Category Archives: chicago wedding djs

How to Select Music for Your Wedding DJ

July 15, 2023chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, wedding DJChicago wedding DJ, wedding DJMike Urban

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.

Your Wedding DJ Might Be the Most Important Vendor

June 1, 2023chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djsChicago wedding DJ, wedding DJMike Urban

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!

How Important Is a Wedding DJ?

May 15, 2023chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, wedding DJMike Urban

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.

What You Can Expect From a Chicagoland DJ

July 11, 2022chicago wedding djsMike Urban

A DJ can make or break your special night.

They do far more than just play good music to dance to. With the right DJ, you can create an amazing event experience that your guests will remember forever.

Don’t risk disappointing your guests with a Chicagoland DJ that falls flat.

Here’s what you can and should expect from a quality Chicagoland DJ. So you and your guests have a night to remember!

How Much Does a DJ Cost?

Disc jockeys in Chicago can range in cost depending on the package you are interested in along with the amount of time booked.

For example, extra uplighting and state-of-the-art equipment could cost extra. The location of your event can also cause the price of your DJ to go up by $100 in downtown Chicago versus elsewhere.

Wedding DJs’ prices in Chicago range from $1,200 to $3,585, depending on the company and the package you choose. Generally, a DJ’s rate is $100 to $150 an hour. Keep in mind they tend to charge more for weddings versus other events.

More Than Music!

Some DJs include professional wedding photography, photo booths, room decor, video montage production, your monogram in lights, and many other lighting and sound options.

This could be a more affordable option if you pay for everything included in one package deal. It also makes it easier when coordinating everything through one company.

Keep the Party Going

Disc jockeys do more than play music. They are an essential part of keeping your event running smoothly. Whether it’s a wedding or other important celebration, it can be difficult to keep everything on schedule.

The best disc jockeys in Chicago want to know your timeline so they can make announcements to keep everyone on track.

This could be to direct everyone’s attention to the cake cutting or quiet the room for an important speech. Your DJ also provides a sound system and microphones so everyone can easily hear the speaker.

Light Up the Night

Some disc jockeys also offer lighting options. While companies specialize in lighting for more extensive needs, some DJs also offer uplighting options as part of their services.

These are placed on the floor and pointed upwards to add ambiance to the dance floor or around the room. The right lighting can transform any room at night into an enchanting wonderland!

Crowd Pleaser

The right DJ knows how to keep your guests happy. This could be setting the mood by playing background music during dinner or hyping everyone up to get them on the dance floor.

Your DJ should want to know your expectations and what mood you want to set throughout the event. If you want a peaceful vibe instead of a rager, then they should respond accordingly.

DJs do way more than just play music, they’re your master of ceremonies (or emcee). They set the tone for your event and read the crowd to make sure everyone is having a good time.

Music Connoisseur

Your DJ should be able to help you pick the right music playlist for your event. This includes mashups and song cuts to keep the dance floor hopping all night long.

Not only does your DJ have an extensive library of music to choose from, but they can also edit songs to fit your plans for the night.

For example, if you want to switch from a slow dance to your favorite Lady Ga Ga jam – Your DJ can make it happen. They can also cut a song short if you don’t want the full-length ballad droning on too long for, say, the cake cutting.

Best Chicagoland DJ For You

You want your event to impress and delight your guests. That’s why choosing a DJ is such an important part of the event planning process.

If you’re unsure of which Chicagoland DJ to choose, then we might be the right fit! Our team of experts is ready to assist you in creating the perfect ambiance and experience for your wedding or event.

Contact us today to receive a personal consultation. We also provide a live demonstration of our professional-grade audio equipment!

Fun Wedding Reception Dances & Tips

June 1, 2021chicago wedding djs, chicago wedding entertainment, wedding reception ideasMike Urban

There are so many fun wedding reception dances and so many ways to take those dances to the next level. Best yet, there are so many ways to customize those dances and make the reception reflect your style as a couple. (Don’t forget to bring your wedding DJ into the mix when you plan out your fun wedding reception dances. They can give you ideas, help you capture those moments on camera, and make it extraordinary.)

Choreograph your wedding reception dance.

