Category Archives: chicago il wedding dj

How long should I book a wedding DJ?

April 2, 2020hiring a wedding dj, chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, chicago wedding entertainmentMike Urban

Hiring a wedding DJ (or “booking a wedding DJ”) for your Chicago wedding revolves around two big questions. When should I book a wedding DJ? How long should I book the wedding DJ for?

When to Book a Wedding DJ

Typically, the wedding planning checklist put hiring a wedding DJ at about 9-12 months before the wedding date. Hiring a wedding DJ is multi-step process which starts with finding the best wedding DJ. This can be done online on third-party websites or by asking a friend or family for a recommendation.

When getting recommendations, always be careful about contacting “a friend of my friend…” or “my cousin…” Though your friend or family may have good intentions, it’s always best to contact someone that your friend or family has personally experienced (and enjoyed!)

As you search, be careful about hiring amateurs who only DJ on a part-time basis. Unfortunately, these services often don’t have back-up DJs or equipment that’s essential during an emergency. Plus, many of these operations have outdated equipment and have one playlist (meaning no customized playlist or requests!)

Once you have a list of awesome Chicago wedding DJs, it’s time to narrow down your list of vendors with online research, an interview, and meeting. Fortunately, it’s easy to visit third-party websites (i.e. Wedding Wire, the Knot, etc.) and social media for reviews and feedback from past customers.

You should be wary of any wedding DJ that doesn’t have a place to meet or another way to get (easily) in touch with them. Whatever way you contact them, always ask the wedding DJ these questions, such as about availability, insurance, and prices (and fees for overtime and travel).

How Long to Book a Wedding DJ

A wedding reception usually lasts approximately 4-6 hours and follows this timeline:

Cocktail hour
Dinner (Requires serving and background music)
Wedding Cake and Cutting
Reception Dance
- Bridal party announcement
- First dance
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Mother-son dance
- Father-daughter dance

As you plan around the timeline (or create your own custom timeline), always ask your wedding DJ if they offer dinner music during your meal. This time is typically included in the wedding DJ time on the contract (though feel free to ask the wedding DJ if you are unclear).

For couples who don’t want to worry about overtime fees, there are Chicago wedding DJs who offer unlimited packages with no time limit. This is a huge benefit for couples who want a never-ending dance party—or just don’t want to push their guests out the door.

28 “Must Ask” Questions for Every Wedding DJ

March 5, 2020hiring wedding entertainment, chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, hire a wedding DJ, hiring DJ for weddingMike Urban

A list of questions for a wedding DJ is more than just another to-do on your wedding planning checklist. It’s a way to ensure that you are hiring the best wedding DJ for your big night—and a reputable entertainer that’ll deliver exactly what you want: a personalized, incredible wedding reception.

When hiring a wedding DJ, it’s important to make sure both items are checked off on the list. Unfortunately, the news is full of couples who have been left high-and-dry by a sub-par wedding vendor. This checklist of questions for a wedding DJ ensures that you get a personalized wedding reception music play list, a high-quality (and high energy) DJ, and the reliable service that guarantees and unforgettable wedding reception.

“Are you available on my wedding date?”
“How many years of experience do you have? What year did you start your business?”
“Do you have any references?”
“Do you offer any other services (lighting, photo booth, etc.)?”
“Can you do….” (Ask this question if you have a really special request)
“How much is the cost?”
“What does the cost cover? Is there an overtime fee?”
“Do you offer dinner music as part of the total cost?”
“What is your final total cost?”
“How much of a deposit is required and when will the balance be due?”
“My wedding is at…. Do you charge a travel fee?”
“What is your cancellation policy?”
“Do you carry Insurance?”
“Can you provide proof of Insurance?”
“When do we meet with you to discuss details of the wedding?”
“Do you have back up DJs and equipment available in case of emergency?”
“Typically, what time do you arrive at the wedding venue?”
“What kind of electrical needs does your equipment require?” (for an outdoor wedding)
“What songs are included in your wedding DJ playlist?”
“When do you need information from me?”
“Do you have a wedding DJ checklist that I can write my favorite songs and songs I do not want played at my reception?”
“Will the DJ be in formal attire?”
“Will the DJ act as Master of Ceremonies (MC)?”
“How many years wedding experience does my DJ have?”
“How do we contact you?”
“Is it possible to meet over the phone or internet instead of in person?”

