As a Norwich based wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the magic a great playlist can create at a wedding reception. Whether it's a DJ spinning your favourite hits or a live band belting out those unforgettable tunes, music sets the tone for the entire evening.

In fact, a survey by WeddingWire found that 86% of couples consider entertainment to be one of the most important aspects of their wedding day, highlighting just how crucial it is to get the music right.

But with so many options available, deciding between a wedding DJ and a live band can feel overwhelming.

Should you go for the flexibility of a DJ or the energy of a live performance? Lets get into it…

a gang of children love dancing at this norwich based wedding it was so fun captured by wedding photographer norwich

The Cost Factor: DJ vs. Live Band

Alright, let’s start with the biggie: cost. We all know weddings can get as pricey as a last-minute trip to the Maldives, so it’s important to figure out what fits your budget. There’s some interesting facts over at Wedding Planner a recent survey of 100 couples showed that 60% had hired or were planning to hire a Wedding DJ.

DJs: The Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re trying to keep costs down, then a wedding DJ is your go-to. A professional DJ in the UK can range from £250 to £1,500, depending on experience, equipment, and how long you need them. For that price, you get access to a whole library of tunes that can span genres from the Spice Girls to Ed Sheeran, and you get someone who can keep the party vibe flowing all night. It’s kind of like having a hyperactive human Spotify on tap, keeping everyone in high spirits.

Bands: The Live Experience
If you’re looking for something that’ll really set the stage, then a live band can bring that “wow” factor. Expect to pay between £700 and £3,500 for a wedding band, depending on the size of the group, their experience, and performance length. Bands bring a whole new level of energy—there’s nothing quite like hearing a live drummer kicking off the first dance to a Robbie Williams classic. It’s like turning your wedding into your very own Glastonbury minus the mud!

norwich wedding singer sings a lovely song by norwich wedding photographer

Music Selection and Flexibility

Next up: music. Do you want full control over your wedding playlist or do you want a professional to take the reins? Feel free to reach out and contact us if you’re struggling to find someone in the Norwich area we might just be able to help.

DJs: Endless Variety and Flexibility
When you hire a DJ, you get access to an enormous library of music. Want to hear Wham!’s Last Christmas after your first dance? Done. Fancy a little Take That for the crowd before the speeches? Easy. DJs are the masters of mixing different genres, from 80s classics to chart-toppers, and they’re great at reading the crowd. Plus, if someone requests “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley (let’s face it, they probably will), you know it’ll be on the playlist in no time. It’s like having Greg James as your personal DJ, keeping it eclectic and fun.

Bands: Personal Touch with Live Renditions
A live band may not have the massive range that a DJ can offer, but they’ll give your wedding a unique touch. They’ll learn those special songs that mean something to you—like the Boyzone ballad you swore you'd never admit to loving, or the song you’ve been dreaming of for your first dance. A live band offers that real spicy moment, where the emotion just hits differently when it’s sung live.

a wedding ban in norwich love t play upbeat songs to the guests dancing at a wedding in norfolk

Atmosphere and Vibe

This is where the magic happens—the atmosphere. How do you want your guests to feel when they walk into the reception? Do you want them in a full-on Strictly Come Dancing mood, or do you want more of a relaxed vibe where they can chat, sip champagne, and maybe get up and groove when the mood strikes? See for yourself in our norwich wedding photographer album collection

DJs: The All-Night Party
If you’re after an all-night party vibe, then a DJ’s your best bet. They can keep that dance floor packed for hours, never skipping a beat. It’s kind of like having DJ Spoony keep the party going from your first dance until the final song. DJs also often bring in some extra sparkle, with light shows and even karaoke during their breaks. So, if you’re feeling brave, you can have your own Britain’s Got Talent moment after a few too many proseccos.

Bands: Electrifying Energy
A live band brings that raw, infectious energy that a DJ just can’t match. I’ve seen guests who were previously nursing a glass of wine suddenly rush the dance floor when the band plays something like Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now (a wedding favourite, am I right?). The energy is just intense when the band’s on stage—people can’t help but get involved. The only downside? Bands need to take breaks between sets, so you might end up hearing some background music during those lulls. But hey, that’s the perfect time to grab a drink or sneak in a few more photos hopefully for your local wedding photographer booking us might help.

a couple dance at a wedding on norwich surrounded by friends and family loving life norwich wedding photographer near me

What About Space and Logistics?

Now let’s talk about the practical stuff. It’s not as exciting as the music, but it’s equally important—can your venue accommodate a DJ or a band?

DJs: Less Space, Quicker Setup
DJs are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to space. They’ll need just a small table, speakers, and their decks. Setting up is quick too—usually about 45–60 minutes. If your venue is small or has a tight timeline, a DJ’s setup is perfect. It’s a bit like well you know—quick to set up and keeping the party flowing all night long without drama.

Bands: Bigger Space, More Gear
If you want a live band, be ready for a bit more of a setup. Bands usually need more space to get their equipment in place, and the setup time can be anywhere between 60–90 minutes. They’ll need more room—think about 4 × 3 metres for a 4-piece band. So if your venue is on the cosy side, you might want to consider if there’s room for all that gear. Plus, if you’re dealing with sound restrictions, you may want to chat with your venue in advance. We all love noisy neighbours

a wedding singer in norwich sings t a newly wed bride and groom they love dancing to wedding norwich photographer!

Combining the Two: Best of Both Worlds

If you just can’t choose between a DJ and a live band, I’ve got a fun solution: why not have both? Many couples decide to start their evening with a live band and then switch over to a DJ for the later part of the night. It’s the best of both worlds! The live band kicks things off with a bang, and then the DJ takes over to keep the energy high and the tunes flowing. Some bands even offer DJ services during their breaks, so you don’t miss a beat. We know a few we can recommend some them can be seen in one of our wedding photo collections on website.

a wedding band performs to a bunch of children at a wedding the photo was taken by a norwich wedding photographer

My Final Thoughts as a Norwich Wedding Photographer

From my experience as a Norwich wedding photographer, both DJs and live bands can completely transform your reception. Each has its unique perks, and the choice comes down to your budget, the vibe you want, and your venue’s space.

If you’re after variety and a budget-friendly option, a DJ might be the way to go.
If you’re dreaming of an energetic live experience that’ll wow your guests, then a band is a fantastic choice.
And if you can’t choose? Have both! It’s your day—why not enjoy a mix of live music and non-stop DJ tunes?

Ultimately, your wedding day should be one that leaves everyone talking—and I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture every epic moment. Whether it’s a DJ spin or a live guitar solo, I’ll make sure your memories are just as perfect as the music.

Why not have a read of some of our other Norwich wedding blog posts for more inspiration and insights.

How to Choose between a Wedding DJ or Live Band?