I CANNOT be rented!

So I was reading over at a popular wedding site and came across an article offering advice to brides & grooms regarding music. The article was...shall we say....fluffy? I was about to click away and then this caught my attention

Once the ceremony is complete and the newlyweds along with their bridal party and guests move along to the wedding reception, they should find themselves in an establishment which has music playing as well. The main choice which the couple needs to decide upon is whether to have a DJ or live band play at their wedding reception. There are a few considerations when trying to choose between the two.

There are pros and cons to having a DJ play music at the reception. Some of the pros associated with DJs include less expensive fees, greater selection of music and the bride and groom will always know what the music will sound like, as it is prerecorded. Some of the negative aspects which one may find with a DJ is that there is only one individual playing the music, there is a lack of variety in song versions and the DJ may not be as lively as a band.

When considering having a live band play at the reception, it is important to consider some of the positive and negative aspects of doing so. On the bright side, when the couple has a live band play at their reception they will have lively entertainment by the individuals playing the music, there may be more exciting variations to the songs and it provides a more elegant and personal atmosphere to the special day. With regard to potential negative aspects of having a live band, the band members may not sound as good as on their demo tape, they may not have as many musical selections and they will most likely be pricier than renting a DJ would be.

There are many things that I take exception to in this section of the article.

How exactly is a band more "personal" than a skilled wedding entertainer/DJ?

You want more exciting versions of a song I have remix upon remix of the most popular tunes and if by chance I don't find a remix I will do one live on the spot. I don't think this is something most B&G's are seeking for their reception. My experience is that the standard version of a song is the one people truly want to hear. Not a "good cover" with an extended "jam" in the middle!

Want custom introductions for your bridal party(different specific songs for each couple)? I did a party this year with 12 couples in the bridal party and custom edited music from 30 different songs to personalize their introductions. Good luck having the band pull that one off.

Now I agree that a band is certainly a lot more entertaining to watch and if that is what you want, something for your guests to watch then have your DJ provide video screens for the party and take it to another level, but most times I find that the B&G want to enjoy their friends and family, while dancing to some good songs. It is my philosophy that the B&G should be the primary focus of the guests, not me and certainly not some raucous floor show.

Too each his own.
Here is where I got "tweaked"

they will most likely be pricier than renting a DJ would be.

I can be hired to do an event, but I am not a commodity to be rented!

This is the problem with some so called wedding planners ( I said some - I actually love working with a good qualified wedding planner at an event) They view the vendors as merely commodities to be shuffled around, and too often to be treated poorly, dismissively and too often without even the slightest professional courtesy. I never understand this. What benefit is there to a wedding planner in alienating any if not all of the vendors at an event? None that I can see. Your wedding entertainment, be it DJ or band, should be professionals with wedding experience. If they are they deserve the respect that their years of experience has earned them. You don't rent people. Your rent, chairs, tents, lights, etc...NOT PEOPLE!

Treat your vendors courteously and respectfully and they will work even harder than you ever imagined possible to give you your wedding, YOUR way

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