As you ask these questions, look for red flags that may indicate you are hiring an unreliable or amateur wedding DJ:

No business address
Does not return phone calls or communications
Is unwilling to show equipment (and back up equipment)
Does not have back up equipment (and staffing-in case of illness or breakdown)
Few reviews or negative reviews on social media and wedding websites

Instead, look for signs of a quality, reliable wedding DJ:

Business location
Prompt communications
Easy answers to questions
Back-up staffing and equipment
Positive reviews and industry awards on social media and wedding websites
Willingness to customize their play list to your specific wants and needs
Lots of experience!

How to Choose the Best Chicago Wedding DJ

November 7, 2019chicago il wedding dj, hiring a wedding dj, hiring DJ for weddingMike Urban

Chicago is a big city with a host of wedding DJs to choose from, but not just any DJ is right for your big day! This step-by-step guide helps you narrow down your list of wedding DJs and choose the “one” that’ll keep your guests on the dance floor and create a custom wedding playlist that feels incredibly you.

Ask friends and family for recommendations for an awesome wedding DJ.

One of the easiest ways to find and choose a wedding DJ is to ask friends and family for a recommendation. It’s a bonus if you were at the wedding where the DJ played, because then you have first-hand knowledge if the DJ was any good.

There is one note of caution that comes with the ask. Every couple should be very careful about choosing wedding DJs that are a “friend of a friend…” or “my cousin…” Though the person recommending that acquaintance may be well-meaning, never hire a friend or family member without some knowledge of what you’re getting (either through online reviews or from another customer). Unfortunately, this approach can lead to hiring an amateur DJ with a one-size-fits-all playlist and amateur equipment. Or worse, a DJ with no back-up equipment or DJ that can leave you without any reception music.

Do your research.

If you don’t have a friend who can provide a wedding DJ recommendation, let Google do the search for you. Once you have a short list of the best DJs in Chicago (either from an online search or from friends), research every one of those DJs online. You can check review sites for testimonials from other couples and social media sites for videos and reviews.

As you research DJs, make sure you look for common wedding vendor red flags. Couples should always be wary of DJs that don’t have a business address for a meeting, are unwilling to show you their equipment, or can’t give you a set price for the evening. Some DJs charge on set price for a certain amount of time and charge overtime fees for any reception that runs over.

Find a DJ that checks off many boxes.

Many wedding DJs in Chicago offer services that go beyond music; if you’re looking for those extras, such as lighting or off-dance floor entertainment, you should look for a wedding DJ that can offer those services as part of a package. In addition to saving you time during wedding planning, this approach can also save you funds when you get all those services in one package (as opposed to renting them individually).

You can find out if a wedding DJ offers any other services by asking them the question (either via message or phone) as part of your initial interview:

“Are you available on [insert wedding date]?”
“How long you have been a wedding DJ?”
“Do you provide other services, such as…?”
“How much do you charge? Does the charge cover the full reception or just a set amount of hours? Is there a travel fee?”
“Do you offer cocktail hour or dinner music as part of your fee?”
“Do you carry Insurance and can you provide proof of Insurance?”
“How often do you contact clients?”
“If there is a problem, do you offer back-up equipment and DJs?”
“What time will you be at the wedding venue? Have you ever worked at our wedding venue before?”
“Do I have a say in the playlist?”
“What do your wedding DJs usually wear?”
“When can we meet?”

Wedding DJ Checklist

August 20, 2019chicago il wedding dj, dance floor games, DJ playlist, wedding dj chicago ilMike Urban

There’s one thing that’s remained true in all the years we’ve been wedding DJs in the Chicago area: every couple is incredibly different. Some couples come to us with absolutely no ideas for wedding reception songs and others have definite ideas for their wedding playlist.

If you’re one of the latter, this checklist is the perfect way to get all those wedding music ideas down on paper. Once you’ve chosen the perfect wedding DJ, give them this list and prepare yourself for a night of fun!

Must-Play List

These are the songs you absolutely have to hear. Use these wedding playlist tips to come up with the right combination of tunes!

________________________________________________________________

Must-Not Play List

Make sure you don’t take your guests’ favorites off the list. These tips for crafting a must-not play list can be incredibly helpful.

________________________________________________________________

Cocktail Music Ideas

________________________________________________________________

Wedding Party Entrance Music Ideas

Don’t hesitate to ask your bridal party and DJ for suggestions!

________________________________________________________________

First Dance Ideas

If you don’t have a clear favorite, use these tips to narrow down your options to the perfect tune that fits you as a couple.

