Category Archives: wedding DJ tips

hiring a disc jockey

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Disc Jockey for Chicago Weddings

In 2022, a record of 55,305 weddings was expected to occur in Chicago after many postponed their original dates during 2020-2021. This means that finding the right DJ for your wedding is even more of a challenge as you need to book one well in advance. 

However, if you are in the market for hiring a disc jockey, making a quick decision could lead to a disaster. 

Before you start your search for disc jockeys in Chicago be sure to avoid these top 5 mistakes. 

1. Hiring a DJ with No Wedding Experience

You have many options for disc jockeys but not all of them are perfect for a wedding. This is because some DJs might have never worked at a wedding before. 

So, if you find a DJ that has experience in clubs but not weddings then you might want to think twice. A wedding DJ requires knowledge of traditions, is adaptable to last-minute changes, and can customize their performance. 

2. Having a Limited Playlist

Your wedding is all about you, so you should be in charge of your music. If your DJ has a limited playlist and it doesn’t include some of the most popular wedding songs then you could be in for a big disappointment. 

Before hiring a DJ in Chicagoland ask about their song selection. If they don’t have your favorite song then see if they can add it to their collection. 

3. Deciding Based on Price

According to the Knot, Chicago was the 3rd most expensive city in the country to get married. So, it is no surprise that one of your first questions is how much does a DJ cost.

While negotiating with your budget in mind is a smart idea, it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. When you decide on a DJ based on the price then you may lose quality. Instead, find a middle ground when comparing disc jockey costs to pick a fair price and the perfect DJ to make your wedding reception special. 

4. Choosing a DJ with Low Energy

A wedding is full of emotion, excitement, and energy. The last thing you want is to hire a DJ that brings the party down. Therefore, you should assess your DJ’s personality to see if they have what it takes to keep the party going. 

Their attitude isn’t the only factor. You also want to know if they have the right disc jockey equipment to provide a high vibe. Audio and visual stimulation is important so that your guests hear the music and get in the right mood with lighting. 

5. Not Interviewing the DJs

You can choose a DJ by reading online reviews, however, this isn’t the last step in picking one. Meet with each potential DJ in person to ask them questions and get to know them.

You can even get a sample of their work in person or view a recording of one of their other gigs.  

The Importance of Hiring a Disc Jockey for Your Wedding

The great part about hiring a disc jockey in Chicago for your wedding is that you get versatility. Your playlists can be endless and customizable and the energy is interchangeable. However, you need to find a professional DJ that caters to your wedding needs. 

Contact us for a personal consultation to get all your wedding DJ questions answered. 

Chicago wedding djs

7 Amazing Reasons Why You Must Have Chicago Wedding Djs in Your Event

Weddings are a cause for celebration: great people, delicious food, and lots of laughs, smiles, and memories to be created. Yet, no celebration is complete without fantastic music.

The entertainment you select for your special day should represent you; after all, it’s a chance to take your wedding to the next level. And with the average wedding DJ costing $1,200 you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.

In the Chicago area, you should consider Chicago wedding DJs for the big day. Here are seven excellent reasons you must have Chicago wedding DJs in your event.

Experience Level

One of the first reasons to trust Chicago wedding DJs for your wedding day is the level of experience. Working with a seasoned DJ, they can help keep your guests entertained. Having a DJ Chicagoland-style performance will have skills that can help them understand the vibe within the room.

You want them to be able to adjust the music quickly to keep the party going, all while being able to get everyone up and out of their seats.

Premium Service

Another reason to look for disc jockeys Chicago can provide is to offer premium service. You may be tempted to use a friend or family member to provide the music at your wedding. Yet, that doesn’t mean they will offer premium service.

When you hire Chicago wedding DJs, they provide a contract, and you can address any issues that may arise to ensure your big day is perfect.

The Proper Equipment

Professional Chicago Wedding Dj’s will have the proper equipment needed for your wedding. The speakers will be crisp, nondistorted, and audible from anywhere in the room.

Disc jockeys Chicago-based also have microphones, soundboards, and other essential equipment to make the entertainment portion of your wedding be without a hitch.

