says, “Some couples love the energy of a band for the ceremony and early evening, then switch to a DJ later on. We specialise in bespoke services that blend both, so you never have to settle for just one or the other.”

Serge from DJ:Plus! has seen how this plays out. “A string quartet for the ceremony and pre-dinner drinks, then a DJ for the party. It’s the perfect blend of elegance and energy.” It’s not about choosing a better option, it’s about mixing what works for you.

Budget and Practicalities

Of course, there’s always the practical side of wedding music. Kathy puts it plainly: “Choosing between a wedding DJ and a band often depends on budget, the atmosphere you want, and your musical preferences. A DJ is usually more affordable and requires less space, while a band brings high energy and a personal touch, but may be a bigger investment.”

Andrew’s advice is clear. “If cost is a big factor, I’d go for a DJ who would generally be cheaper than a band, as a band has many people involved, whilst a DJ is usually just themselves. Bands also take up quite a bit of space in the venue, which can be a consideration, too.”

And then there’s stamina. “Bands will take breaks, whilst DJs can play for many hours, including your background music sets, without one,” Andrew says. Serge points out that the venue can also steer the choice: “Sometimes a DJ is simply the easier fit for the space, or if you’re planning to dance well into the night.”

Think about what fits your party and your plans. If you want a full night with no breaks and a soundtrack for every moment, DJs shine. If you want a big band moment for your first dance or a jazz trio for cocktails, build your day around those moments.

Photo via Mood Music Musicians

Matching Your Music to Your Day

This is where it all comes together. The music you choose should fit your vibe, your space, and the experience you want for your guests. The Baker Boys Band always ask about these things first: the size of your party, how you want the night to feel, and what will make your guests want to stay on the dance floor. Sometimes the best fit is an acoustic set under the trees. Other times it’s a full band or a DJ who knows exactly what will get everyone moving.

Kathy from Mood Music says, “Our style is especially well-suited for vintage and themed weddings, but the most important thing is that your entertainment matches the energy of your day.” That might mean a small band, a playlist that feels like you, or a blend of live music and DJ. At the end of the day, it’s not about what’s most impressive or what everyone else is doing. It’s about the energy you want to create and the memories you’ll take away.

The Final Word

Music is the heartbeat of any wedding. It sets the tone, brings people together, and fills the day with memories. Whether you want the magic of a live band or the flexibility and range of a great DJ, the best choice is the one that feels most like you and your partner.

Andrew leaves it here: “To sum up, I think bands are brilliant fun. When they’re all playing together great there’s an amazing vibe. But I think that a DJ can be just as good, depending on the DJ.” There’s no single answer. Just the feeling that, for one night, your wedding sounds exactly the way you hoped it would.

If you’re still deciding or want to connect with any of the entertainers featured here, you’ll find them in our Polka Dot Wedding Directory.

A huge thank you to Mood Music Musicians, DJ:Plus! Entertainment, DJ Andrew McClelland, and Baker Boys Band ,for sharing their wisdom and experience.