How Can I Personalize My Wedding Music, Live Band or DJ:

There’s no place in New York State as beautiful as the Finger Lakes. If you’re fortunate enough to have booked your wedding at one of the many breathtaking venues throughout the region, you’re already aware that you’re in for a real treat. But, you know what's just as important as the scenery? The music. It's the heart and soul of your celebration; the thing that moves your guests to tears during the ceremony and gets everyone up and dancing at the reception. Perhaps you’re wondering how to make the music truly yours? Or maybe you’re worried about the bigger question: live wedding band or DJ? Let's dive in and figure it out by walking through your options.

Part 1: Personalizing Your Wedding Music – Making it Truly Yours

Your wedding music will be the soundtrack kicking off the next chapter of you and your partner’s journey, playing out against the backdrop of those stunning Finger Lakes views. It should be a reflection of your unique personalities, the special moments you've shared, and the overall vibe you're going for – whether it's a rustic barn dance, a chic lakeside party, or a romantic vineyard celebration. Here are our suggestions for making your Finger Lakes Wedding music truly unforgettable:

Share Your Story Through Song: Don’t just grab the usual wedding hits (not that they should be avoided!). Think about the songs that are meaningful to you as a couple. Maybe it's the tune that was playing when you first locked eyes overlooking Canandaigua Lake or across the dingy subway car on the A train in NYC. It could be the song you slow-danced to at a local wine festival. Perhaps it’s the song that still makes both of you burst out laughing at the college party memories that come to mind. Sprinkle these gems throughout your wedding day – trust us, your guests will love those personal touches. Any DJ or Wedding Band worth their grit will be able to accommodate at least a few requests.

Mix It Up Genre-Wise: Don't feel like you have to stick to just one type of music! Have some fun with your playlist. Love classic rock but your partner is all about country? Get creative and blend those musical world. A folksy acoustic version of your favorite rock anthem? A jazzy twist on a pop song? (Jamie Cullum comes to mind) The possibilities are endless. Create a unique musical experience that tells your story.

Use a Theme (Subtlety counts): If you've got a wedding theme that complements the beauty of the Finger Lakes – like a cozy rustic vibe, a romantic vineyard feel, or a classic lakeside celebration – you can totally weave it into your music choices. Think jazz standards for a vintage vibe, or some sweet folk tunes for a barn dance. Just remember to keep it classy and avoid hitting people over the head with your theme. Let the music enhance the atmosphere, but not define it completely.

Ceremony Music - Setting the Mood for "I Do" in the Finger Lakes: Your ceremony is where you want to create an emotional and meaningful atmosphere. Choose music that captures the deep love and commitment you feel. Instrumental versions of songs that are close to your hearts can be incredibly touching and inspiring against the backdrop of the vineyards and shimmering waters of the Finger Lakes. Have a talented friend or family member who can contribute a musical performance? Even better. Including your loved ones in the music-making brings so much more meaning out of an already special day.

Cocktail Hour - Getting the Party Started: The cocktail hour is when you can have your favorite jazz standards played while people relax and mingle after the ceremony. Perhaps you don’t have any jazz favorites, but you know you want a tenor saxophone, guitarist, and bassist playing music over which people can connect. If it’s a DJ providing your music, this is your chance to share some of your more unique musical tastes – cool jazz, mellow R&B, or some chill indie vibes.

Reception - Dance the Night Away: The reception is when the night really comes to life, whether in a Finger Lakes banquet hall or a charming barn! Make sure to talk with the leader of your live wedding band or DJ to build a playlist that will get everyone on the dance floor – from your grandma to your college buddies. Mix in some high-energy hits and classic dance tunes that everyone knows and loves. A good DJ will also be responsive to the crowd and leave space for guest requests (see below).

Special Dances - Songs That Mean the World: Your first dance, the mother-son & father-daughter dances, and the anniversary dance deserve songs that are deeply meaningful. These are the dances that will make you smile, savor the nostalgia of days gone by, and help create memories you'll cherish forever. Take your time making these selections and don’t forget to get the input of your partner and the people around whom these dances are centered.

