You might think the movie The Wedding Singer is a romantic comedy, but for many couples searching for the perfect band or DJ, it’s more like a terrifying documentary. Finding someone to play music at your wedding that doesn’t make your skin crawl is not easy, which is why we went searching for a mix of bands and DJs that are safe for all listeners. Whether you’re a hip-hop snob, die-hard Taylor Swift fan, or allergic to anything that’s not indie, these vendors can practically guarantee a great soundtrack to (one of) the best nights of your life.
Bob Gail Events
Think of the pros at Bob Gail Events like the maestro of the best performance around (Your wedding…showing for one night only!). Want a string quartet for your ceremony? Done. A blues band for the cocktail hour? Check. A Jazz quartet for dinner? We’ll take one on the side. A dance band (Higher Ground) that can belt out a Bruno Mars song like nobody’s business? Hell yes. Need we say more? Price Range: Bands start just under $10,000
Downbeat LA
Downbeat LA cover bands such as AMFM, Gold Standard, (both pictured), the A-List and Soultones are not only playing weddings, but their singers are appearing on shows such as The Voice (Dani Moz, Mia Pfirrman) and working with artists like Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Maroon 5 and Pharell. Playing everything from Top 40 hits to classics you know everybody secretly wants to hear, it’s a recipe for a non-stop dance-off that can officially begin as soon as you say “I Do.” Price Range: Wedding services and packages start at $4,000
Red Shoe
One visit to RedShoe’s website and you can quickly get a feel for what your perfect DJ match is into by checking out their playlist faves. From LCD Soundsystem to James Brown, RedShoe’s ultimate goal is to make sure your wedding flows on and off the dance floor without a YMCA or Macarena in sight (unless, um, you want them to play that). Price Range: $1,200 – $2,000
Blackbook Social Club
This team of real “open format DJs” (which literally means they are open to any style of music you want to throw at them) can play everything on your playlist while adding their own expert suggestions and remixes, practically guaranteeing everybody stays on the dance floor (without you having to whisper to your new spouse, “WTH is this?!”). Cheesy emcee jokes definitely not included. Price Range: The general starting price is $1,499
Haute Mobile Disco
Founders DJ Lady Sinclair and Aubrey Henderson spun for some of the biggest events and acts around (Basement Jaxx, Mix Master Mike) before deciding to bring their DJ collective to the masses. The boutique mobile disco service specializes in live mixing and seamlessly mashing together everything from old-school rock and soul to current hip-hop and electronic that will satisfy even the most judgmental wedding crowd. Price Range: From $1500
California Feetwarmers
It’s not everyday you can say you’re having a Grammy-nominated band (for Best Americana Roots Performance on Keb Mo’s single “Old Me Better”) perform at your wedding. Specializing in jazz from the 1920s, New Orleans, and ragtime, this versatile ensemble will get everybody from Grandma Dorothy to your hipster friend Joe doing the Charleston. Price Range: Performance packages range from $2,400-$4,200
Lindsay Goldenberg Jones is the founder and editor of WomanGettingMarried.com. From wedding venue reviews to an in-depth look at how much things will actually cost you, her site gives you the real (and fun!) information you need to help plan your perfect wedding.
