Category Archives: hiring DJ

Why You Should Hire a DJ Even if You Have a Wedding Band

February 13, 2023hiring DJMike Urban

1.68 million couples got married in the USA in 2020. When it comes to planning a wedding, music is a crucial component. Deciding whether to hire a DJ or a band is a big part of the decision-making process.

It sets the tone for the night and can make or break the overall atmosphere. While a wedding band is a popular choice for many couples, hiring a DJ in addition to the band can offer many benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider hiring a DJ even if you already have a wedding band.

Difference Between A DJ and A Band

A DJ and a band are two different forms of musical entertainment for events.

A DJ typically uses pre-recorded music and plays it through a sound system. They can play a wide range of music genres and often use mixing software to create a seamless and energetic flow.

DJs often have a vast music library and can quickly switch between songs to accommodate the changing mood and atmosphere of the event.

On the other hand, a band typically consists of live musicians who perform their versions of popular songs or original music. Bands can create a unique and personal atmosphere.

Their performance can be customized to fit the specific event. They can also often take requests and interact with the audience, which can add an extra level of excitement.

Why Hire Both

More Variety

One of the main advantages of hiring a DJ is the wide range of music genres and styles that they can play. A DJ can play anything from classic rock to today’s top hits, which means there will be something for everyone to enjoy. This can keep the dance floor lively and ensure your guests are entertained throughout the night.

Increased Flexibility

A DJ can quickly change songs and adjust the music to suit the mood and energy of the crowd. If your guests feel more energetic, the DJ can play faster-paced music to keep the party going.

If the mood changes and your guests are looking for something more relaxed, the DJ can easily switch to slower, more laid-back songs. They can also make announcements and coordinate events throughout the night, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

More Professional Sound

A Chicago DJ typically has a better sound system and lighting setup than a wedding band, which can enhance the event’s overall atmosphere. The sound quality will be better and the lighting can create a more exciting and dynamic environment. This will keep your guests engaged and entertained.

Backup Option

In case of an unexpected issue with the wedding band, having a DJ as a backup can ensure that the music continues and the party doesn’t stop. Whether it’s a technical issue or a band member getting sick. Having a DJ on hand can give you peace of mind knowing that the music will continue and your guests will still have a great time.

Make Your Wedding Day Special: Hire a DJ

Music is a crucial aspect of any wedding, especially in Chicago. When you hire a DJ or wedding band can add an extra layer of excitement and make your celebration unforgettable. With the right music, your guests will be entertained and the wedding party will be unforgettable.

Enchanted Evening offers talented disc jockeys and musicians to bring your wedding day to life. Our team understands the importance of your special day and is committed to delivering high-quality entertainment. Make your Chicago wedding unforgettable. Hire a Chicago DJ, a wedding band or both from Enchanted Evening. Contact us today to learn more.

DJ Costs: Does a DJ Charge per Hour or per Event?

February 6, 2023hiring DJMike Urban

The term “disk jockey” was invented in 1935. It has remained a popular term since then and many people have made a living from being a DJ. A DJ is a great thing to have at your next event, whether it’s a graduation party or a wedding.

But what about the DJ costs? Does a DJ charge by the hour or by the event? How can you make sure you choose the right option for your budget?

Keep reading and learn more about it below.

What You Need to Know About DJ Costs

The cost of a DJ will depend on what kind of DJ you’re hiring. It will also depend on what kind of event you’re planning. Many DJs charge by the hour.

This makes it simpler for the DJ to determine how much they should be paid. It is also easier for you to determine how much money you will need to spend for a certain period of live music.

Suppose you need a DJ for four hours.

This will cost you around $400 on average.

This would be for an ordinary event such as a bachelor party, a graduation party, and so on. This may sound like a lot of money, but this is the going rate for a high-quality, professional DJ.

You may have to pay more for more extravagant events like a wedding. A wedding DJ may cost you around $500 for four hours. But you may pay a fraction of that price at a more toned-down party like a corporate event.

Such an event may cost you $300 for four hours of music. Your location also matters. Some DJs in big cities like Miami or New York City charge more compared to DJs in more rural areas.

The Details

You may also pay more for a more prestigious and well-known DJ. This is because their services are more sought-after and it will be harder to book them. This causes their price per hour to go up.

