Events

Band vs. DJ

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Should You Hire a Band or a DJ For Your Wedding?

The lists are endless and everyone has their opinion on which music will get them on the dance floor. Here are some things to consider before you cross “music” off your wedding to-do list.

The perfect dress? Check. A beautiful venue? Check. The music and entertainment? Eh…almost! The day you have both been dreaming about is almost here and you are still torn between a DJ and a band for your wedding day. You could ask your closest friends or Bob over in accounting which they preferred on their big day, but the results will always be the same — a tie. So here are four simple things you can do prior to the down payment

1. Ask For Referrals

Ok, hear us out — just a few sentences before this we threw in the bit about ‘Bob in accounting’ and how you’re likely to receive mixed responses for the music. Our generation has been gifted with the luxury of modern-day technology. Don’t be afraid to post questions on your personal Facebook page or local Facebook groups you are a part of and ask about their experience. Reach-out to a few close friends and family members and ask why they did or did not enjoy their music choice. This will be a great opportunity for you to keep a list of bands or DJs you want or definitely do not want.

2.   Pay Close Attention

If you have any weddings in the near future, be sure to pay close attention to the music they play. Regardless if it is a band or a DJ, make a mental note (or a note in your phone if you can) of what makes people get out of their seats, grab their friend and let loose. It’s also important to recognize which songs force people to leave the dance party and mingle in the corner with their friends. A great band or DJ will understand there is a balance of genres and tempos to play so that there is always a steady amount of people partying it up on the dance floor.

3.   Consider the Reception Space

Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding, you will want to discuss your options with the venue. They might have recommendations for which is best with the space you’ve chosen. A smaller indoor venue might do better with a DJ. A large open space might have better acoustics for a band. The physical space might have constraints and could force you to narrow your decision quickly from a 20-piece live band to a DJ flying solo. The theme or vibe you’d like to convey could sway your choice from a DJ to a band. So the space you have could be key in the decision making process.

4.   What Will Make YOU Happy?

Of course you want to keep your guests happy, but at the end of the day, it is about you and the love of your life! What kind of music is going to get you out and party like it’s 1999? Which type of musician(s) will have you and your significant other hand-in-hand and make you feel like you’re the only two people in the room? Keeping your guests entertained is extremely important, but if you have a preference of band over DJ or vice versa, then don’t let that stop you from dancing your heart out on the Best. Day. Ever!

 

Newest & Trendiest Venues in St. Louis

Opened- August 2018 (Venue)

Where- Augusta, MO

What type of events?— weddings, conferences, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, business meetings, class reunions, etc.

What makes their venue unique?— The Outdoor and indoor ceremony spaces -Farmhouse with bridal suite, grooms saloon, wine cellar, large wrap around porch, and upper and lower patio area (perfect for cocktail hour) -Outdoor "Party Cove" area with 3 large bonfires -Picturesque landscapes for timeless photos on 24 acres in Augusta, Missouri.


Opened- January 2018

Where- St. Louis, MO

What type of events?— all types! charity, silent auction, rehearsal dinner, weddings, conferences, etc.

What makes their venue unique?— The location! Beautiful 360 view by the arch, great atmosphere and tons of photo opportunities with enclosed patio. Built in 1882 and once owned by Henry Shaw, the founder of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 612North is located in the historic Laclede’s Landing Cutlery Building, encompassing three spaces each unique in their own styles.  Modern meets history here. 612Norths mouthwatering menu is only made from the finest quality ingredients.


Opened- Mid-Summer 2018

Where- Cottleville, MO

What type of events?— weddings, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, etc.

What makes their venue unique?— Russo’s proudly announced their newest Wedding and Special Events venue. The design concept of Piazza MESSINA is the perfect marriage of rustic and modern Tuscan décor in a beautiful natural setting. Includes 8,000 + square feet of private event space situated on 14 ½ acres of agricultural land. Featuring a bistro, ballroom and both an indoor and outdoor bar, the venue overlooks a beautiful four-acre lake. One of the most unique features is the seamless transition from an indoor to outdoor setting, including a wraparound covered portico with a view of the lake.


Opened- Summer 2018

Where- Shaw Neighborhood of St. Louis, MO

What type of events?— weddings, celebrations, etc. During the week and for scheduled days ahead of time they offer opportunities for public events and community gatherings. Check out what events they have going on during the month!