The best part is that the equipment they use is a top-of-the-line set-up, and break downtime is minimal.

Creating an Experience

An experienced Disc Jockeys in Chicago know how to keep the momentum going during your wedding. They can set the tone all night, creating a smooth experience by quickly switching from one song to another.

You won’t have to worry about any gaps of silence or those uncomfortable rhythm transitions. They will read the crowd to provide music at a faster or slower pace.

Furthermore, they will find the perfect time to take guest song requests and play the right songs that further enhance your big day’s mood and desired theme.

Expert Planning

Having suitable Chicago wedding DJs will allow you access to expert planning before your wedding day. Disc jockeys in Chicago tend to consult with their clients beforehand to ensure that all details are taken care of.

They will have the correct song list and any announcement request played at the right time.

Variety of Music

Professional Chicago wedding DJs have a variety of music that they can use. They can make a specific playlist for special moments during your wedding event.

This makes them an asset to you because you may want them to play songs from different eras or a mix of genres. They will also provide their expert advice on how the music should flow.

Furthermore, they may offer suggestions on songs to have the specific version you desire.

Happy Endings

Having a wedding is a big deal. Yet, Chicago wedding DJs can take the stress away from dealing with a band or solo artist.

Hiring a Chicago DJ to handle your wedding entertainment will give you a sense of peace to create a happy ending.

Ready to Book Your Chicago Wedding Djs for Your Next Event?

Choosing the best Chicago wedding DJs to care for your wedding entertainment needs is a wise choice. They can provide excellent service, a variety of music, proper equipment, and expert advice.

So if you are ready to book a Chicago wedding, DJs say no more. Reach out today to our dedicated team and get the party started!

wedding djs prices

Wedding DJs: Prices, Benefits and More

Have you ever been to a wedding with a live band that was way too loud and ruined the mood? Live music is great, but it can be far too risky for the most important celebration in your life. That’s why, for most people, a DJ is the best option.

There are a lot of advantages to hiring a DJ for your big day. But there are a lot of services out there and not all of them are created equal. Also, wedding DJs’ prices can vary depending on what services you are looking for. 

The information below goes over the different wedding DJ benefits and the many reasons you should hire one. It also covers some basic pricing considerations, so that you can find a DJ to suit your budget as well as your other wedding planning needs.

Why Hire a Wedding DJ?

In 1940, radio commentator Walter Winchell coined the term “disc jockey,” referring to hosts who marshaled the seamless flow of music from different records. It was considered a huge responsibility to create a ballroom or concert-type feel for listeners.

Since that time, DJs have played a central role in a range of parties and events, including wedding receptions. There are some good reasons for that. Here are a few for you to consider.

Variety

Remember that your wedding reception will be full of people from different parts of your life. They will be of all ages and have distinct tastes.

You’re unlikely to find a band that can play many different genres, much less switch seamlessly between them. And they may or may not be able to entertain requests.

A DJ will work with you to put together a playlist that will have something for everyone. A professional DJ will spend many hours of event planning. They will work with you to ensure that the reception goes exactly as you envision.

Professionalism

A DJ is not just someone who can run through a playlist. They are a professional who understands how the music they play influences the event.

DJs can read the room and set the tone. They can inject energy into the crowd or slow things down when suitable. And they can do all this seamlessly so that you and your guests can focus on having a good time.

Wedding DJs Prices

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of hiring a DJ over a band is cost. Wedding DJs prices may vary, depending on their level of experience and professionalism. But you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,500 for one, depending on the duration of the event.

Find a Wedding DJ Near You

Now that you have an idea of the many benefits of hiring a professional and experienced DJ, you can decide which one is right for your event. Remember to ask for a wedding DJ’s prices and breakdown. You’ll have the peace of mind that you’re getting good value for your money and that your wedding reception will be fun and memorable.

An Enchanted Evening has been providing professional wedding DJ services for over 25 years. We have won more than a dozen industry awards, including The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award 10 times. Reach out to us today for pricing and to learn more about why we can provide the best wedding DJ for your wedding reception.

bride tossing bouquet after choosing best wedding DJ and asking wedding DJ questions

10 Questions You Should Hear from Your Wedding DJ

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.

beautiful summer wedding with lighting and beautiful dance floor

Your Fool-Proof Formula for Planning the Best Wedding Reception

If only planning a rocking wedding reception was as easy as basic math! Fortunately, it can be—if you use these tips for planning a wedding dance your guests’ll be talking about long after the honeymoon is over.

