Editor’s note: WTOP reporter Tim Bracken plays in a wedding band.

WASHINGTON — Most people can agree that music affects the atmosphere of any party.

But when it comes to wedding receptions, there is one debate that has the potential to get heated: wedding band versus disc jockey.

Does one option have more potential to make or break your big day?

“I had a DJ and they were the worst,” says Kim Gandy-Frum from Silver Spring, Maryland.

“They didn’t follow simple instructions. I will never hire a DJ again unless I know them personally.”

Others have had great experiences, such as Harry Knabe from D.C.

“We thought our DJs were fantastic and created the exact mood that we wanted for our wedding and reception,” Knabe says.

“They provided ceremony music, cocktail hour music, dinner music and then dancing music for our reception.”

Jesus Villeda from Silver Spring considered having both a band and a DJ while doing research for his wedding.

“I have been to a wedding with a band and it was not good at all. That actually made me more nervous to choose a band,” he says.

After going to see the third band on his list of contenders, Villeda found the perfect set of musicians.

“Hearing someone belt out [Etta James’]