Music makes the party. The band or DJ you choose makes the music, that makes the party. So how do you decide which is the perfect choice for you? Or do you have to choose between the two?

In a perfect world, with no budget restrictions, having both might be ideal. However, most people find themselves having to choose, so here’s some help to choose wisely.

Cost may be the primary deciding factor. If you’re on a tight budget, you may think you have no choice but to go with a DJ. However, that’s not necessarily the case. At MRE we offer many live music options and combination DJ-Live music packages that can be customized to suit your budget. One of our most popular packages is combining a live music trio for ceremony and or cocktails and then having a DJ for the reception. We also have top notch “Power Trios” that are totally affordable. These small groups deliver a big, rich sound in a not so big package. Large or small, any of our talented dance bands can be combined with a DJ to deliver the perfect mix of live and recorded music.

If budget is not a factor, you still want to make an informed choice. Here are some things to consider:

• Bands can create an entirely different energy than a DJ. Live singers and musicians interact with each other in addition to the crowd, creating a much more “visual”presentation and energy that is contagious.

• DJ's can play the exact version of the songs you want to hear. However today's best contemporary dance bands can duplicate the recordings and bring an electricity to the performance that can only be achieved by hearing it performed “live”.

• DJ's can bring thousands of songs to a party, but experienced bands have extensive song lists and can usually accommodate most special requests with advance notice.

• Although it’s true that DJs play music continuously, most high quality dance bands will also provide you with continuous music, making sure that the live dinner music is soft and unobtrusive and that you have a great variety of high energy dance music between courses and after dinner.

• Bands require more space than DJs, so make sure that the venue you’ve chosen can supply the area and staging needed for the band.

Whichever form of entertainment you choose, make sure to have a good contract and check references. When it comes to hiring a band or a DJ, make sure you meet with them (the DJ or the bandleader) in person & like his or her personality. Make sure that the entertainer you choose knows how to “flow” a party. He/She should be familiar with the festivities that take place throughout the evening and should feel comfortable leading your guests through those events. Communicate with your entertainers about the type of music you like and the ambiance you want to create.

Whether you hire a live band or DJ, or BOTH, the most important thing you can do to ensure a successful event is to hire wisely, then relax and enjoy!