Category Archives: chicago il wedding dj

dj lighting

How to Elevate Your Wedding With Creative DJ Lighting

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s a day when you want everything to be beautiful, emotional, and life-changing. You’ve spent countless hours planning the details, from the floral arrangements to the table settings; you have set the vibe. But have you thought about the lighting?

Lighting can be an often-overlooked aspect of wedding decor, but it can set the mood and ambiance of your special day. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to elevate your wedding with creative DJ lighting.

Considering the Colors of Your Wedding Lights

First, you’ll want to consider the color of the lighting. A simple white light can be elegant, but you can also use colored lighting to add a pop of ambiance to the room. You can even coordinate the lighting with your wedding theme or colors. For example, if your wedding colors are purple and gold, you can use purple and gold uplighting to create a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

Strategically Placing Your Wedding Lights

It’s time to sparkle, so next, let’s think about the placement of the lighting. You’ll want to make sure your DJ has enough room to set up the lighting equipment. You can place the lighting along the walls to create a dramatic effect or use uplighting to accentuate the architecture of the venue. You can also use DMX lighting to create dynamic effects and change the lighting throughout the night.

Create DJ Lighting and Monograms

Another creative way to use lighting is to project images onto the walls or dance floor. This could be your monogram, a pattern, or even a slideshow of pictures. Not only will it add a personal touch to your wedding, but it will also make for great photo opportunities. You can even use a Gobo light to project a custom image or message onto the walls.

Dance Floor Vibes 

Finally, don’t forget about the dance floor lighting. This is where the real party happens, so you’ll want to make sure the lighting is just right. Your DJ can use different lighting effects, such as strobe lights or lasers, to create an energetic and exciting atmosphere. You can also use fog or haze machines to enhance the lighting effects and create a dreamy atmosphere for your big day.

Contact An Enchanted Evening to Elevate Your Wedding With Creative DJ Lighting In Chicago, IL


Lighting is an essential aspect of wedding decor that can really elevate the vibe and feel of your special day. From the color of the lighting to the placement and effects, there are so many creative ways to use DJ lighting. At An Enchanted Evening, our professional DJs can create a personalized and magical atmosphere for your wedding. Contact us today to learn more about our DJ lighting packages and take your wedding to the next level.

wedding dj

How to Select Music for Your Wedding DJ

When planning your wedding, it can be easy to get lost in all of the tangible aspects of your event, such as your venue, attire, caterers, decor, and more. However, one important component that should never be overlooked is your music. Your wedding DJ knows that the type of music you play can either make or break the entire mood of your big day. So, how do you pick the right music and make sure everything goes smoothly? As a trusted premier provider of wedding music in Chicago, IL, our team at An Enchanted Evening shares some tips below:

Choosing the Right Music for Your Wedding

Get Inspired and Dig Deep

When thinking of what songs or types of music to ask your wedding DJ to play, get together with your partner to figure out what best suits your “vibe” as a couple. Open up your music streaming app and explore playlists together as you reminisce about what was on the airwaves when you two first met or even share about the kind of music you listened to growing up. By taking inspiration from music that has been a part of your life, you can provide your wedding DJ with a beautiful, natural foundation upon which to really make your story come alive.

Think of Your Most Important Songs

Was there any particular song you heard that made you realize they were “The One”? Did you perhaps share a glance or even a dance together to something sweet that was playing at your now-favorite bar? A list of all of your musical milestones can fill your wedding DJ with just as much contagious delight.

Break Down Your Playlist

After you’ve got an idea of what kind of music to play at your wedding, now it’s time to break it down into the specific flow of activities on your big day. A wedding is kind of like a movie or theatric performance; it has a build-up and a climax, with several highlights and downtimes along the way. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Arrival of Guests – At the start of your wedding, you’d want to play some light tunes or instrumentals to set the right mood for your guests.
  • Ceremony – Ceremony music is typically more emotional, romantic, and serious– but of course, it all depends on what you want it to be. 
  • Reception – During your reception, you can expect to play around with a mix of slow songs and fun grooves your crowd can engage with or dance to.
  • Wedding Dance – Known as the highlight of your wedding reception, your first dance as a married couple should be to a song that epitomizes your love and journey together and sets the right tone for your future ahead.