Guest Requests - Within Limits: It's nice to be inclusive and consider what your guests want to hear, but remember, it's your wedding. Maybe set aside a specific time for requests or have a way for guests to submit their suggestions beforehand. And definitely give your live wedding band or DJ a "must-play" list and a "do-not-play" list to keep things on track.

Transitions - Making the Music Flow Smoothly: Think about the overall flow of the music throughout your wedding day. Working with an experienced band leader or DJ can help make transitions between songs and different parts of the celebration smooth and seamless. Giving your Finger Lakes Wedding, or any wedding for that matter, a polished and professional feel.

Part 2: Live Wedding Band or DJ: Every Couple’s Dilemma

Soon after the elation of a new engagement transitions to logistics and planning, all couples must grapple with issue of whether to hire a live wedding band or a DJ. It’s an important decision as the music that accompanies a wedding ceremony and reception both shape and even define the experience for nearly everyone in attendance. There are clear benefits to both approaches, but also some trade-offs to consider. Consider your options carefully and you’ll be happy with your decision, regardless of whether you go with a live wedding band or a DJ. Both bring an element of fun and magic to the party. 

Live Wedding Band:

Pros: Finding the right band can bring an energy to your party that is simply electic. It’s palpable. Nothing can top the spontaneous interactions your guests will have with an experienced band that knows how to work the crowd. They can adapt to the crowd on the fly, making sure everyone's having a blast. Hire the right band and the unique and memorable experience they bring to your reception will be talked about for years to come. If you have decided to get married in any of the storied and breath-taking Finger Lakes Wedding Venues, you should strongly consider complementing such a classy investment with an equally classy investment in live music for your wedding reception. Often, with the right band, you can request they learn a special song just for your wedding.

Cons: Bands are typically a bigger investment than a DJ. Their song list might not be as extensive as a DJ's massive music library. They require a bit more planning and logistics coordination, too, especially if your reception is in a location that does not typically host bands.

DJ:

Pros: They've got access to tons of music – any genre, any era. They play the original recordings, so you get the exact sound you love. DJ’s are usually more budget-friendly than a live wedding band. Can easily handle a wide range of requests.

Cons: Might not have the same high-energy presence as a band. It can feel a little less personal. The overall vibe can sometimes be less dynamic, too. If you’re spending the money to hold your wedding one of the many beautiful venues in Finger Lakes Region, you may want to consider not sleeping on the idea of live music at your wedding. While there are great DJ’s out there, it might feel like an unbalanced experience to your guests to have invested so much in the location, but not the musical experience of the reception.

The Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

Lots of couples getting married in the Finger Lakes are finding that the sweet spot is a mix of both a live wedding band and a DJ. A band can bring the party to the reception, while the DJ can cover the breaks, play those super-specific songs the band might not know, or handle the ceremony and cocktail hour music. It's the most flexible option and a really effective way to tailor your wedding to your musical tastes.

Making the Call: What Matters Most for Your Wedding?

At the end of the day, it's all about what you and your partner want. What kind of vibe are you dreaming of for your Finger Lakes wedding? What's your budget? Think about what's most important to you: the excitement of a live band, the huge music selection of a DJ, or a perfect mix of both?

FAQs: All Your Finger Lakes Wedding Music Questions, Answered

How much will a live wedding band cost for my Finger Lakes Wedding?

The price of live wedding bands can vary quite a bit depending on how experienced, how well-known, and how busy the band is. Additionally, other factors like how many musicians are in the band, how long they'll be playing, and the date of your wedding are factors, too. Wedding Season, encompassing the summer and fall months, are usually busier and more expensive due to demand for bands’ services. Finger Lakes Weddings are no different. If you’re looking to have your wedding at one of the many scenic Finger Lakes Wedding Venues, it’s a good idea to find a band that has experience playing at your venue of choice. If you can find a band that already has an established relationship with the venue you’re considering, even better! It’s a good idea to get quotes from a few different bands to compare. Don't be afraid to ask about packages (ie. including a DJ with the live band).

