Should you hire a live band or should you book a DJ for your event?

Well it’s all down to personal taste.

But, as with everything in life, there are good and bad DJ’s and there are good and bad bands out there! Of course there are also BRILLIANT bands out there and Doctor Chocolate are one of them!

How do you choose what is right for your event?

BUDGET

Although hiring a live band can cost more – it is definitely worth the investment!   A solo performer (usually playing/singing along to backing tracks) can cost anything from £300 plus – we’ve worked with some who charge £850!  A live band can be anywhere between £500 – £4000.  The cost of the band will depend on the size, how many band members they have, if they have their own equipment or need to hire it in, and how experienced they are.  A band just starting out will be cheaper as they haven’t built a reputation and may not be reliable – their experience may be performing in pubs.  Doctor Chocolate are not expensive by any means – we work really hard to keep our costs to the absolute minimum so we can pass the savings back to you – but we are not cheap either so you won’t be able to book the band for £500!  There are 10 members of the band in Doctor Chocolate (9 musicians and 1 sound engineer). Remember – you may think it’s expensive to hire a professional – but wait until you hire an amateur!  This may be the only time you have a spectacular event in your lifetime – make sure you book the right entertainment.

A Great DJ can cost between £500-£1200 for the evening – again depending on the quality of equipment they bring, lighting and how good they are!  Other DJs can cost between £150-£300.  Please go and see them in advance to make sure they suit your event – and remember you get what you pay for!

Contact Doctor Chocolate to find out how much we will cost you for your event.  We will ask you some questions so that we can give you a full and inclusive quote: What date do you want? What time do you want the band to arrive and finish? Where are your having your event? Do you want an early set up or a late finish?  From this we can give you a fully inclusive quote.  We promise you will be pleasantly surprised as we are excellent value for a 9 piece band and sound engineer – making 10 people in total. Each and every member of the band are enthusiastic and experienced. Our only aim is to provide the best entertainment for your event. In addition we are fully self contained – with our own pa, lighting, pat tested equipment and public liability insurance as standard!

SONG CHOICE

If you want your guests to be able to request songs to be played all night long – then go for a DJ. They will have (hopefully) thousands of songs available on their laptop that they can play for you.

If however you want a live band that can appeal to every generation that attends your wedding, you want the WOW factor, want a band that has a set list that is tried and tested and updated regularly so only the best music from the 1960’s to present day chart numbers are played by a skilled and experienced live band – then  go for a live band every time. You can’t beat it for atmosphere and interaction. Doctor Chocolate are the perfect party band for any occasion.

A band can perform any number of songs but be wary of bands that only have a playlist of about 30 numbers on their entire set list.  They may not be able to adapt to different crowds and musical tastes.  But also be very wary of bands who have list after list after list of songs on their website – can they really play them all?  More importantly, can they really play them all well or will it sound like a rehearsal band on the night as they try to cram in as many songs as you’ve requested into the set?

Doctor Chocolate have an extensive list of songs in our set that work well for weddings, corporate events, charity fundraisers etc.  Our sets are changed and rehearsed regularly to keep them fresh and new and to ensure that the songs are always played as close to the original – but with a Choccie twist!  However, band members choose the numbers in the set.  From experience we know what songs work well and what songs don’t work so well for mixed audiences and celebrations.  Depending on the event and the type of crowd attending – we will change our sets accordingly.  Be assured the sets will be rocking and the dance floor jammed!

ATMOSPHERE

There are some good DJs and we’ve come across some awful DJs.  Your DJ should be able to get the crowd going and be interactive and clear when they speak – not mumble into the microphone or be really cheesey!  They need to build the atmosphere for your event.  Playing record after record is easy but you need them to be able to talk to your guests and encourage them if needed.  In addition, make sure their equipment is good enough for the size of your venue.

Doctor Chocolate are excellent at interacting with any crowd and different generations. We know how important the atmosphere can be and our dance-floors are always jammed with guests from the moment we start until the moment we end! Doctor Chocolate bring along our PA system and lighting. Our sound is clear and full – our PA system is top of the range. If you have a larger venue – mention it at the time of booking as we can extend our PA system and hire in some more to ensure the equipment is exactly right for the venue.

Doctor Chocolate interact with your guests.  It’s not us on stage and your guests on the dance floor.  We have one common aim!  We want your event to be THE BEST night! So we interact with your guests, we talk to them and involve them in what we are doing.  That way, everyone has an amazing evening.

EXPERIENCED & RELIABLE

If you go for a DJ choose one who has experience!  Try to avoid any that don’t bring along a PA system but require you to hire one in, and avoid any that don’t have their own lighting systems – you’ll have to hire these in addition.  Get referrals if you can from previous clients.

The same applies to hiring a live band. Choose a band that is experienced in the type of event you are organising.  Having the wrong type of band perform at your event can be disastrous.  You may love to have a Michael Buble tribute or James Bond Tribute Band.  This is great and can add atmosphere to your event but make sure that they also offer a party set as well as your guests will want some variety and want to party later in the evening!  We can certainly recommend The Name Is Band – Bond Tribute Band – perfect for James Bond Themed parties and events – performing an hour set of Bond themes and a fantastic party set later in the evening.

Doctor Chocolate have over 25 years experience at performing for all types of events.  In all that time we have NEVER let a client down – ever!  Our reputation is excellent and over 80% of our work comes through recommendation or people who have seen/heard us before.

To be honest – NOTHING can compare to a live band that is experienced, fun, interactive, sound great, look great and appeal to every generation attending your event! LIVE MUSIC RULES!