Choose a Great DJ Over a Mediocre Band

A good band is expensive and a bad one is worse than no band at all. If the budget will not stretch to a strong live act, put the money into an excellent DJ instead and save somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000. Look for DJs who work weddings specifically rather than clubs, because reading a room of mixed ages is a different skill from building a set. Ask for sample playlists, go through must-plays and do-not-plays in detail, and confirm they carry backup equipment, since a failed laptop with no second one ends the dancing. Hear them work if you can. A DJ who talks over every transition shapes the night more than the song list does.