When hiring a DJ, you can also look for one who charges by the event. This is not as common as DJs that charge by the hour. You may want to find a DJ that charges by the event if your event is going to be very long.

The DJ may give you a fixed rate for the event. The DJ will charge more if the event is very large and long-lasting. Some events may cost you a few hundred dollars while others may cost thousands.

The cost may vary depending on the DJ’s experience too. The more experienced the DJ is, the better they will be at doing their job. But a more experienced DJ will also be more expensive.

You will have to balance the quality of the DJ with your budget.

All about the Cost of Hiring a DJ

DJ costs can be quite expensive. This is why it is important to know your options. You can get a DJ that charges by the hour or by the event.

Choosing the right option will ensure that you don’t go overboard on your budget. To learn more about DJs, check out our services.

How Much Does a DJ Cost: A Guide

October 18, 2021DJ, hiring DJchicago wedding dj cost, how much does a dj costMike Urban

William Shakespeare once wrote ‘if music be the food of love, play on.” Though Shakespeare’s character, Orsino is attempting to create so much love around himself that he gets sick of it, there is a lot of truth to the line.

There’s a reason you can find so many love songs on the radio, and why so many high schoolers look forward to prom. Love seems to thrive in the presence of music, and we thrive in the presence of love.

This is also why so many big celebrations have a DJ. How easy is it t hire a DJ, though, and how much does a DJ cost? We’ll discuss that in this article.

DJs and Events

The cost of a DJ depends on a few different factors, with one of the most important being why you’re hiring a DJ. A lot of DJs charge different amounts for different events.

The most affordable events are often birthday parties, and the most expensive are weddings. It sometimes costs twice as much to hire a DJ for a wedding as it does for a birthday party.

Crowd Size

A wedding DJ costs so much more for a few different reasons. One of those reasons is crowd size.

Small weddings can have as many as eighty guests, to say nothing of larger weddings. Have you ever had 80 people show up to a birthday party? Granted, if you had 75 weddings in a lifetime, there would probably be a lot fewer guests.

Crowd size plays a key role in the cost of a DJ because more people mean a larger space. A larger space means that more equipment will be needed for the music to fill the whole room.

Equipment

Not all DJs use the exact same equipment, and that can affect the cost quite a bit. Some use better quality equipment or have additional things they like to use. There are a few questions you should ask a DJ before hiring them, and what equipment they use is one of them.

Some DJs come with the option to rent additional party attractions, such as photo booths. These extras will add to the cost, so they’re best avoided if money is a concern.

Time

How much does a DJ cost? It depends on how long you hire them for. Most DJs charge by the hour, so if you want them to work for several hours, you’ll have to budget accordingly.

While we can’t give you exact numbers, prices for a DJ range from about $250-$500 on the low end and can cost well over $1000 if you want to go all-out.

How Much Does a DJ Cost?

How much does a DJ cost? It’s a question that comes up a lot, especially among those hoping to get married. While there isn’t one definitive answer, there are factors that can help you estimate.

We’ve talked about a few of these factors in this article, but there’s always more to explore.

For more information and advice on planning a wedding please visit our site. Feel free to learn more about us while you’re there.

When should I hire a DJ for my wedding?

November 30, 2016hiring DJ, wedding DJ hiring, wedding planningMike Urban

This is a question we’ve been hearing from a lot of couples in the throws of wedding planning. If you’ve heard the saying “October is the new June,” you understand why: there are now many months of the year popular for weddings.

The answer to the question, “when should I hire a DJ for my wedding?” is 14-18 months. In reality, the sooner you contact and hire a quality wedding DJ the better. The best DJ’s calendars book up early, and you don’t want to end up with a bad DJ (here’s how to tell the difference between quality and wedding DJ horror story).

What questions do I ask a potential DJ?

We’ve already given you tips on how to find a good DJ (i.e. ask friends, check their social media pages, etc.). The next step is to ask the important questions that help you select the best DJ for your big day.