Your first dance is an opportunity to show your true personalities and your style as the couple. If you are planning a wedding with a retro theme, consider choosing a song and dance that reflects the decade. A wedding planned around a movie is the perfect chance to dance to one of the movie songs. If you don’t have a theme, the sky’s the limit for first dances and fun wedding reception dances routines. If your fiancé isn’t into choreographed dances, ask your parent to get in on the fun.

Practice, practice, practice.

If a choreographed dance isn’t your thing, or you want something more traditional, consider a more classic dance and head to a local dance studio. You can choose whatever dance fits you, and wow everyone as you glide across the dance floor with a classic dance favorite. Or, for an unexpected twist on wedding reception dances, come up with a new take on a traditional dance.

Get your wedding party in on the fun.

Want to make a big statement? Ask your wedding party if they want to have fun with a choreographed (or semi-choreographed) routine. While this may take a bit more scheduling and coordinating, the result is sure to make a big impression on guests. Plus, if you get your wedding DJ in on the fun, they can make a dance feel like the event of the year.

Throw a surprise into the mix.

The unexpected can make guests howl with laughter or sit in awe (or both). It’s fun to imagine the look on your guests’ faces when an unexpected guest shows up (such as a favorite relative or celebrity) or confetti falls from the rafters. There are so many ideas for wedding reception surprises, and so many ways to customize the surprise to fit with your wedding reception theme and/or atmosphere.

Add table games for non-dancers.

A great wedding reception goes beyond fun wedding reception dances and includes everyone. Table games are a great way to include non-dancers and give guests some down-time fun when they need a break. Plus, table games can become a group activity when your wedding DJ doubles as a game show host. (Ask your wedding DJ if they have experience with table games, plus these other wedding DJ questions, when hiring them.)

Personalized trivia about the couple can leave guests in stitches, or become a conversation starter as guests compare what they know about the couple. You can also take trivia onto the dance floor with fun games like the shoe game. (Make sure you hire a DJ with the experience to lead your dance floor games.)

End your wedding reception with a bang. (Not a literal one.)

If your venue allows it, make a big bang with an awesome firework show at the end of the night. Make sure you tell your DJ so they can discreetly direct guests to the windows or outside to view the show. (Don’t forget to put out late night snacks, like flavored popcorn, cotton candy, or another themed refreshment, for guests to enjoy during the fireworks.) It’s a great send off idea, or a way to hang out with your guests after the fun wedding reception dances are over.

Music for Outdoor Wedding: 9 Wedding Planning Questions to Ask

March 25, 2021summer wedding planning, chicago wedding djs, wedding entertainment ideasMike Urban

Need music for your outdoor wedding? These tips can help you plan the music for your outdoor wedding, and put you on the path to the wedding of your dreams.

What kind of music would we like for our ceremony? Cocktail hour? Reception?

The first step in choosing music for your outdoor wedding is to think about what kind of music you want during each step of your wedding. There are several options: do-it-yourself, musicians, band, and DJ. Sometimes, the solution is one of the wedding music options, but it can also be a combination. For example, a couple might choose to have musicians for the ceremony and a DJ for cocktail hour and reception. (If you choose the latter, use this list of wedding DJ questions to find the best DJ for your special day.)

For couples who need music for the cocktail hour and reception, make sure you ask a band or DJ for the total cost; some music professionals may charge charges for additional hours. (You can also contact a wedding DJ that offers a package with the cocktail hour and reception services included without any overages.)

Are there adequate hook-ups for lighting and music?

If you want to host an outdoor wedding with lighting and/or DJs, you are going to have to determine if there are hook-ups for lighting and music. You can typically ask your venue staff at a wedding venue, but the matter may be more complicated for a backyard wedding. In these cases, ask your wedding DJ or band for information on required hook-ups for your wedding. (A rental company can also give you information on the electricity requirements needed for event lighting.)

Do we need a tent? A dance floor?

While you may want the weather to be perfect for your big day, it’s (sadly) not always the case. Decide whether you need a tent for your ceremony or reception. Fortunately, there are clear tents and tent styles that still allow you to bring the outdoors in.

If you want to host the ultimate dance part, consider whether you want a dance floor. A dance floor can be a beautiful focal point, and an easy way for your guests to dance without wrenching an ankle (and doing damage to the lawn!) If you are holding the wedding at a venue, always ask before renting a dance floor. Some venues have guidelines specifically about dance floors.

Is there a curfew? Do we need a permit?