Spend your budget on things your guests care about.

Setting a wedding budget should be one of your first steps of planning a wedding reception—and an incredibly important one. Your wedding budget is your chance to allocate your dollars for items that play the biggest role in making the wedding reception incredible for you and your guests. These big-ticket items include: venue, food, and entertainment.

Research your vendors.

Once you’ve allocated your funds, it’s time to hire the professionals that can turn your vision into reality. While it may be tempting to just hire the first caterer or wedding DJ you find online, it’s incredibly prudent to research potential vendors before you hire them.

There are a few ways to research vendors: in-person (at a friend or family member’s wedding), online, or from recommendations. Obviously, the first method is the most reliable; if they did awesome at another event, you know they are high-quality. However, don’t forget to ask the couple that hired them about their experience with the vendor. You don’t want to hire someone that doesn’t return your calls or is difficult to deal with.

If you research venues online, always check third-party websites for reviews from other couples. There are a quite reputable sites for wedding vendors, such as Wedding Wire, the Knot, and Yelp.

The last way to get names of wedding vendors is to ask friends or family. If you ask friends or family for recommendations, be careful about “my brother…” or “my friend’s cousin has a DJ service.” While it might be appealing to hire a low-cost wedding DJ, the hire also comes with a risk. Unfortunately, many one-man DJ services offer a one-size-fits-all playlist with no chance for customization. They typically don’t have back-up DJ in case of an emergency or back-up equipment after a breakdown.

Interview, interview, interview.

Before signing on the dotted line, you should always interview each and every wedding vendor. Ask every wedding vendor about their availability, liability insurance (incredibly important), cancellation policy, costs (including the number of hours and services), additional fees (i.e. overtime fees, travel fees), plus a few other important questions. (Here are some specific questions for a wedding caterer and wedding DJ.) If you’re serious about hiring them, always ask about any deadlines so you can stay on schedule with your wedding planning.

Trust the pros.

You’ve hired your wedding vendors because you trust them. Now it’s time to enjoy the wedding planning process, take a few de-stressing breaks, and look forward to your special day!

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your DJ

wedding DJ equipment at wedding receptionWedding planning can be exciting, overwhelming, exhilarating and, at times, fun. It can also feel a little crazy at times when you’re trying to get more…more atmosphere, more wedding planning tasks checked off, more for your money. That’s why we’ve put together tips that can help you accomplish all three of these “mores”—at least where your DJ is concerned.

Be aware of the ‘give and take’ when hiring a DJ.

If you want to take advantage of all the perks of hiring a DJ, you need to give to make the most of their services. Give your wedding DJ information such as the numbers of other vendors (so they can coordinate on the day of), name pronunciations, any sound volume restrictions, songs you want and don’t want played. Be careful if your DJ doesn’t ask for this information or do anything with it.

Look for a package deal.

Packaging wedding services more can be helpful in two ways: financially and task organization. It’s more for less financially, as they say. Getting more from your DJ, such as lighting and other entertainment, in a package deal can save you time searching for other vendors that can provide the same services. Don’t be shy to ask about any extras that can be included, or search for companies that offer services that you want packaged.

Choose a DJ that goes the extra mile.

If you want to get the most out of your wedding DJ, search for a DJ that does more than just play music. Ask your wedding DJ about their experience coordinating with other vendors. Quality DJs can coordinate their services with your venue, photographer, videographer, and any other wedding vendors so you can get the most out of your wedding DJ service.

Don’t just hire a wedding DJ.

When emergencies happen, you don’t want to have to search for another DJ or equipment—and you certainly don’t want to pay for more. To get the most out of your DJ, look for a wedding DJ with a back-up plan: another experienced wedding DJ and equipment plan for those ‘just in case’ situations. Hiring a professional with a professional back-up gives you peace of mind—and two wedding DJs for the price of one.