Category Archives: wedding reception playlist

Chicago DJ Services: Creating the Perfect Soundtrack for Your Celebration

January 5, 2025DJ, DJ playlist, wedding playlist, wedding reception playlistChicago DJ servicesMike Urban

Music has a magical way of making any celebration feel more special. It sets the mood, lifts spirits, and turns gatherings into unforgettable experiences. When it comes to big events, professional DJ services can make all the difference in Chicago. Imagine your favorite songs timed perfectly to highlight the most exciting moments or set a cozy, welcoming vibe as guests arrive. That’s where Chicago DJ services come in–providing the perfect soundtrack to elevate your celebration.

Why Choose Professional DJ Services for Your Event

Choosing Chicago DJ services means you’re getting more than just a playlist; you’re getting a pro with the skills to read the room and adapt on the spot. A professional DJ has experience and flexibility, knowing when to keep the beat calm and when to pump up the energy. They’ll work with you to create a customized playlist that suits your event’s mood, whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a corporate gathering. They’ll also mix songs smoothly so there’s never an awkward pause, keeping everyone in the moment.

Understanding Different Types of Events and Music Needs

Different events call for different types of music and atmosphere. At weddings, Chicago DJ services help set a romantic tone, blending sweet love songs with upbeat tracks to get people on the dance floor. For corporate events, the DJ maintains a polished, professional vibe, with background music that never overpowers the conversation. And for birthday parties or social gatherings, the playlist can be a mix of lively tunes that keep guests excited and entertained. Whatever the event, Chicago DJ services can customize the sound to fit perfectly.

How Chicago DJ Services Personalize Your Event Soundtrack

One of the best things about working with Chicago DJ services is how they make the music feel personal. Before your event, the DJ will consult with you, asking about your favorite genres, artists, and specific songs you want to include. They listen to your ideas and craft a playlist that matches the theme and vibe you’re going for. This way, the music isn’t just a background–it’s a reflection of your personality and the spirit of your celebration.

Setting the Right Tone: From Ceremony to Dance Floor

A great DJ doesn’t just play songs; they help guide the event’s flow. At a wedding, for example, Chicago DJ services might start with soft music for the ceremony, switch to light tunes for the cocktail hour, and then play more energetic tracks for dancing. Their job is to keep everything moving smoothly, using music to match each part of the event perfectly. You’ll feel the natural transitions as the event shifts from one phase to another, making every moment feel right.

Top Features of Chicago DJ Services

Chicago DJ services come with high-quality sound equipment, so every song sounds clear and crisp. Many DJs also offer extras like lighting and MC services, adding an extra layer of excitement. An experienced DJ can make announcements, introduce key parts of the event, and keep the energy up, ensuring guests feel connected and engaged.

Choosing the Best DJ Service in Chicago

When selecting the right DJ for your event, look for experience, style, and positive reviews. Find a DJ who understands your vision and can adapt to your preferences. It’s important to work with someone who listens to your needs and respects the mood you want to create.

Explore Our Services Today

Chicago DJ services provide the expertise and energy to make any event memorable, turning your celebration into something unforgettable. Ready to create the perfect soundtrack for your big day? Reach out to our team at An Enchanted Evening by calling (847) 490-1000. We’ll work with you to make your vision come to life, ensuring your event is filled with music that everyone will love.

Choosing the Right Music for Your Wedding Playlist

September 19, 2024DJ playlist, wedding playlist, wedding reception playlistwedding DJ, wedding playlistMike Urban

Every wedding tells a story, and music is the emotional thread that weaves it together. Music can evoke emotions, bring back memories, and create a certain vibe that aligns with your vision for the day. Whether it’s the soft strings during your vows or the upbeat hits that get everyone dancing, music sets the tone for your wedding.

Creating a well-thought-out wedding playlist isn’t just about picking songs you like; it’s about curating a soundtrack that enhances each part of your celebration. With the right tunes, you can ensure that your wedding day is not only memorable but also uniquely yours. Our team at An Enchanted Evening is here to explain.

Identifying Your Musical Preferences

Couple’s Preferences

Start by discussing your musical tastes with your partner. Think about your favorite genres, artists, and songs. Are there tracks that hold sentimental value or remind you of significant moments in your relationship? Including these personal touches will make your playlist even more meaningful.

Guest Considerations

While your wedding day should reflect your tastes, it’s important to consider your guests as well. A balanced playlist will cater to your friends and family, ensuring everyone has a good time. Think about the age and demographic of your guest list. Mixing in some timeless classics with modern hits can appeal to a wide audience.

