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Should We Have Live Music or a DJ at Our Wedding?
Should We Have Live Music or a DJ at Our Wedding?
Five Reasons Why Having Both Is the Perfect Choice for Hertfordshire Couples
Five Reasons Why Having Both Is the Perfect Choice for Hertfordshire Couples
When planning a wedding in Hertfordshire, one of the biggest entertainment questions couples face is: Should we hire live music or a DJ?
Good news — you don’t have to choose!
Having both live looping artist (hello! 👋) and a DJ gives you the best of both worlds, creating an incredible atmosphere from your ceremony to the final dance.
As a Hertfordshire-based wedding singer and recommended supplier at venues like Hunton Park, I've seen first-hand how the combination of live music and a DJ creates a day full of unforgettable moments. Here’s five reasons why it's the ultimate choice:
- Nothing Beats Live Music For The Emotional Moments
There’s nothing quite like live music during your wedding ceremony. Walking down the aisle to a live processional song adds emotion and beauty that no recording can match.
Whether it’s a heartfelt version of Perfect or a daddy-daughter dance to Hold My Girl, live performances turn these moments into lifelong memories.
In my popular First Dance and Early Evening package, I perform a 90-minute set starting with your first dance. This keeps everyone together on the dance floor and creates a natural, uplifting energy — without the awkward "waiting for the evening to start" feeling. I have found that with live music, guests who might feel self-conscious about dancing feel much more relaxed — and with live looping, I can build a full-band sound live on the spot.
2. DJs Bring the Late-Night Party Energy
2. DJs Bring the Late-Night Party Energy
While live performers create magical early evening moments, DJs are experts at bringing the late-night party to life. After the live set finishes, a skilled DJ knows exactly how to turn up the energy, pull everyone onto the dance floor, and create the big send-off moments for couples.
At a recent wedding at Hunton Park, I finished my live set and DJ Grant took over seamlessly, keeping the energy high and the guests dancing into the night!
3. Live Music and DJs Are Better Than a Playlist
3. Live Music and DJs Are Better Than a Playlist
Some couples consider using a playlist for their wedding evening — but in reality, a playlist can never replace the energy and adaptability of a live performer or a DJ.
As a live looping artist, I adjust my set based on what guests are loving in real time — and professional DJs do exactly the same.
If Wonderwall has everyone singing, we can move into more 90s anthems. If Shut Up and Dance gets everyone jumping, we can lean into the party tunes.
Live music and DJs read the room — playlists can’t.
4. Why Hiring a Singer and DJ Is Often Better Than a Band
4. Why Hiring a Singer and DJ Is Often Better Than a Band
Live bands are amazing — but they aren't always as flexible or affordable. Bands usually rehearse fixed setlists and can struggle to adapt to the room in real time. Plus, hiring a full band is often significantly more expensive, simply because there are more people to pay.
With me, you get a live looping singer who creates the full sound of a band — guitar, drums, bass, and vocals — without the full-band cost. Hiring me alongside a professional DJ offers an incredible live experience, often for much less than the price of a large band.
5. Working Together for a Seamless Wedding Experience
5. Working Together for a Seamless Wedding Experience
At Hunton Park, DJ Grant and I planned the live set and DJ handover carefully to keep the dance floor alive all night long.
From sound and lighting setups to timing the final song of my set perfectly with the DJ’s first track, everything flowed smoothly.
Having both live music and a DJ ensures your day sounds and feels effortless — and even works perfectly in venues with sound limiters, thanks to professional planning.
It’s not a battle between live music and DJs.
It’s not a battle between live music and DJs.
When you’re thinking about wedding songs, music choices, and the party vibe for your Hertfordshire wedding, it’s not a battle between live music and DJs.
It’s about combining their strengths.
Live music creates unforgettable ceremony and early evening moments.
DJs bring the late-night energy and epic final dance.
If you're planning your wedding and wondering about the cost to hire live music and DJs, I’m always happy to chat.
Ready to plan the soundtrack to your wedding?
Ready to plan the soundtrack to your wedding?
Enquire now to check availability for your date. No pressure, no commitment – just a friendly chat to see how we can make your wedding music perfect. I’m excited to hear about what you have in mind and to possibly be a part of your amazing day!
As a member of the Musicians’ Union, I’m fully covered with public liability insurance up to £10 million. All of my professional-grade sound equipment is PAT tested to ensure everything sounds great and runs smoothly.
Artist Approved on Entertainment Nation (as ‘Tom James’) – trusted for weddings and events across the UK.
Proud to be a Verified Encore Artist – professionally reviewed and trusted for delivering high-quality live music.
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