This article argues that live bands provide better entertainment at wedding receptions than iPod playlists or wedding DJs do. Some of the reasons to support this argument include the fact that live bands are made up of musicians who are born to perform. They have spent years training and honing their craft, and genuinely love to play music and keep guests smiling. Another argument discussed in this article is that iPod playlists are generally lacklustre and unimpressive. When you hire a live band you get charisma, stage presence, audience participation and flexibility.
One of the reasons live bands are the best option is because the musicians can perform and interact with the audience. This makes your wedding more participatory and inclusive, and generally more exciting. If you want a high energy reception, a live band will be the perfect match for you. You have more flexibility with a live band than with an iPod playlist because the performers can adjust their set list and songs to match the mood of the reception so the guests are happy. And live bands, unlike iPods, happily accept music requests from the audience, which again pleases your guests and keeps them smiling.
Another advantage of hiring a live band is that you leave all the responsibility to an experienced audio professional and are not lumping the important role of audio technician onto a friend or family member. Sure DIY weddings are great, and this option works well for wedding invitations, favours and hire cars, but it can be potentially disastrous to DIY your wedding music with an iPod playlist. You’re also ruining the enjoyment for whomever you choose to have to stand by the iPod to make adjustments to song selection and volume.
Another reason why you need a live band at your wedding is because they will give it a sense of occasion. The Band Leader will often act as MC for an additional charge and allow the band’s PA system to be used for speeches and toasts. It will make the event run seamlessly and feel well organized if one person is coordinating the wedding run sheet and making sure everything runs according to plan.
Planning a wedding is a mammoth task and for the reception to run smoothly you need someone to overlook and pay attention to the finer details. Music is crucial to the success of a wedding reception and particularly the enjoyment of your guests. An iPod playlist is, well, unimpressive. And wedding DJs can be notoriously daggy and unimpressed, treating the event like just another gig. Full-time professional musicians, on the other hand, are a whole different kettle of fish. The most important difference is that they don’t do it for the money, they do it because they are born performers. They love the stage, they love music, they love seeing smiles on people’s faces when they place a recognizable song. They have a genuine enthusiasm for each and every event and treat each performance as a unique music experience. Live bands give events life and excitement.