________________________________________________________________

Father & Daughter Dance

________________________________________________________________

Mother & Son Dance

________________________________________________________________

Bouquet & Garter Toss Songs

________________________________________________________________

Surprise Dance Song

Want to surprise your guests? Use this list of wedding reception surprises for inspiration and don’t forget to include your DJ in on the fun!

________________________________________________________________

Wedding Dance Games

Use these ideas for wedding dance games that give your guests more than dancing to spice up the fun!

________________________________________________________________

Wedding Playlist: 5 Ways to Choose the Perfect Wedding Reception Songs

June 26, 2019chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, choosing a wedding dj, wedding reception songs chicago ilMike Urban

The perfect wedding playlist should more about quality instead of quantity. Instead of asking, “how many songs do DJs play at weddings?” (the answer is typically 15 per hour), think more about the wedding reception songs you want included in your playlist.

Make a list of “special” wedding songs.

The most logical place to start crafting a wedding playlist is by choosing the wedding reception songs that are played during those special moments. After all, these are the memorable moments that you can look back on for years:

Wedding party entrance
Father and daughter dance
Mother and son dance
First dance
Bouquet toss
Garter toss

As you select these songs and the right wedding DJ to play them, be careful about hiring a DJ that doesn’t give you the option to customize your wedding playlist. You don’t want to get stuck with a wedding DJ who uses the same list over and over and doesn’t give you the chance to hear your favorite tunes.

Start listening to songs.

Some couples have a million songs they want played. Others have no clue! It’s okay to fall into either category. If you fall into the latter, the best way to decide on first dance songs and choose a few favorites is to start listening to songs. (If you’re planning a throwback wedding, make sure your ‘must play’ songs are from the right time period.)

Make a short list of favorite and not-so-favorite songs.

The best wedding DJs customize the wedding reception playlist to your special night. (If they don’t, be worried!) You should always choose your wedding DJ carefully (with this list of wedding DJ questions); the best DJs are the source of many memories and are well worth the funds.

Mix it up.

As you make a list of favorites, don’t forget that the wrong song at the wrong moment can really kill the mood—and clear the dance floor! A good wedding DJ can help with selecting the right song at the right time, but you can help them by not overloading your playlist with slow songs.

Don’t nix all your guests’ favorites.

Everyone has a few songs that sound like nails on a chalkboard. However, you should make sure your list of “most hated” songs doesn’t coincide with your guests’ favorites.

Lean on your DJ’s experience and expertise.

Remember that you hired your DJ for a reason. An experienced wedding DJ comes with a whole list of perks. At the top of that list is expertise! A good wedding DJ knows what songs to play at the right time. It’s okay to leave the wedding reception playlist up to them and enjoy an awesome night of wedding songs.

(Fun!) Bridal Party Entrance Ideas

March 29, 2019chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding entertainment, wedding party entrance ideas, wedding reception dance entranceMike Urban

The bridal party entrance is another opportunity to take your wedding dance to the next level. If you’re planning a wedding dance that’s over-the-top, these tips and ideas are a ‘must’ for an incredibly memorable bridal party entrance.

Bridal Party Entrance Tips

Make sure the bridal party entrance suits the occasion.
Choose an awesome DJ who can pull your bridal party entrance idea off and the right bridal party entrance song. (Use these ideas for a bridal party entrance songs.)
Involve your wedding bridal party in the planning (and for their approval).
To avoid wedding day drama, make sure everybody in the wedding bridal party is okay entering with the bridesmaid/groomsmen they are scheduled to walk out with.
Know where the ‘tacky’ line is, and don’t go over it.
Don’t hesitate to ask a DJ pro for ideas and suggestions as how to put the bridal entrance over-the-top. (After all, you hired the best DJ in the business for their experience.)

Bridal Party Entrance Ideas

Plan a dance that gets everyone in on the fun.

If you have a bridal party full of dancers, ask them (don’t assume!) if they want to plan a fun bridal party entrance dance. Have each attendant pair choose their favorite dance song, then turn the songs over to the DJ to take the medley to the next level. For a bridal party that doesn’t want to stand out, ask your DJ how to create a “flash mob” effect with everyone dancing together. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you plan times when your attendants can practice so you look coordinated and polished.

Make your entrance pap-worthy.

For couples who want to make your bridal party entrance feel like a walk on the red carpet, plan an entrance flanked by the paparazzi. You can make this fun by asking friends to fill the roll (make sure you fully outfit them for full effect) or hiring entertainers for the occasion. Complete the bridal party entrance with a real red carpet and a song that would be fitting of any Hollywood style entrance.

Prop it up!

