Choosing the right type of band or music for your wedding is a huge decision. You want something that everyone will enjoy but you also want something memorable and that means something to you and your partner.

Most people tend to go straight for the traditional DJ which is a safe option. You can give them a playlist of songs for the evening and you will have full control over events. However, it can be fun to mix things up a bit.

These are 4 different types of band that you may not have considered for your perfect day.

Hip Hop

If you are a hip-hop fan then you could choose to mix a bit of live hip hop performance in with a DJ set. It is certainly something different, and probably an evening that your guests will remember.

You could start the night with a traditional DJ set and towards the end introduce some live hip hop, as this will be sure to get some guests performing along too.

Swing

One of the coolest ideas for a wedding band would be to have a swing band. This type of band is sure to get everyone moving, and most bands like this come in full swing band attire which really adds to the whole occasion.

One consideration will be the amount of space a band like this need to set up. If the reception venue is quite small it may not be the best option.

Orchestra

An orchestra is a very versatile band choice and scaled down orchestras can be used throughout the day at different stages.

They could play while you are walking down the aisle for example, when you arrive at the wedding reception and as some subtle background music during dinner. If you are having a particularly relaxed wedding reception, they may also be the prefect band to perform in the evening too.

Acoustic

If you book an acoustic act, they tend to be much softer and much more subtle than a full band. Similar to an orchestra, they may be best used while people are arriving for the wedding reception or sitting down for dinner. There are many different genres that an acoustic artist might cover from paired down rock songs to reggae to folk and country music.

Choosing the Right Wedding Band

When you are beginning your search for a band, using a website like www.alivenetwork.com is a great way to get a feel for what’s out there and to find out what the typical costs are. Usually the bigger the band is, the more they will cost.

However, there are also many other factors such as how good their reputation is, and how long they have been playing.

It is always a good idea to try and see the band you want to book live before you go ahead and book them. If they are local, a good band will have a few gigs lined up that you will be able to go and watch to get a feel for what they are like. If not, you should try and get a CD or recording to listen too.