DJ + Live Music

DJ + Live Music

photo courtesy of Fizelwink Photography

photo courtesy of Fizelwink Photography

One of the hardest decisions in planning your wedding will be choosing the entertainment for your reception. This decision is usually a personal preference, but sometimes it becomes a financial decision, as live bands can be expensive. 

Disc Jockey entertainment has become the most popular form of musical entertainment for wedding receptions. A professional DJ can provide the widest variety of music to entertain all your guests no matter what age group or musical preference. However, brides often prefer live entertainment to provide the appropriate dinner music for their guests. 

Also, if there is a cocktail hour before the reception begins, a pianist or other solo instrumentalist can create the appropriate ambiance while guests mingle with friends and relatives. Whether you are looking for the appropriate dinner music or light background music for a cocktail hour, a DJ cannot match the musical atmosphere and entertainment of a live performance. But several Santa Fe and Albuquerque DJs work with musicians and can book both at one time. 

For this reason, many brides are now combining both DJ services with live entertainment, either by hiring a soloist to entertain their guests during dinner or a cocktail hour, or by searching for a DJ who offers live entertainment such as a pianist as a package deal.Or look for a DJ who is a musician and can provide this live entertainment for the same price. Combining these two forms of entertainment will delight your guests and add variety to your reception.

More Trends & Tips

Wedding Traditions: Which to Keep, Skip, or Reinvent

Wedding Traditions: Which to Keep, Skip, or Reinvent

Weddings are a mix of timeless traditions and personal touches, making them one of the most special days of your life. Whether you're following every custom to the letter or considering shaking things up with new ideas, it’s all about making the day truly yours. So,...

How to Include Pets in Your Wedding

How to Include Pets in Your Wedding

For many couples, pets aren’t just animals—they’re family! 🐾 So, when it comes to your wedding day, why not include your furry friends in the celebration? After all, your dog, cat, or even your pet hamster (hey, no judgment here!) has been a part of your journey...

Creative Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Love

Creative Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Love

Wedding favors are those little tokens of appreciation you give to your guests for sharing your big day, but let’s be honest—most wedding favors end up gathering dust on a shelf or getting tossed in the trash. Not cool, right? If you’re looking to break the mold and...

What to Do If It Rains on Your Wedding Day – Backup Plans

What to Do If It Rains on Your Wedding Day – Backup Plans

Picture this: you’ve spent months planning your dream wedding—choosing the perfect venue, the most stunning dress, and the best outdoor setting for your ceremony. The weather forecast? Sunny and beautiful. But then… the skies open up on your big day, and rain starts...

Why You Should Attend a Bridal Show

Why You Should Attend a Bridal Show

You’ve got the Pinterest board, the checklist, and the dream wedding vision… but now it’s time to take it to the next level. What better way to get inspired, discover new trends, and meet amazing vendors than by attending a wedding show? If you're on the fence about...

How to Handle Wedding Planning Stress and Stay Sane

How to Handle Wedding Planning Stress and Stay Sane

Wedding planning is a magical experience, full of excitement, love, and anticipation. But let’s face it – it can also be super stressful. From choosing the perfect dress to finalizing the guest list, to dealing with unexpected hiccups (hello, vendor cancellations!),...

How to Handle Plus-Ones and RSVP Challenges

How to Handle Plus-Ones and RSVP Challenges

Planning a wedding involves many decisions, and one of the trickiest can be managing the guest list. From plus-ones to uninvited guests and the pressure to make sure everyone feels included, navigating these delicate situations can be stressful for couples. However,...

Wedding Guest Etiquette: How to Be the Perfect Guest

Wedding Guest Etiquette: How to Be the Perfect Guest

Weddings are joyous occasions that celebrate the union of two people in love. As a guest, your role is to honor that special moment and make the day even more memorable for the couple. But what exactly does it mean to be the perfect wedding guest? From RSVP etiquette...

How to Plan a Kid-Friendly Wedding

How to Plan a Kid-Friendly Wedding

When planning a wedding, it’s easy to focus on the details for the adults—the reception decor, the elegant menu, and the perfect cocktail hour. But what about the littlest guests? If you're inviting children to your wedding, it’s important to keep them entertained so...

Groom’s Guide to Wedding Attire: Style Tips for Grooms

Groom’s Guide to Wedding Attire: Style Tips for Grooms

Your wedding day is just as much about you as it is about your bride, and looking your best is key to feeling confident and stepping into the spotlight. While much of the focus tends to be on the bride’s dress, grooms deserve to shine as well! Whether you’re opting...

Wedding Expos & Bridal Shows in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton

12 - 5 p.m.

Albuquerque

Sunday, January 17, 2027

Isleta Resort & Casino

12 - 5 p.m.