Some municipalities require that couples secure a permit for their event. If you are planning a backyard wedding, contact your local municipality for information on permits and curfews. At a wedding venue, staff should be able to give you information during your initial meeting or venue tour. (Don’t forget to pass curfew information on your wedding DJ or band.) Either way, it’s important to do your research; you don’t want the cops to shut down your wedding celebrations and end the fun.

What other entertainment do we need?

As you plan your outdoor wedding, don’t be afraid to consider other forms of wedding entertainment—especially for those who don’t want to hit the dance floor. Fortunately, there are tons of other outdoor wedding entertainment ideas (in addition to music for your outdoor wedding) that guests’ll love. You can choose from any number of ideas, such as yard games, photo booths, table games (with personalized questions about the happy couple!), and tasting stations. (Some wedding DJs even offer photo booths as part of their wedding entertainment package.) You can also talk to your wedding DJ or band about adding dance floor games to your wedding reception line-up. Whatever you choose, be creative and have fun with it!

How to Book a Chicago Wedding DJ (Fast)

February 26, 2021chicago wedding entertainment, chicago wedding djsMike Urban

Need to book a Chicago wedding DJ quickly? These step-by-step instructions and tips can get you an awesome wedding DJ and reception in a hurry.

How to Book a Chicago Wedding DJ

Find an experienced wedding DJ (or DJs).

The first step to booking a Chicago wedding DJ fast is to find a good fit for your big day. This doesn’t mean you should hire the first wedding DJ you find or book the cheapest. Instead, look for an experienced wedding DJ or wedding DJ service. The latter may be a good fit for couples who need a DJ quickly because a service is more likely to have a DJ available.

Research, research, research.

You can find a local wedding DJ by asking friends or family, contacting wedding venue staff for recommendations, or doing a search online. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to research your options before you book a Chicago wedding DJ. Look for wedding DJs with experience, “extras” (like lighting and photo booths-great for couples trying to check off a lot of boxes in a short time!), back-up equipment and DJs (in case of a breakdown or emergency). Don’t forget to check Chicago wedding DJ reviews because they give you insight into other couple’s experiences.

Ask key wedding DJ questions.

Now it’s time to narrow down the list of potential wedding DJs in Chicagoland. You can do this by contacting each wedding DJ on the list and asking them questions about availability, costs (including overtime and travel fees), and whether they have back-up DJs and equipment if needed. (Find a full list of wedding DJ questions here.) Be very careful about hiring DJs who don’t have back-ups, a business address, or solid Chicago wedding DJ reviews that prove they provide quality service.

Schedule a meeting.

Now down to the final steps of how to book a Chicago wedding DJ. It’s time to schedule a meeting with the potential wedding DJ, either in-person or virtually. This is your chance to get answers to your other wedding DJ questions and to (hopefully) get asked a few key questions that shows the wedding DJ creates a custom playlist.

Review the contract.

The last step is to review the wedding DJ contract and make a deposit. When you return the contract, be sure to ask about deadlines for information and payments. You are going to need to provide the names of your wedding party, your “must play” and “do not play” list, and other key details. Don’t forget to bring your wedding DJ in on big surprises. In addition, you are also going to also need to give them the names of other wedding vendors they need to coordinate with (i.e. videographer, photographer, venue, etc.)

Tips for Hiring a Wedding DJ

Don’t automatically choose the cheapest DJ. The best Chicago wedding DJs often cost a bit more, but are worth it when they keep the dance floor packed—and your guests talking about your reception well after it’s over.
Get organized as you plan. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. Create a wedding planning binder or use one of these wedding planning apps to stay on track.
Be wary of hiring friends or friends of friends. Many a couple has felt compelled to hire a friend’s friend or relative and has been disappointed by their service. Instead, do your research and hire an experienced professional.
Watch for red flags. Be cautious about hiring wedding DJs that don’t return your calls (or messages), can’t show you their equipment, and don’t have a business address. Unfortunately, many a couple has received sub-par service (or no service) from an amateur wedding DJ.

10 Questions You Should Hear from Your Wedding DJ

February 13, 2021wedding dj questions, chicago wedding djs, wedding DJ tipsMike Urban

This list of wedding DJ questions tells you when you’ve found the “one.” Hiring a wedding DJ in Chicago is a bit like dating, with both parties asking key questions that make sure it’s a good fit. Plus, if your wedding DJ asks you these questions, you know they’re a high-quality DJ who actually customizes their playlist to you.

