Hey!

If you've been scrolling wedding hashtags and mentally choreographing your first dance, this week's issue is for you.

We're diving into one of the most make-or-break decisions for your reception: entertainment. Specifically, DJ vs. live band — and what it actually costs to get the dance floor packed in Charlotte.

Here's the thing: a bad DJ can clear a room faster than last call. A great one? People are still talking about your wedding months later. Same goes for bands. This is the vendor that controls the energy of your entire reception.

Let's get into it.

Quick vendor recap: Last issue we covered when to book each vendor and how to vet them before signing. The short version — photographers and planners book 12–18 months out, and red flags include no contract, full payment upfront, or prices way below market rate. If you missed Issue #3, go back and read it.

For a $40K wedding, that's $1,600–$2,400. Sounds manageable, right? It can be — if you know what you're actually paying for. But here's the catch: this percentage can swing dramatically if you go the live band route.

The Charlotte sweet spot: $1,500–$2,000. That's where you go from 'someone who plays music' to a real wedding DJ — professional sound, strong MC skills, pre-wedding planning meetings, and a custom playlist built around your taste. Worth every dollar.

What's usually included:

Add-ons that cost extra:

Live bands hit different. There's an energy in a live performance that a DJ simply can't replicate. But the price tag hits different too.

Hidden costs with live bands:

This isn't just about budget — it's about the vibe you want.

Choose a DJ if you want:

Choose a live band if you want:

The honest truth: Most Charlotte couples go with DJs — and that's not settling. A skilled wedding DJ is not the same person spinning at a club. They're managing your timeline, making announcements, reading the room, and keeping Aunt Carol happy while your college friends want EDM.

This is growing in popularity: pairing a DJ with one or two live musicians (saxophonist, drummer, violinist) who play along with the DJ's tracks. You get live energy at DJ prices.

Typical hybrid setup in Charlotte: DJ + live saxophonist = $2,500–$4,000

Some Charlotte DJs offer this built-in. Worth asking about.

This week's featured vendor

We’ve talked a lot this issue about what separates a good DJ from a forgettable one. Bunn DJ Company is the reason we know the difference.

They've been DJing weddings across the Charlotte area for years, and their award shelf proves it: The Knot's Best of Weddings Hall of Fame and the 2025 NACE CADES Entertainment of the Year for Charlotte. That's not marketing — that's consistency across thousands of events.

What makes them different is the approach. Their DJs don't just show up with a playlist and a speaker. They connect with your grandparents and your college friends in the same set. They read the room in real time, adapt on the fly, and handle announcements so smoothly you forget someone's managing the whole thing. They also cover ceremony sound, cocktail hour, and reception — so you're not coordinating three different audio setups.

Beyond music, they offer uplighting, CO2 effects, and photo booth rentals if you want to level up the production. They're on the preferred vendor list at venues like Duke Mansion, Ballantyne Hotel, Charlotte Country Club, and Board & Batten — which tells you planners trust them too.

Packages range from $1,295 - $3,000 for a four hour reception, with add-ons available a la carte. They serve all of Western NC from their Charlotte location.

📍 bunndjcompany.com | 📸 @bunndjclt

DJs:

Bunn DJ Company — The Knot's Best of Weddings Hall of Fame. Multiple DJs on staff, consistent quality, WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award winner since 2009. One of the most established names in Charlotte.

Split Second Sound — Boutique service with strong planner referrals across Charlotte. Known for seamless coordination with videographers and personalized MC skills. They've also worked with the Carolina Panthers and NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Grand Hour Events — Packages start at $1,299 with bundle discounts when you add photography or a photo booth. Good venue expertise at spots like The Mint Museum and Alexander Homestead.

Bands:

Emerald Empire Band — Charlotte-based, customizable from 3 to 14 pieces, known for high energy. Pricing starts around $1,900 for smaller configurations. They host free showcases at Heist Brewery — see them live before you commit.

EastCoast Entertainment — Booking agency with a Charlotte office since 1976. Works with dozens of bands including The Royal Suits, Parks Brothers Band, and Sol Fusion. Great if you want multiple options through one contact.

Sam Hill Entertainment — Award-winning party bands serving NC weddings.

A DJ who gets weddings. The difference between a $1,200 DJ and an $1,800 DJ is often experience. The extra few hundred buys someone who's handled hundreds of weddings, not dozens of club nights. They'll know how to build energy, manage your timeline, and keep grandma and your college roommates both happy.

Uplighting. For $300–$600, this transforms a generic ballroom into your wedding colors. One of the highest-impact upgrades dollar-for-dollar, especially at venues with plain walls.

Ceremony sound. Don't assume your venue has good audio. A quality DJ brings separate ceremony speakers so guests actually hear your vows. Ask about this specifically.

Photo booths. Fun but not essential. If budget is tight, skip it or DIY with a ring light and polaroid camera.

Custom monograms. Nice touch but not make-or-break. Save the $150–$300 if you need it elsewhere.

Band for cocktail hour. Live acoustic music during cocktail hour is lovely but adds $1,000–$1,500. A good DJ can handle background music just fine.

Massive band sizes. An 8-piece band sounds incredible, but a tight 5-piece can rock just as hard. Don't pay for extra musicians just for the stage presence.

Decide DJ or band (or hybrid). Have an honest conversation about what matters most. If you disagree, the hybrid option is your compromise. Budget should inform this — if you're under $2,500 for entertainment, go DJ and make it a great one.

Start a Must-Play and Do-Not-Play list. You don't need every song figured out. A solid 15–20 must-plays helps any DJ understand your taste. The Do-Not-Play list is just as important (looking at you, "Chicken Dance").

Book early. Good Charlotte DJs and bands book 9–12 months out, especially for peak season (May, June, September, October). Don't wait.

See them live. Many Charlotte bands host free showcases — Emerald Empire does them at Heist Brewery. For DJs, ask for videos from recent weddings or attend an event they're working.

Got a DJ or band you love that other Charlotte brides should know about? A horror story that might save someone from a bad booking? Hot takes on DJs vs. bands?

Hit reply — we read everything.

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