Setting the Tone of Your Bar Mitzvah
Choose a bar mitzvah theme, then ask the DJ to help you set the tone that will go with the theme. Most people tend to remember the entertainment and the vibe of the party - they'll probably forget all about the piece of chicken that they were served - so make sure you put some energy into planning the music. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personality and inspires the ambiance you want to create. Are you trying to throw a groovy 70's funk vibe or a sophisticated string quartet? - or maybe both, you can have Classical music playing during the cocktail hour then kick it up for the reception with a swanky swing or kick-off-your-shoes-and-sweat zydeco. How the music is delivered -- by live band or DJ -- also plays a major role in the overall feel of the bar mitzvah.
Remember to Mix It Up to Keep Everyone Happy
Whether you choose a band or DJ, or whether you're a Disco or Top40 fan, be sure they play slow and fast songs. If there will be a wide range of ages at your bar mitzvah, make sure they play old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor.
Just a Few Words On Pricing
When it comes to prices, DJs usually cost less, and prices vary depending on whether the day of the week and equipment requests. A twelve-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ since there are more people to pay with the exception of a celebrity DJ. They can be just as expensive as live bands. Band prices vary by the number of musicians, how long you want them to play, day of the week, what extras they bring (lights, special sound gear), travel costs, and what time of year it is.
Check Your Venue to See If There's Enough Space
Don't get your heart set on an 10-piece R&B band before you check whether your bar mitzvah venue has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces of equipment you may bring in, and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. Also, find out if the venue has a quiet hour. Some places have a time they're forced to shut it down - like around 9:30 or 10PM. This could cause a problem if you've had your heart set on gettn' down on the dance floor until 11:00 or 12:00. Also, a registered landmark site may not allow you to use large speakers. Ask questions!
Going with a bar mitzvah band?
Live bands really set a special tone to a bar mitzvah. Your guests will feel special walking into a catering hall to see a 8 or 10-piece dance band on a set of risers. Bar Mitzvah dance bands can energize an entire room and fit into any theme, offering everything from soul hits to klezmer pieces. A good bandleader will interact with your bar mitzvah guests, pay attention to the "feel" of the room, and select music to keep the dance floor packed and the party rocking.
· Pros: Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experience the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the excitement level, from an infectious horn-section interlude to a moving solo.
· Cons: Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can\'t have the repertoire of a standard DJ, who can keep an enormous variety of music on hand.
Going with a bar mitzvah DJ?
Bar Mitzvah DJs are great at offering balanced and eclectic mixes of musical styles for all ages. Since DJs play CDs and MP3s, you\'ll hear the music exactly as you know it, and this will encourage your guests to join in and sing along. Bar Mitzvah DJs take up only a small bit of space. They need a table for their mixing board and CD players, as well as some space for their speakers - this is a lot less than the amount of space a 10 piece salsa band will use.
· Pros: The biggest plus for hiring a DJ is that they are generally less expensive than bands. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and great MC skills can easily create a vibe and keep your bar mitzvah flowing.
· Cons: A boring DJ or MC will really drag your party down. - make sure to see a live DVD of the DJ in action.