Collaborate With Your Wedding DJ

Of course, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with the professional services of a wedding DJ. At An Enchanted Evening, our wedding DJs have several years of experience covering hundreds of weddings all around the Chicago area. We’ve heard just about every song there is and know what type of music works for every moment at every type of function.

Hire an Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicago, IL

An Enchanted Evening is your go-to source for the best wedding DJ in Chicago, IL. If you’re ready to get started planning your playlist today, contact us now for your complimentary consultation.

wedding DJ

Your Wedding DJ Might Be the Most Important Vendor

Your wedding is arguably one of the most important days of your life. Some people spend months or even years preparing for this one day. Suffice it to say, every detail of the day must run smoothly after all the time and money put into it. The DJ you choose for your wedding can be one of your best or worst decisions. You may not realize it, but while the DJ is often overlooked in the planning process, they are one of the most important vendors for your big day.

Your DJ Does More Than Just Play Music

The DJ Sets the Tone throughout the Night

Have you ever been to an event where the music begins to change, and everyone just seems to know that it is time to wrap up the night? This is the work of a great DJ. Your wedding DJ is the person who sets the tone of the reception. They are the ones who introduce the couple for the first time, play the music that keeps people on the dance floor, and adjust the music to fit the energy of the room when things seem a bit dull. In addition, the DJ is one of the main people who enforces the timeline of the event. 

The DJ Creates Picture-Perfect Moments 

Some of the most memorable moments of a wedding night occur when everyone is up dancing and having a great time. A good wedding DJ works with you to create a playlist that helps capture your and your partner’s personality and style. They create the background music for the most special parts of the night. These moments include:

  • The Grand Entrance
  • A couple’s first dance
  • The Father-Daughter Dance 

In addition to sound, high-quality speakers, and microphones, your wedding DJ might also offer lighting for your event. In cohesion with the music for the event, your professional DJ will know just how to adjust the lights to set the perfect ambiance for your special moments. 

The DJ Helps The Night Run Smoothly

There can be slight variations to the schedule on the big day. Things may go off track, but a pro DJ can help keep things running smoothly so your guests won’t even notice. If a part of the program is not ready to ready, your wedding DJ should be able to pivot seamlessly. Let’s say dinner is running a few minutes behind, or the bride and groom have not arrived yet. The DJ is responsible for keeping the guests entertained in the meantime.

Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicagoland

At An Enchanted Evening, we understand the significance of your special day and strive to ensure everything runs as planned. Our wedding DJs in Chicagoland know what it takes to make your big day memorable. We offer DJ and lighting services to help make your day as special as it should be. To discover more about how we can help create a beautiful event for you and the people in your life, contact us today!

wedding dj

How Important Is a Wedding DJ?

It’s the age-old question when planning a wedding: should I hire a band or a DJ? While you can certainly choose both if you have the resources for it, there is one option that’s significantly stronger than the other. Let’s be real, live music is great, but it can be expensive to hire. Plus, there’s so much more to managing a special event than just going up on stage and playing music. You have to think about the program, activities, transitions, and any unexpected things that might occur on the day of your wedding that your host has to be able to handle. A wedding DJ does all of this and more.

What Happens If You Don’t Hire a Wedding DJ?

If you do choose not to hire a wedding DJ for your big day, there’s a great chance that many things won’t go exactly as planned. This can be especially true if you’re planning a wedding of a pretty large scale. By investing in a talented wedding DJ that can handle all the aesthetic, technical, and hosting aspects of your program, you’ll be in a better position to avoid unfortunate mishaps and awkward situations that can potentially happen at your reception. After all, an emcee isn’t called a “master of ceremonies” for nothing.

What Do Wedding DJ Services Include?

Hosting Services

By hiring a wedding DJ, you can skip having to find a separate host for your reception if you were to go with a band instead. Your wedding DJ will act as your own personal emcee, ensuring that your whole event flows as smoothly as the music from the high-quality digital sound system.

Professional Equipment 

While some DJ companies may differ, at An Enchanted Evening, your wedding DJ will have everything needed to ensure your event’s success. This includes professional sound and speaker systems, wireless microphones, and even modern lighting systems to help create the perfect mood.

