A Q&A with Scott: DJ vs. Live Band
- Sun Valley
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Choosing between a wedding DJ and a live band is one of the most important entertainment decisions couples make. To help break it down, we sat down with Scott, part owner of Sun Valley Event Venue and owner of CLE Music Group, to talk through the real differences, benefits, and misconceptions—straight from someone with over 25 years of experience in both entertainment and venue operations across Northeast Ohio.
Q: In your experience, what makes DJs a strong choice for weddings?
Scott: DJs are always a great choice for weddings (and really any social event). They bring a huge amount of versatility—from wide-ranging music selections to their ability to read the room in real time. DJs can change gears quickly, which is something that really matters at weddings.
Another big factor is microphone presence. Our CLE Music Group DJs are trained with a “less is more” philosophy. We believe MCs should be brief, professional, friendly, and approachable—not overpowering. That style works perfectly for weddings.
Q: How do DJs help create the right energy and flow for a wedding day?
Scott: Planning is everything. Without proper planning, most events won’t reach their full potential. Our DJs meet with couples 30–45 days before the wedding to go over the timeline, flow, and energy expectations. Our job is to understand the couple’s vision and make sure the energy aligns perfectly throughout the day—from start to finish.
Q: From your perspective, what advantages do DJs have over live bands?
Scott: DJs have several strong advantages. The biggest ones are flexibility, space, size, and cost. DJs are far more flexible when it comes to music selection, while bands are naturally limited to the songs they know. DJs also take up much less space at a venue, which makes placement easier.
Q: How do you help couples customize their wedding music when they choose a DJ?
Scott: Every wedding is unique, especially when it comes to music. Couples work one-on-one with their selected DJ to create the perfect playlist and overall vibe.
Beyond music, we also offer a wide range of event enhancements that can elevate the experience, including:
Photo Booths + 360° Video Booths
Vintage Voicemail & Audio Guest Books
Enhanced Dance Lighting & Reception Uplighting
Q: Are there any common misconceptions about wedding DJs?
Scott: Definitely. The biggest misconception is that DJs just play music—and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In my experience, only about 20% of a wedding DJ’s job is actually music. The other 80% involves coordinating with families, venues, and vendors (managing timelines; troubleshooting issues; MC-ing; and keeping everything organized.)
Q: What advice do you give couples deciding between a DJ and a live band?
Scott: Honestly, I recommend both DJs and bands—it really depends on the couple. If you have diverse music tastes and want complete control over your playlist, a DJ is usually the better option. DJs offer flexibility that’s hard to beat.
If your budget allows, a live band can be incredible—but make sure it’s a true, established band. Avoid bands that rotate musicians and perform multiple events in one night. No matter which route you choose, taking the time to research will ensure your wedding entertainment is a perfect fit for your day.