What makes their venue unique?— They are a boutique style event space where you’re able to customize your wedding with unique vendors and decor housed in an untraditional style venue. They accomodate wedding receptions as well as indoor/outdoor ceremonies. The max capacity for mixed style seating is 400 and 250 seated.  Reimagining the old Shaw Theatre into an industrial - yet - chic multi use space.

Fun Fact- Altar’d Events is hosting an indie wedding show— Off White on Sunday, March 3, 2019


Opened- 2017

Where- St. Charles

What type of events?— weddings

What makes their venue unique?— This historic venue is a 200 year old stone house & is the focal point and center of activity on our 10+ acre property. Yours for the entire day! The upper story of the stone house is dedicated to the Bride and Bridesmaids for hair and makeup preparations. The guesthouse loft with a balcony overlooking the courtyard is for the Groomsmen. The splendid courtyard with black tumbled pavers underfoot and an venerable sycamore tree with chandeliers hanging from its robust branches is the segway into the big timber framed event space. The Grand Hall can hold 350+ reception patrons.


Where- St. Louis, MO

What type of events?— weddings, conferences, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, business meetings, class reunions, etc.

What makes their venue unique?— The ANEW Rooftop event space sits at the intersection of old and new. Of the past – and of the future. Of the classic and modern. This is a place to celebrate longtime friendships and make new connections. The rooftop is an indoor/outdoor space for up to 100 people.

Fun Fact- At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, they build relationships. Those relationships build communities and improve lives. That’s why, atop their headquarters in St. Louis, they built Anew – a rooftop event space and street side test kitchen. ANEW gives a chance to strengthen the connections among networks of friends and supporters. It’s a chance to bring their mission to more people than ever. But most of all, it’s a chance to make St. Louis better and stronger than ever.


Opened- 2018

Where- St. Louis, MO

What type of events?— weddings, private events, holiday parties, and mitzvahs

What makes the venue unique?— Featuring modern furnishings, artwork by artists such as Christopher Guy, chandeliers from celebrity-designer Michael Amini and a bar with a cascading waterfall feature.  The 3500 sq. ft. ballroom boasts 24 ft. high ceilings and an overlooking wrap around balcony with rococo style moldings. Able to hold up to 250 guests.


Opened- 2018

Where- Catawissa, MO

What type of events?— weddings, social events, conferences, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, business meetings, class reunions, etc.

What makes their venue unique?— This Venue can accommodate up to 300 guests with unlimited options for ceremonies and reception styles! With a minimalist, high-style design, the modern building is the perfect blank canvas. Multiple ceremony sites, incredible wedding party suites, and an expansive open floor plan, there’s something to wow every guest. Experience the natural beauty of the lush greenery, the woodlands and the Catawissa Stone House, all while overlooking the 4 acre lake and hillside beyond on a former llama farm.  Also, guests can enjoy amazing food & drink experiences from Ces & Judy’s Catering.


Opened- 2018

Where- St. Charles, MO

What type of events?— weddings

What makes their venue unique?— Heart Events announces its newest location, Le Belle Coeur, located on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, MO. This location has a style all its own with a rustic yet elegant feel. It has 2 large crystal chandeliers you need to see to believe, as well as the most beautiful doors you could imagine. It has become a very sought-after venue.

Fun Fact- Heart Events also has two other locations, Old Stone Chapel and Heart of St. Charles


Where- St. Louis, MO

What type of events?— wedding ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and corporate events

What makes their venue unique?— Slate is a modern new event space in downtown St. Louis across the street from sister space Willow. With an open floor plan & floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in tons of natural light, the flexible decor offers a “blank slate” for your unique event. This modern space is perfect for all functions for up to 170 guests. Specialty services include seasonal vegan, gluten-free menus, an In-House Bakery & Customized Signature Cocktails.


Opened- 2014 (Venue)

Where- Pacific, Missouri

What type of events?— weddings, corporate and charity events

What makes the venue unique?— The farm has grown to include 246 acres and a 7,000 square foot venue, which has hosted more than 200 large celebrations. From the new ceremony area (voted 2018 best ceremony spot by votes in the Missourian Best of Weddings contest), to the romance of a cracking fire in the stone fireplace and the thousands of pieces of decor they have in inventory to borrow for no additional fee, this venue is a must see!

Suggestion- They book up SUPER fast, so if interested make sure to grab your date asap!