Back-Up Services & Equipment

At An Enchanted Evening, our professional team of wedding DJs and event staff is always equipped to handle any unexpected changes. By using our event services, you won’t ever have to worry about your DJ not showing up or equipment not working properly on the day of your wedding; our services include coverage for any unforeseen issues such as these.

Find the Best Wedding DJ in the Chicagoland Area

If you’re planning a wedding in the Chicagoland area, we invite you to check out An Enchanted Evening today. Our professional wedding DJs will ensure that your party guests have a great time dancing to the music you’ve requested. Our event company has been in operation since 1998, and our full-time, professional DJs and performers have participated in over 6,000 events. We’ve also received more than a dozen prestigious awards over the last decade, including the Hall of Fame Award and Best of Weddings Award from The Knot and the Couples’ Choice Award from WeddingWire. Schedule a personal consultation with us now by contacting (847) 490-1000.

Setting up the DJ Booth

Setting up the DJ Booth at Your Corporate Party: A Guide

DJs. They can make or break your corporate event. 

While people can be in the right mood with the right DJ controlling the playlist, you do not always know what you are going to get. Over 40% of DJs have less than two years of experience in their profession in the United States. 

So, if you are trying to plan a corporate party, you will want to make the DJ’s job as easy as possible. One way you can do this is by providing help setting up the DJ booth. 

What goes into a DJ booth? What should you keep in mind? 

This is your guide. 

Choosing the Space 

The first thing you want to do is have an idea of where the DJ booth is going to go. If you are planning a corporate event, you should have a good idea of what the layout of the area will be before booking the DJ

From there, you will have to determine where the best fit for a DJ booth will be. There are two main options you have to go about this. 

The first option that you have is to put it at the front and center of the room. This allows guests to put a lot of focus on this DJ and the DJ has a chance to do so more audience interaction to hype them up for the party. 

Of course, the other route is to put the DJ booth in the corner and have it be less in the way of the rest of the party. This can be a good idea if you want the playlist to be background noise rather than the center of the party. 

This allows your guests to focus on other people and other events during the party without worrying about where the DJ is. 

Talk to Your DJ 

Another thing that you will want to do is either talk to the DJ that is working your event or at least someone that works with them. When it comes to the DJ booth, this can help cater to the playlist that they are aiming to have for your party. 

Depending on the type of party you want to have, DJs may have to bring certain equipment to maximize a song’s quality. Get an idea of what equipment they are going to need to bring for their DJ booth. 

Then, you can get a better idea of if the spacing works or if you need to make any changes. 

Start Setting Up the DJ Booth 

Now that you have read this guide, you should have a better idea of how to go about setting up the DJ booth. The main things that you need to keep in mind are what equipment the DJ is looking to bring for spacing purposes and where in the room you want the DJ booth to be. 

Do you want to hire a DJ for your event? See what services we offer on that link. 

disc jockeys chicago

Disc Jockeys Chicago: How To Find the Perfect DJ for Your Wedding

There are approximately 13,354 disc jockeys in the United States, a large portion of them in Chicago. Finding disc jockeys in Chicago that match your music needs can be difficult with the many options available. 

However, knowing how to narrow down your options will ensure you find a DJ that best fits your needs. 

Continue reading to learn how to hire the best disc jockeys in Chicago! 

Hire Quickly

Finding wedding DJs can be difficult, especially at the peak of the wedding season. No matter your event, you’ll need to hire a disc jockey as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure you find a DJ that best matches your needs. 

Waiting until the last minute could mean no DJs are available in your area. Therefore, you may not have any music for your event whatsoever. 

Reviews 

Not all disc jockeys have excellent customer service or play the best music. Looking up reviews will give you better insight into how the DJ does the job. These reviews will also give you an overall opinion of how crowds like their performance. 

Start by going online and searching for reviews on the DJ. Always consider each comment and review, so you understand their work well. After researching, you can further narrow your options to a final few. 

References

References are also a great tool when you want more information on how the DJ conducts their performance. Contact the DJ directly and ask for a list of references. 

This list will have the contact information from a few of their previous clients. Take this time to ask these customers about their experience and if they would recommend their services. 