How do I choose the perfect live wedding band for my Finger Lakes wedding?

Picking the right live wedding band is a crucial to having the wedding of your dreams! Start by doing some digging online. Look for bands that have played lots of weddings and that play the kind of music you love. Watch videos of them performing. Perhaps they have a YouTube channel where you can check out a collection of studio recordings or recordings from live gigs. And, this next part is really important: Read. The. Reviews. Check out their reviews both on wedding platforms such as The Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Zola and on Google. What do couples who've hired them have to say? And definitely chat with the bandleader – get a feel for their personality and how easy they are to work with. You want a band that's not just talented but also professional and reliable.

How far in advance should I book my wedding band or DJ for my Finger Lakes wedding?

For Finger Lakes weddings, especially if you're getting married during peak season (summer and early fall), booking early is key. Popular bands and DJs can get booked up a year or even more in advance. Additionally, wedding venues also get booked up really far in advance, so you have to make sure both of these in-demand services (Finger Lakes Wedding Venues and live wedding bands) have your desired wedding date available. Don't wait too long – secure your entertainment early to avoid disappointment.

Can I make song requests for my wedding ceremony and reception?

Absolutely! It's your wedding, and you should have the music you love. Most bands and DJs are happy to take requests. Giving them a "must-play" list and a "do-not-play" list is a great way to make sure the music is exactly what you want. For bands, keep in mind they might not be able to learn a brand-new song on the spot, so discuss special requests well in advance.

What's the deal with tipping wedding bands and DJs in the Finger Lakes?

Tipping is a nice way to show your appreciation for a job well done. It's customary to tip your band or DJ, especially if they've gone above and beyond to make your wedding special. A typical tip is around 15-20% of their total fee. You can usually give the tip directly to the bandleader or the DJ at the end of the reception.

What are some important questions to ask a live wedding band before booking them for my Finger Lakes wedding?

When you're chatting with potential bands, ask about their experience playing weddings (especially in the Finger Lakes region – they might have insights about specific venues), get references from past couples, ask if they have a sample playlist or if you can customize it, find out their policy on song requests, what equipment they provide, if they have a contract, their cancellation policy, how many breaks they take, what they typically wear to weddings, and how their payment process works. It's a good idea to cover all the bases upfront.

What should I ask a potential wedding DJ before hiring them for my Finger Lakes wedding?

Similar to bands, you'll want to ask DJs about their wedding experience, their music library (make sure they have the genres you love), ask for reviews from other couples, discuss their MC style (how they'll handle announcements, etc.), what equipment they use, if they have a contract, their cancellation policy, and their payment terms. Also, see if they offer any extras, like uplighting or photo booth options.

How can I make sure the music flows perfectly at my Finger Lakes wedding?

Think about the different parts of your wedding day and what kind of music would fit each moment best. Create a timeline and work with your band or DJ to plan the music for the ceremony (processional, recessional, etc.), cocktail hour, dinner, and reception. Smooth transitions between songs and different parts of the day are key a successful experience. You might want different playlists or even different musical setups (like a string quartet for the ceremony and then a band for the reception).

What are some fun ways to make the music at my Finger Lakes wedding extra special?

Beyond just picking great songs, there are lots of ways to personalize your wedding music. Having instrumental versions of your favorite songs during the ceremony or cocktail hour adds a touch of elegance. If you have a talented family member who can offer a musical performance during the ceremony, that can make the experience that much more meaningful. If you have a theme, make sure the music matches it. And don't forget about lighting! The right lighting can totally transform the dance floor and create a magical atmosphere, especially in a beautiful Finger Lakes venue. Make sure to talk to your band leader and/or DJ about what lights are and aren’t included with their services.