“Are you available on my wedding day?”
“What kind of experience do you have as a wedding DJ?”
“Can you give me references that I can contact?”
“Do you offer any other perks other than deejaying?” (i.e. lighting, photo booth rental, etc.)
“Can you do….(Insert special request here)?”
“How long can you DJ? What is cost of that time?”
“Do you charge overtime fees if our wedding reception runs late?”
“How much of a deposit is required and when will the balance be due?”
“Do you charge a travel fee?”
“What is your policy in case of an emergency or cancellation?”
“Can you provide me proof of your insurance?”
“How many meetings do you typically set up with clients? When are the meetings?”
“Can we do meetings over the phone or internet instead of in-person meetings?”
“Do you have back up DJs and equipment available for just in case?”
“How early do you arrive at the wedding reception?”
“What kind of electrical needs does your equipment require?” (for an outdoor wedding)
“What is included in your wedding package?”
“Do you provide dinner music as part of our package?”
“When do you need information from me?”
“When should I give you a list of my favorite songs and songs I do not want played at my reception?”
“Will your DJ be in formal attire?”
“Will the DJ act as Master of Ceremonies (MC) at our wedding reception?”
“How many years of wedding experience does my DJ have?”
“How do we contact you as we plan our wedding?”

How much does a wedding DJ cost?

This is one of the most difficult questions to answer online because the cost of your wedding DJ depends on so many factors, including what you need and want (i.e. lighting, photo booth rental, etc.) What we can answer here is a solid tip: don’t underestimate the cost of a quality DJ. Yes, you need to save money and stick to your wedding budget. However, hiring the cheapest or that “DJ friend of a friend” that can give you a killer deal has it’s downsides: sub-par equipment, no back-up in case of emergencies, no extras, crappy DJ horror stories…the list could go on and on. When vetting potential DJ’s, be selective and hire a quality DJ (we’ve listed what to look for in a quality wedding DJ here) so you don’t end up regretting your choice on your big day.

5 Warning Signs You’ve Hired a Crappy DJ

October 27, 2016bad DJ, good DJ, hiring DJMike Urban

No one wants to admit they’ve wasted their money, but unfortunately when you’re vetting through wedding vendors, it happens. Like our friend, who hired a venue caterer only to find the caterer inebriated at the bar at her wedding reception. The same can happen to couples who are trying to hire a good wedding DJ, especially when they’re trying to stay within their budget.

The good news: it’s not too late to hire a quality DJ (here’s questions that help you choose the best wedding DJ) if you notice any of these warning signs that you’ve hired less-than-the best DJ for your big day.

They don’t ask—or seem to care—about what you want played

Everyone’s version of “good” wedding dance songs is different; it’s up to the DJ to ask what songs you want—and don’t want—at your wedding reception (more information on how to craft your wedding playlist here). If you are planning a vintage wedding, it’s not out of line to ask the DJ to play songs from that era. If they don’t, it’s time to move on, and find a DJ who cares about what you want played (and not just about reusing that same old playlist of songs).

Doesn’t ask about the other vendors you hired

The best DJs are social birds; they offer their couples more than just excellent dance songs and a fun dance floor, they also talk to other vendors to coordinate special moments. If your prospective DJ is not asking about your photographer or venue contact, it’s time to hire a DJ that’ll coordinate with other vendors to get you the best shots of your first dance and capture all those special moments.

Isn’t a one-stop shop

Anyone can rig up an iPod and play tunes all night. When you hire a DJ, expect more. Look for a DJ that can set the atmosphere with stellar equipment and extras that send your night over the top, such as lighting, sound, and fun entertainment options (like a photo booth)—and avoid DJ’s that only offer the basics.

Can’t give you a back-up plan

Life happens. In addition to our friend with the “belly-up” caterer, we’ve heard stories of wedding photographers who couldn’t attend, venues who shut down…the list of wedding horror stories are endless. Don’t let your wedding join the list. Ask your wedding DJ if they have a back-up plan for those “just in case” situations—and run away from DJs who can’t. Quality DJ companies can promise you a back-up plan that’s just as solid—and as quality—as the primary plan.

Doesn’t come with positive reviews or references.

If the DJ can’t get the guests dancing at another wedding, what makes you think your reception is going to be different? Don’t just hire a DJ without doing your research, like checking their reviews on social media and asking about reputable awards and testimonials. If you want to take it a step further, ask friends and family for recommendations for a DJ that did an excellent job of entertaining and keeping the guests dancing. Once you’ve done your homework, contact your DJ and book early. The best DJ’s calendars fill up quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck with a DJ that shows all the signs of a bad wedding DJ.