Pricing

Pricing is a massive factor when hiring a disc jockey in Chicago. Wedding DJs’ prices can vary depending on what services they offer. For example, some DJs offer extras like photo booths, lighting, or videoing. 

The best way to get a price estimation is to ask for a quote from each DJ. They will consider your needs and give you a price quote for your event. 

Experience

Always consider each DJ’s experience to ensure you hire someone that understands your event. Usually, the more experienced, the better. More experienced DJs can usually read the room and understand what music best fits the moment. 

Personality 

A DJ’s personality plays a huge part in the event’s vibe. Their interaction throughout the night can help your event run smoothly. A DJ with a great personality can excite the crowd and elevate the night.

Hiring Disc Jockeys in Chicago

This guide will help you find the best disc jockeys in Chicago to hire for your next event. Hopefully, your party is filled with fun and dancing throughout the night.

Don’t forget to contact us today to book any of our DJ services. We will take great care of you here at An Enchanted Evening! 

newlyweds dancing at reception after sorting through chicago wedding dj prices

Sifting through Chicago Wedding DJ Prices? 4 BIG Factors to Consider

Navigating through Chicago wedding DJ prices can be tricky, especially with hidden costs and “extras.” Here’s 6 factors you should consider as you choose the “one” for your big day.

Service Time Included

A wedding reception typically lasts 7 hours. Approximately 5-6 hours of the reception is the wedding dance. The way wedding DJs charge for their time varies by company. Some Chicago wedding DJ prices include the full length of the reception, regardless of how long it goes (great for couples who want to dance the night away!) Other wedding DJs in Chicago charge per hour. Overtime fees are added to the bill if the wedding reception goes over the set time.

Takeaway: Decide whether you want to a wedding DJ who charges by the hour or reception. Remember, if you choose by hour, you may have to pay extra for dinner music and if your reception goes late. Always ask your wedding DJ up front how they charge (plus these other wedding DJ questions), what is included in the cost, and if there are any travel fees so you can compare Chicago wedding DJ prices. Plus, you’ll know the full cost up front and won’t feel tricked if you are charged overtime fees.

Experience

The best Chicago wedding DJs keep the dance floor packed and have a ton of experience. But how do you know if your wedding DJ checks off both boxes? The best way is via a little research and a short interview.

You can find out if your wedding DJ is good at what they do by talking to other couples who’ve hired the DJ. It’s easy to do online on wedding review sites like The Knot and the Wedding Wire. These sites are full of reviews—good and bad—from couples who’ve hired the wedding DJ or wedding DJ service. You’d be surprised at how helpful these reviews can be—and the insight they can give you about working with the DJ.

Takeaway: Once you’re convinced a DJ is worth your time, schedule a meeting or give them a call. Ask them some key questions about their availability and past experience.

Individual vs. Service

Typically, Chicago wedding DJs work alone or as part of a service. There are advantages to both, but it’s important to know up front whether you’re dealing with an individual or service. While an individual DJ may have their own company, they are usually the only DJ available. Unfortunately, that means that you may have to deal with a DJ who doesn’t respond promptly and doesn’t have a back-up available in case of an emergency. (Don’t forget to ask the wedding DJ if they have back-ups when you ask your initial interview questions.) On the other hand, individual Chicago wedding DJ prices are typically lower than services.

A wedding DJ service comes with own set of pros and cons. Hiring a Chicago wedding DJ is incredibly convenient because their staff is typically very responsive during the planning process and have experienced back-up DJs ready in case of an emergency. Wedding DJ services also typically update their equipment and play lists more often, and have back-up equipment in case of a breakdown. Plus, their DJs usually deejay weddings regularly, so they have a ton of experience.

Takeaway: Don’t choose a wedding DJ for your Chicago wedding based on cost alone. In many cases, it’s worth the funds to have an experienced DJ that keeps the dance floor crowded, plus the convenience of a responsive staff and back-ups if needed.

“Extras”

As you’re thinking about wedding entertainment, don’t forget to think about other ways to entertain your guests. Couples can use table games, lighting, photo booths, yard games, and a million other wedding entertainment ideas to make sure their guests enjoy their wedding reception.

