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DJ or Flute and Cello?

I am looking to have a winter wedding in a small venue with only 50 guests at the reception. I'm not to much on DJ's but when I think about it, I like a lot of songs that I can dance to. But the hall is going to be tiny, so a Disc Jockey would probably be too loud and obnoxious. And I like classical (I myself play the flute), and I know someone who would probably give me a nice discount if I hired her for our wedding. What's your opinion on having classical music at a wedding? How often is it done?

Public Comments

1. I think it would reduce the amount of dancing going on depending on the crowd. If you are having a lot of young guests, then they probably won't want to dance, while older guests may want to. I myself absolutely love classical music too and am a musician, but don't want classical music at our wedding because I want it to be a party with lots of dancing. I know my family and my fiance's family would prefer a DJ when it comes to dancing. But every crowd is different. It totally depends on what you think your guests would prefer.
2. If you want your guests to dance then I would hire a DJ. Classical music is lovely but it's more suited as background for your ceremony or for dinner. A good DJ can play fun dance music that gets most people up on their feet. If you don't have the option for dancing after dinner then I think people are likely to leave a bit earlier.
3. If you don't like dancing then classical is a good choice. Your guests won't really dance to classical music, so it really sets the tone for what type of reception it will be. But if that is what you want, then go for it! We are having a jazz band for our wedding, the reception room is kind of small too, but we picked it out knowing we had to fit a band in, so it should work fine. I know some of my friends won't want to dance to jazz, but my fiance and I love it, and we will dance to it, and since it's our wedding .... We are using a few recorded songs for our first dance and special dances because we have specific songs we want, but other than that it will be jazz/swing standards all night. I'm really excited because people can dance to it but you can also just chill out and watch the band too. We aren't really dance-all-night people, so we like having a band. If you like the idea, and will be happy with a reception with no dancing it really is up to you! Best Wishes!
4. I agree with the above. It depends on the crowd and on YOU. Do you as a couple want to be dancing it up on the floor or do you prefer something more elegant. It also depends on the tone of the reception. Are you having a sit down dinner or a cocktail reception? Classical is more elegant and gives the wedding an older, more sophisticated tone. A DJ will give it more of a trendy, "yeah it's my wedding" kind of feel.
5. Very nice during the wedding ceremony, One huge boring turn off at the reception. People want to dance at a wedding not sit and listen to a flute playing music most of the guests are not even going to be familiar with. It is your wedding so you do what you want, but you asked and I'm answering.
6. I definitely vote for flute and cello. That would be lovely. A harpist played at one wedding I attended. Then at the reception, she played quiet background music. It was absolutely beautiful, and everyone enjoyed it. And check out this wedding: http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/user/default.aspx?UserName=Sophi.the.bride They had a trio play at their wedding. You don't need to have a cookie-cutter wedding, and by that I mean doing things the same way everyone else does them. If you enjoy classical music, then have classical music. The majority of your guests will love the change of pace. Good luck with your planning. And check out some classical options here: http://www.sfstrings.com/repertoirewedding.htm
7. A flute and cello are my favorite instruments at the ceremony. But they don't produce dancing music, so you might want to get a "not off the wall" friend to be a DJ and keep things under control.
8. Go with ther DJ.I would be bored after hearing the 3rd classical song.