From the well-known notes that signal the bride is about to make her way down the aisle, to the couple’s first dance, to Grandma doing the Funky Chicken at the reception, it’s hard to imagine a wedding without it. And, like most decisions involved in wedding planning, the choices are as varied as the couples making them.

“Your wedding is an expression of your personality, and the music should be an extension of that,” says Scott Hornak, CEO of Craig Scott Entertainment (866-587-1066; www.craigscott.com). Before you make a decision about the type of music you want, think carefully about the event you are planning, the number of people attending and their age groups, and your own personal taste. From there, decide if a band, a deejay, or a combination of the two will best fit your needs and budget. “Deejays can cost well under $2,000, while bands often start in the $4,000 range,” says Barry Herman of Barry Herman Entertainment (973-535-1940; www.barryherman.com). But, “a live band will create a totally different atmosphere and energy at your reception.” One way to keep costs down and still experience the best of both worlds is a band-deejay combination.

“Many people who are looking for a band-deejay combo are looking for specialty music that a band may not be able to play, like ethnic music or a certain version of a special song,” Herman says, “in addition to the energy of a live band.” A combination may also help avoid some of those wedding-planning arguments. “A band-deejay combo can be a great way to go when the groom wants a deejay and the bride wants a band, or the parents want a band and the couple wants a deejay,” Hornak adds. Another possibility, according to Hornak, is to have a band play at the reception, and continue the fun with an after party led by a deejay. “Or have a band play until the cake is cut and then switch to a deejay. It’s like including an after-party in the normal four-hour reception.” Or try a jazz duo or trio for the cocktail hour followed by a band for the reception.

And don’t forget the value of a first impression. Hornak suggests stationing musicians near the door, or outside if the weather is nice, to greet guests as they arrive. “We’ve planned everything from a string of violinists to heraldic trumpeters for a wedding set at a castle,” Hornak says. “The first 20 seconds can really make a big impression and set the tone for the rest of the event.”