Takeaway: When researching wedding entertainment ideas, ask your wedding DJ for ideas or other rentals they available. Often, you can get these items as part of a package, saving you time and money.

beautiful wedding reception with items from chicago wedding vendors

The First Chicago Wedding Vendors You Need to Book

Hiring the right Chicago wedding vendors for your big day is incredibly important! Having the right team in your corner makes planning easier, and gets you one step closer to the day of your dreams.

But who do you hire first? How do you find the right Chicago wedding vendors for your big day? Where do you start? This list of wedding vendors and tips can get you started planning your special Chicago day.

First Chicago Wedding Vendors to Book

Wedding Venue

The site of your wedding day is one of the most important details. Fortunately, there is a long list of Chicago wedding venues to choose from, including your own backyard!

When considering the best location for your wedding, have an open conversation with your fiancé and ask these questions:

  • What is our wedding date? (Use these tips for choosing the perfect wedding date if you haven’t narrowed down your options yet.)
  • What is our style (i.e. modern, historic, rustic, etc.)?
  • How big is our guest list? (You don’t need an exact count, but an estimate is helpful.)
  • What is our budget?

If there is anything you really wanted in a venue, now is the time to speak up! Do you want a big wedding venue with a big dance floor? Or a Chicago wedding venue with plenty of room for family seating?

Caterer

The Windy City is full of wonderful wedding caterers. Finding the right caterer comes down to a number of factors, such as your budget, what kind of dinner service (i.e. sit-down, family style, buffet, etc.) you prefer, and your menu. When contacting wedding caterers, ask each caterer if they are available on your wedding date, carry insurance, can prepare your menu preferences, and, if appropriate, when you can schedule a wedding tasting. (Always ask if there is a cost for the tasting. Every caterer has a different tasting policy.)

Wedding Entertainment

Your wedding entertainment boils down to the question: band, DJ, or DIY? Typically, wedding DJs are less expensive than bands, and don’t require you to purchase the equipment or man the music equipment station. Both wedding bands and DJs come with professionals that keep guests on the dance floor. Wedding bands often have limited playlists, while top-quality wedding DJs come with extensive play lists with all your “must play” songs. Talk through your options with your fiancé, plus whether you want live entertainment, need an emcee, and what your budget is for wedding entertainment. (Beyond a band or DJ, consider adding a little extra for wedding entertainment “extras” like lighting, trivia games, and photo booths.) If you choose a DJ, contact Chicago wedding DJs with this list of DJ questions.

Wedding Planner

If you need full- or part-time help planning your big day, seek out a Chicago wedding planning service or ask your wedding venue if they offer planning services. Ask every wedding planner if they have experience, for examples of their past work, and a few other important questions.

How to Find a Quality Wedding Vendor

Ask friends and family for recommendations.

Your friends and family members can be an invaluable source for wedding vendor recommendations. Be careful when their suggestions are for other friends or family members that offer the service “on the side.” Unfortunately, amateur services often come with unreliable communications and dated equipment that can lead to less-than-satisfactory performance.

Do online research.

There are many wedding review sites that give couples not only a list of Chicago wedding vendors, but also reviews. When researching wedding vendors, you should look for information about their service, testimonials, and a high review rating (from a large amount of reviews).

Meet with the vendor.

Never hire a wedding vendor without meeting with them. Never book a wedding venue without touring it. Never choose a wedding caterer without tasting their food. Even if your meeting is virtual, make sure you meet with the vendor so you can interview them and see if they are the “one.”

Review the contract carefully.

When hiring a wedding vendor, always review the fine print before signing on the dotted line. Once you’ve returned the contract, don’t forget to add deadlines to your wedding planning calendar or in your wedding planning app. (These other tips for organizing your wedding planning ensures that your experience is smooth—and yields an awesome wedding day.)

shot of people dancing at epic wedding reception

Wedding Planning in Chicago? How to Manage Your Wedding Budget

A wedding budget is an important part of planning a wedding in Chicago, and one detail that it pays (literally) to stay on top of. That’s why we’ve put together a list of wedding budget tips for couples looking to throw an awesome wedding reception on a set budget.

Talk with your fiancé.

The first step in managing your wedding budget is to set a budget. You can do this by sitting down and discussing finances with your fiancé. This is your chance to have an honest conversation about how much you both have available for the wedding and how you plan on paying for it (i.e. savings, credit card, loan, etc.) If anyone else has expressed interest in contributing to your wedding budget, discuss who it is and how you are going to approach them about their gift.