Questions Your DJ Should Ask

This list of wedding DJ questions is not all-inclusive! An experienced wedding DJ wants to know about you—everything!—so they can craft a playlist that fits your tastes and coordinates seamlessly with other wedding details. Be cautious if a wedding DJ doesn’t ask these questions; many sub-par DJs use the take a “one size fits all” approach to their weddings. (In addition to not asking these questions, always be alert for these other signs of a low-quality wedding DJ.)

What type of music do you like? Do you have any songs that are special to you as a couple? (Good wedding DJs love to know little details about you as a couple.)
What songs do you want played? Do you have any favorite songs do you want played during your dances (i.e. entrance, first dance, mother/son dance, father/daughter dance, etc.)?
What songs don’t you want played? (Get the perfect ‘do not play’ list with these wedding songs tips.)
What kind of cocktail music would you like played?
Where is the wedding? (This is more than a logistical detail. An experienced DJ has probably been there before, and has a relationship with the staff! This will be helpful for coordinating set-up and other details.)
Do you have a theme or style you are incorporating into your wedding?
Who is your videographer and photographer? (A good wedding DJ coordinates special moments with your videographer and photographer so you get the best shots.)
Do you have any special announcements I need to make? (Like a surprise!)

What to Ask Potential Wedding DJs

It’s just as important for you to get to know your wedding DJ, as for them to get to know you! Use these wedding DJ questions to weed out sub-par DJs and find the DJ that offers the best services, plus has other “musts” like a back-up DJ and equipment for emergencies.

Are you available on my wedding date?
Have you DJ’ed weddings before? Do you have proof of insurance?
Can you provide testimonials from couples you have DJ’ed for?
Do you have back-up equipment in case of a breakdown? Do you have another wedding DJ that can fill in in case of emergency?
What is the cost of your services? What does it include? Is dinner music part of the total cost? Do you charge overtime fees?
What is the amount of the deposit? When does it need to be paid? What is the payment arrangement?
Do you offer any other services (lighting, photo booth, etc.)?
How should we contact you? How will you contact us? When will we hear from you?
What information do you need from us? How should we get it to you? When is the deadline for information?
When do we need to sign a contract and return it to you?
What is your cancellation policy?
Have you DJ’ed at my venue before? Is there a travel fee charged?
When do you typically arrive at the venue? Do you dress in formal attire?
What songs do you typically include in your wedding DJ playlist?

While asking about the cost is an important item on your list of wedding DJ questions, remember that it shouldn’t be the only question. The cheapest DJ isn’t always the right wedding DJ; in some cases, the cheapest DJ is the cheapest because they offer the same playlist with no customization. Unfortunately, these DJs often come with dated equipment and no back-ups in case of emergency.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a meeting with your wedding DJ, either in-person or virtual. A meeting is your chance to see your DJ’s equipment and find out if they are the “one” that can make your wedding reception unforgettable.

10 Items to Have Ready for Your Chicago Wedding DJ

December 4, 2020chicago wedding djs, wedding reception music chicago ilMike Urban

Hiring a Chicago wedding DJ comes with a long list of interview questions, but did you know that there are items your wedding DJ needs from you? Here’s a list of items your Chicago wedding DJ needs to know from you—and when they need to know it.

What Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know When Hiring

Don’t worry you don’t need to have every detail set in stone yet, but there are a few details you should have confirmed when hiring your wedding DJ.

Wedding Date

The best Chicago wedding DJ calendars fill up quickly, which is why you should have a set wedding date when you contact them. (Or, if you really want your favorite DJ, you can call them first and ask them for available dates!) You can choose a wedding date based on special dates in your relationship, other special family dates, your favorite season, or your professional commitments.

Location

Right after when, your wedding DJ is going to want to know where. Is your wedding confirmed at a popular Chicago wedding venue? Or in your backyard? If your choice is the latter, ask your DJ if there are any specific electrical requirements you need to have ready for them on your special day.

Dinner Music

If you need dinner music, let your wedding DJ. Some Chicago wedding DJs may charge extra for the time, while other DJs offer packages so you don’t have to worry about “extras.” (It’s all included!)

What Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know Right Before the Wedding Day

Wedding planning is a continual process—you don’t have to get every detail confirmed right away! This wedding planning checklist can help you break it down, and help you have these details ready for your Chicago wedding DJ before your big day. (Ask your wedding DJ for their specific deadline.)

Wedding Day Schedule

You and your wedding DJ need to synch schedules before your big day. Hopefully, you should have this finalized weeks before your big day. Your wedding DJ needs to know the order of events, and when cocktail hour, dinner, and the reception is planned for.

What to Play

If you have any favorite “must play” songs, this is your chance to speak up! Tell your DJ what you absolutely must hear, and any songs that have a special meaning to you, your fiancé, and your friends. (DJs love to share neat back stories!)

What Not to Play

Have any songs that sound like nails on a chalkboard? Tell your wedding DJ! You can use this DJ song list or just make a list of never-ever-play songs.

Wedding Party List (and Pronunciations)

Let your wedding DJ know who is standing up in your wedding, plus any friends or family you want announced. If anyone on the list has a hard-to-pronounce name, give them some pronunciation aids so the announcements go smoothly.

Special Dance Songs

If you’re having a traditional wedding dance, let your wedding DJ know what songs you would like played for your first dance (here’s how to pick the perfect first dance song), parent-child dance, and any other special moments.

Surprises

Have a special surprise planned? Let your DJ in on the secret so they can have fun with it and set the stage for your BIG surprise. (If you need an idea for a fun wedding day surprise, use this list of surprises for inspiration.)

Volume Limitations/Curfews

Some wedding venues and municipalities have curfews or volume limitations. Let your DJ know now, so your wedding reception doesn’t get shut down.

When should I hire a Chicago wedding DJ for my wedding?

November 20, 2020hiring DJ for wedding, booking wedding vendors, chicago wedding djs, hiring a wedding dj, hiring wedding entertainmentMike Urban

Hiring a Chicago wedding DJ is not a task you should put off! In general, you should hire a Chicago wedding DJ 14-18 months before your wedding day. However, the best wedding DJs’ calendars fill up fast so the sooner the better.

How long to hire a Wedding DJ

Typically, wedding receptions last 7 plus hours. The wedding dance is a solid 5-6 hours. So how long should you hire a wedding DJ for? The answer depends on what you are hiring the wedding DJ for.

Some couples opt to have a wedding DJ for the cocktail hour, dinner, and dance. Others choose to hire a wedding DJ for the dance only. If you choose the latter, you should plan on hiring a Chicago wedding DJ for 6 hours. You can also choose a wedding DJ that offers an unlimited, inclusive service that is not based on an hourly rate. This option ensures that the Chicago wedding DJ is available for the entire wedding reception. It also eliminates any worry that you’ll have to pay overtime fees.

How to Hire a Wedding DJ

Hiring a Chicago wedding DJ isn’t complicated, but it is important to find and hire the “one” that makes your night memorable.

Make a list of Chicago wedding DJs.

The first step of hiring a Chicago wedding DJ is to make a list. You can find DJs by asking friends and family for recommendations, or check out wedding review sites like The Knot or Wedding Wire. If you get recommendations from friends, be careful about hiring DJs that they haven’t personally experienced or amateurs. Amateur wedding DJs often don’t have updated equipment or any back-ups if the equipment breaks down or the DJ can’t attend because of an emergency.

Research your options.

Online review sites can be incredibly helpful for not only making a list, but also researching possible wedding DJs. When researching DJs, look for positive reviews that give you insight into other couple’s experience with the DJ.

Interview possible Chicago wedding DJs.

The next step of hiring a Chicago wedding DJ is to interview possible wedding DJs. When contacting wedding DJs, ask them about their past experience, if they can customize their playlist, wedding DJ costs (and if they charge overtime fees), what their plan is in case of an equipment break-down or family emergency, and if your wedding date is available. Reputable Chicago wedding DJs should carry insurance and should have a clear cancellation policy. (Find a full list of wedding DJ questions in this post.) If you schedule an in-person meeting, some wedding DJs can also show you their equipment.

Review the contract.

A reputable wedding DJ should provide a contract for your review. As you look over the contract, verify that you are familiar with the wedding DJ cost and cancellation policy. This is also an ideal time to ask about deadlines so you are familiar with payment deadlines and when you need to give them information about your big day. The last step is to book your wedding DJ and get ready for your special day.