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Crystal Ballroom St. Augustine

Live Music or Wedding DJ?


After booking the romantic wedding venue of your dreams, it is time to think about the type of experience you want to create on your wedding day. Do you envision live music or a wedding DJ? There are just a few things to consider that will help you make the decision between dueling pianos to jazz up the crowd or a dynamic DJ to create the energy.


Letting the Budget Decide


Many decisions about our wedding day are influenced by the budget. Not every couple is willing to sacrifice when it comes to planning this once in a lifetime magical day. It is important to understand that a live band and a DJ are not comparable, and one is not better than the other. There will be nothing sacrificed by considering the cost and letting the budget decide. Choosing a band or a DJ is more about personal preference and the type of vibe you want to create at your very special celebration.

Live Band at Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine

The Cost of a Band

Statistically, more couples choose to hire a DJ over a live band. If the decision is left to the budget, that explains the reason why. Live wedding music is usually more expensive than hiring a DJ. Bands typically charge between $2,000 and $8,000. It can even cost more, if it is a large band that is traveling a significant distance to create the magic at your wedding. The price of hiring live wedding music can be affected by a few things, such as the equipment and the number and types of instruments. The bigger the show, the bigger the budget required. It can be challenging and expensive to secure a popular band. Fees for live music include performance time, lighting and special requests to learn new material.


The Cost of a Wedding DJ


In contrast, a DJ costs between $600 and $2,500. A DJ does more that hit play on the stereo. The DJ experience encompasses advanced sound and light shows, interactive experiences with guests, co2 cannons, effects, monograms, and an immersive show with party motivators. Sometimes the DJ is in costume to match a theme. Large DJ companies include variety acts and other talent production. Stilt walkers, dancers and party motivators can be part of the experience. A single DJ will sometimes charge less than a two or three person party experience. Additional services, such as a photo booth, photo mirror and additional talent can affect the cost.

Choosing a Wedding DJ

Wedding DJ Style or the Band


It is important to maintain the vision you have in mind for your special day. The music on your wedding day will create the celebration. Do you envision a stringed quartet or a lively band that rocks the house down? While both can work in an elegant space, think about the size of the venue and the type of celebration you seek to create.


Your theme will determine whether you want soft strings, jazz, pop, rock or a wedding DJ to give you the experience of it all with a blend of modern music upon request. Live music is something that can be appreciated as art. Dueling pianos can create an entertaining and interactive experience with guests. A DJ makes the experience all about the guests by providing a seemingly endless playlist that matches a timeline and creates a unique vibe to keep the party going. If you envision a lively party experience with dancing and lights, you might consider a DJ.

Create Your Experience at Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine


Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine is affordable luxury. Create the elegant event of your dreams in a ballroom designed just for you. Meet with in-house designers and planners to share your vision. The affordable wedding packages include all of the tables, chairs, designs and décor to create your perfect ceremony and reception. Even the bartender and the banquet staff are included for a flawless event. The spacious layout provides space and flexibility for you to create your unique wedding music experience.

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We invite you to discover the
Crystal Ballroom difference found in the unparalleled elegance and uniqueness written into the design of each of our venues. The themes are as limitless as your imagination.

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