Use a wedding planning app or budget checklist.

When it comes to wedding planning, organization and budgeting go hand in hand. For some couples, this means setting up a binder with a wedding budget checklist, planning checklist, calendar, and pockets for receipts and various items. If you’d rather use your smartphone or tablet, check out one of these wedding planning apps with a built-in wedding budget checklist.

Allocate funds to the most important wedding details.

As you set a wedding budget, remember to allocate the majority of your funds to items that make the biggest impression on your guests. Plan on spending half of your budget on the biggest items that guests appreciate: venue, food, and entertainment. Be realistic with each budget line item; quality Chicago venues and wedding vendors come with a cost that is typically reflected in their service. Simply, the saying, “you get what you pay for” definitely applies to wedding planning.

Research every vendor.

Planning a wedding is about more than just filling in the blanks. As you plan, research every wedding vendor so you get exactly what you expect (both quality and cost). When hiring vendors, research local vendors by asking friends and family for recommendations or browse reviews online (on these wedding vendor review sites). Once you have a short list of vendors, interview each vendor to determine if they are the “one.” (For your DJ, use this list of wedding DJ questions.)

Read the fine print.

Your vendor interviews serve two purposes: 1) to determine if the vendor is a good fit that offers quality services, and 2) to get a full list of costs. Many wedding vendors have hidden fees, such as travel charges, overtime fees, etc. As you interview them, ask them for a full list of costs or look for wedding vendors that offer a package.

Don’t stop budgeting.

The key to managing a wedding budget is to develop a system and stick to it. As you plan, add your receipts into your app or on to your checklist. Take advantage of all the wedding budget tricks you can, and plan on adjusting costs if one line item is more than you planned for. If you stick to it, you’ll have a well-managed budget and a beautiful wedding day to show for your efforts.

disco balls from a wedding dance

Absolute BEST Places to Find Chicago DJ Reviews

Chicago DJ reviews are an important part of choosing the right wedding DJ. After all, who doesn’t want to know what other couples have thought about their wedding DJ? Chicago DJ reviews give you an idea of what to expect before and during your big day, though they are not the only step in finding the right wedding DJ.

How to Find a Wedding DJ

Finding a wedding DJ isn’t tricky (or too lengthy), but it is an important to find the right one. Your wedding DJ is one of the biggest wedding details that guests remember (along with food and the venue). You can find the best wedding DJ for your big day by following these steps:

Research local DJs.

The first step is to make a list of local wedding DJs in Chicago. You can make this list by asking friends and family for recommendations or by going online. The next step is to research each wedding DJ and narrow down the list. You can look on wedding review sites and social media for testimonials from other couples that have used their services.

As you research wedding DJs, remember the old adage about getting what you pay for. The best wedding DJs have high-quality equipment and the experience to keep your guests on the dance floor. In addition, they also have back-up equipment and DJs for those “just in case” situations. They also huge wedding song playlists that allow them to create a customized list that fits the couple and the occasion.

Contact potential DJs.

It’s important to contact your DJ and schedule a meeting, either in-person or virtually. This is your chance to vet your wedding DJ and find out if all those positive Chicago DJ reviews are true. At the meeting, ask if they have experience, insurance, an extensive list of wedding songs, back-up equipment and DJs, how they are going to communicate with you, plus these other wedding DJ questions.

Wedding DJ Review Sites

Wedding Wire

Wedding Wire is an online tool for couples looking for their team of wedding professionals. Wedding Wire contains a long list of local wedding DJs, including information and Chicago DJ reviews.

The Knot

The Knot has a ton of wedding planning tips and information on wedding vendors of every kind, including wedding DJs. In addition to information, The Knot also has Chicago DJ reviews, a wedding website builder, and a wedding registry tool.

Expertise

Expertise is all about connecting couples with experts, including Chicago DJs. Expertise ranks businesses on their reputation, credibility, experience, professionalism, and engagement and puts the best into a list of the best Chicago wedding DJs.

Facebook

Facebook is a great place to find helpful wedding planning tips and Chicago DJ reviews. Luckily, the reviews can be viewed without having an account.