Props can be a fun addition to any bridal party entrance WITH a few caveats. Remember the non-tacky tip above. Choose props that are fun or fit with your wedding theme AND make sure your bridal party has an easy way to get rid of them. Don’t leave your DJ out of the fun. Ask the pros for song ideas that fit with bridal party entrance ideas and the props.

Make the entrance a trivia contest.

If you are a couple who loves trivia contests, make the bridal party entrance a trivia contest. Have fun with this bridal party entrance idea; choose an awesome DJ who can serve as the perfect trivia contest host and give him or her the information that makes this an unforgettable game show.

Plan the ultimate race.

Make your bridal party entrance feel like the end of a fantastic race. Have your bridal party attendants cross the finish line—and cheer you on as finish your first race as newlyweds. Get out the checkered flags and lights…this is sure to be a race that everyone’ll cheer for!

How long do DJs play at weddings?

February 15, 2019chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, hiring DJ for wedding, how long to book DJ for weddingMike Urban

Setting a timeline for your wedding reception may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s necessary—and incredibly common. The internet is full of engaged couples grappling with the common question, “How long do I need to hire my wedding DJ?”

How long do wedding DJs play?

The primary reason behind the question pertains to budget. Many wedding DJs charge by the hour, leaving budget-conscious couples looking for ways to cut costs. That cut often means cutting the hours of the wedding DJ; usually, DJs play for 5-6 hours at a typical wedding reception.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to hiring a DJ for a set amount of time. Some DJs charge overtime fees if the reception runs long or if they have to stay longer than the contracted amount of time. This leaves couples asking, “What if my wedding reception runs long? How do I avoid a big bill or surprise charges?” Obviously, no one wants to kick their guests out and shut down an epic wedding dance.

There is another solution: find a wedding DJ who offers an all-inclusive package with no limit on time and no overtime fees.

Where can I find a wedding DJ?

Chicago is full of wedding DJs. The path to the right DJ is different for every couple. Here’s where to start:

Chicago Wedding Shows. Visit a wedding show near you in Chicagoland. Make sure you come equipped with a list of questions to ask your wedding DJ.
Social Media. Let the search engines find wedding DJs for you. Browse through the websites and social media sites for reviews and testimonials. E-mail and message every wedding DJ with a list of questions. This approach comes with a caveat: never hire a DJ without a face-to-face meeting.
Wedding Sites. Wedding websites like the Knot and Wedding Wire provide lists of Chicago-area DJs. These websites come with reviews from newlyweds and an easy contact button for contacting local DJs.
Recommendations. Finding a wedding DJ may be as easy as asking friends and family, but use some caution to this approach. Be careful about recommendations that come with “my friend has a DJ service,” “my brother is awesome,” or any endorsement that was given without any personal experience.
Review Sites. Similar to wedding websites, review sites are useful for couples looking for neutral reviews. These sites are helpful for finding and researching wedding DJs; the next step is to set up a meeting with the wedding DJs and decide which service is right for your big night.

Ways to Find (and Hire) a GOOD Wedding DJ

January 18, 2019chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, choosing a wedding dj, hiring a wedding djMike Urban

A fantastic night of dancing at your wedding reception is about more than music. Planning an epic wedding reception is not difficult, but it does require hiring a few quality vendors. An excellent photographer, a great videographer, an awesome wedding venue for pictures, an over-the-top wedding bar—they all play a part in creating the perfect setting and capturing memories from an unforgettable night of dancing and fun.

The main factor in a really awesome wedding dance is undeniably the main entertainer: the band or wedding DJ (weigh options for wedding reception entertainment here). If the latter is the “one,” use these ways to find and hire a local wedding DJ that fits the occasion (and those high expectations!)

Chicago Wedding Shows

The easiest way to find a DJ is to head out to one of the many wedding shows held throughout Chicagoland; this is also a time-saving way to compile a list of potential wedding vendors because they are all together in one location. Bring your wedding checklist (or binder) so you can kickstart your wedding planning off on an organized foot.

Social Media

Social media can serve a dual purpose when finding and choosing a wedding DJ. Depending on the social media channel, the site can be a useful source of testimonials (are other clients satisfied with their service?) and examples of service. If the potential wedding DJ is a serious prospect, don’t hesitate to contact the DJ through social media (a good DJ promptly responds).

Wedding Sites

Wedding websites like the Knot or Wedding Wire can be a useful first step in wedding planning. These sites are full of potential local wedding vendors, along with information and reviews. As an added bonus, these sites can be a valuable asset when vetting wedding venues that require couples to choose from a list of wedding vendors.

Recommendations

Friends and family can be an excellent source of wedding DJ recommendations. Think, “I used this wedding DJ and he was awesome!” or “Don’t use the wedding DJ that was at my cousin’s wedding because…” Be extra careful about recommendations that are not based off of personal experience, such as “My brother…” or “My friend’s friend does it on the side.” These recommendations can lead to amateur DJs who don’t have quality equipment or a back-up in case of emergencies.

Review Sites

Online review sites can be an easy way to compile a list of potential wedding DJs. When sifting through comments, understand that some internet trolls leave false negative reviews. However, if the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, proceed on to the next step: interviewing potential wedding DJs.

Interview

Don’t hire a wedding DJ without a thorough interview. An interview can help cross wedding DJs off the list because their prices exceed the wedding budget, they aren’t available, or for a variety of other reasons. The interview can be done via phone, in-person (schedule an appointment), e-mail, or social media. Ask these questions:

“Are you available on my wedding date (or these dates)?”
“How long have you been in business?”
“Do you have any references?”
“Do you offer any other services (lighting, photo booth, etc.)?”
“Can you do….[insert a special request]?
“What is the final total cost of your services?”
“How long is covered by the quoted cost? Are there overtime fees?”
“How much of a deposit is required and when will the balance be due?”
“Is there a travel fee to come to my venue?”
“What is the cancellation policy?”
“Can you provide proof of insurance?”
“When can we schedule a meeting? How often would we meet to discuss details?”
“Does your company have back-up DJ and equipment?”
“How soon would you arrive before the wedding?”
“What kind of electrical needs does your equipment require?” (for an outdoor wedding)
“What services are included in your wedding package?”
“Can your DJ offer dinner music? Can I tell you what songs I want and don’t want?”
“Will the wedding DJ be in formal attire?”
“How many years wedding experience does my DJ have?”
“What is the best way to contact you?”
For busy couples: “can we meet via the internet or over the phone instead of in person?”

Bad Wedding DJ? Watch for these Signs of a Terrible DJ

November 2, 2018chicago il wedding dj, hiring a wedding dj, wedding dj chicago il, wedding dj tips chicago ilMike Urban

When you are in the throws of wedding planning, it can be tempting to check off items on your wedding planning checklist without doing your due diligence. You just need to type in “wedding DJs in Chicago” or “wedding DJs near me,” make a few calls, and choose the cheapest wedding DJ, right?

The truth is that choosing a wedding DJ without doing a little research can leave you with some major wedding day regrets (and some crazy unhappy guests). The internet is full of stories of weird and sub-standard DJs. (And we won’t even mention the YouTube videos! Yikes.) Don’t join the ranks of couples unhappy with their wedding DJ; be wary of these signs of a less-than-stellar DJ that is a complete wedding disappointment.

No business address

It’s okay to meet a wedding DJ at a local (and convenient) coffee shop or chat online, but beware of amateur DJs that operate out of their basement. A physical place of business signifies that a wedding DJ is established and reliable; use an address as proof that the DJ has been around for awhile—and is going to show up on your big day.

No reviews or testimonials

If you want to make sure your DJ can do an excellent job at your wedding reception, look back at their past record. An easy way to do this is to check out the wedding DJ’s reviews and testimonials on social media and review sites. Look for positive reviews from other couples; a quality and experienced DJ should have stellar reviews that back up their claims.

No back-up equipment

Don’t be shy about asking if the DJ has back-up equipment for those “just in case” situations. A good wedding DJ is proud to show you that they have state-of-the-art equipment—and back-up equipment—so they can fulfill their promise of excellent service.

No contingency plan

Wedding DJs are really cool people, but people nonetheless. As such, wedding DJs can get sick, or be unavailable due to family emergencies and circumstances beyond their control. As tempting as it might be to hire a friend or a friend of a friend, be wary of a one-man show without back-up DJs available for those emergency situations. Make sure this is one of the questions you ask the DJ before you hire them—and don’t sign on the dotted line unless you are satisfied with the answer.

Lack of Questions

Just as with any other wedding vendor, ask your DJ questions before you hire them (we’ve given you a full list of questions to ask your wedding DJ here). Be cautious about DJs that don’t return the favor; a good DJ customizes their wedding play list specifically to the couple’s favorites and not-so-favorites (use these tips to craft a wedding “do not play” list). If the DJ doesn’t ask for your preferences (such as the fact they hate country music or want tunes specific to the era of your vintage wedding), search for a wedding DJ that does—and can meet and exceed your expectations.