Key Moments and Music Selection

Ceremony

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day, and the music you choose will create a profound and emotional atmosphere. For the processional, consider songs that are meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it’s a traditional wedding march or a contemporary love song, the music should capture the moment’s significance.

Cocktail Hour

During the cocktail hour, aim for background music that sets a relaxed and elegant tone. Including instrumental music or soft vocal tracks on your wedding playlist works well here, allowing guests to mingle and chat without being overshadowed by the music.

Reception

The reception is where the party truly begins, and your music should reflect that energy. Start with a mix of romantic and upbeat tunes to set the mood for dinner and conversation. As the night progresses, gradually transition to high-energy songs that will get everyone on the dance floor.

Special Dances

Special dances are highlights of the reception, and choosing the right wedding playlist adds a personal touch. For your first dance, select a song that represents your love story. It could be “your” song or a track that holds deep meaning for both of you.

Contact Our Team Today

Hiring a DJ or live band can take a lot of pressure off your shoulders when it comes to planning your wedding playlist. Professionals bring expertise in song selection and transitions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. Our team at An Enchanted Evening offers an array of options that are sure to take your wedding to the next level. Explore your options with our team in the Chicagoland area by calling (847) 490-1000 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you make your wedding day as magical as you’ve always dreamed.

DIY Wedding Music vs DJ: 12 Pros and Cons

April 16, 2021wedding reception playlist, wedding music lists, wedding music tips, wedding reception music, wedding reception music chicago ilMike Urban

DIY wedding music or DJ? The choice is different for every couple, but may be easier to make after you’ve weighed the pros and cons.

Wedding DJ

Pro: Experienced emcee

It’s common to focus on the music when deciding between a DJ and DIY wedding music, however one of the biggest pros of a DJ is their ability as an emcee. An experienced wedding DJ keeps the dance floor packed and guests entertained! They can also draw on their past experience so they can choose the best playlist and dance floor games that fit with your wedding atmosphere. (Pro tip: don’t hesitate to ask the wedding DJ how many weddings they’ve emceed when you hire them, plus these other wedding DJ questions.)

Con: Cost

A wedding DJ is going to cost more than a DIY wedding playlist, but the cost difference may not be as big as you think. If you’ve got the equipment and have already paid for the songs, you won’t have to make much of an investment. On the other hand, coming up with your own wedding play list is a significant investment of money and time—the latter of which you may need for wedding planning.

Pro: Comes with HUGE playlist

A quality wedding DJ comes with a huge wedding playlist, so you’re sure to hear all your favorites! (Use this wedding music checklist to help you.) Plus, a wedding DJ has the expertise to “fill in the blanks” with songs that guests love.

Con: Equipment may break down

Wedding DJs can supply the best equipment, but it is prone to breakdowns like any other equipment. To prevent a stop in the action during your wedding, always ask your wedding DJ if they have back-up equipment available. Unfortunately, any equipment you use for a DIY wedding playlist can break down too.

Pro: Quality equipment

Most DJs come with some quality sound equipment that’s sure to make your guests feel like they are part of a dance party. When searching for a wedding DJ, you should be able to ask to see the equipment if you have any concerns. (Pro tip: always be careful about hiring an amateur with dated equipment or these other warning signs of bad wedding DJ.) If you want to get the same effect with DIY wedding music, be ready to do your research so you can get good sound equipment.

Con: DJ may be sick

Hiring a wedding vendor always comes with the risk that they may not be able to be there, but there are ways to avoid this scenario. Whenever you hire a wedding vendor (including a wedding DJ), always ask about their ‘plan B’ in case they get sick or have some other emergency. In the case of a wedding DJ, do your research (i.e. check reviews on wedding sites and social media) and make sure you hiring a reputable service.

DIY Wedding Music

Pro: Inexpensive

DIY wedding music is very affordable! It’s usually cheaper than a wedding DJ, though it does require money and time. Make sure you get speakers that adequately amplify music so everyone on the dance floor can hear and enjoy it.

Con: Need to find someone to make announcements and play music

Even if you have a fantastic playlist, you’ll still need someone to make announcements and “man” the DIY equipment. (Pro tip: always choose someone who is just dedicated to this task, and can do it well all night!) Make sure you choose someone who doesn’t have any other roles to fill—and make sure it’s not you, because you have other things to do throughout the reception.

Pro: You can make sure the list is full of your favorites

On the biggest perks of DIY wedding music is that you can make sure you play all your favorites. As you choose music, make sure you choose songs that your guests actually want to dance to. Plus, don’t forget to think about the right songs for your special moments, like your first dance, cake cutting, and parent-child dance.

Con: Takes a lot of time to customize playlist

It does take a lot of time to make a customized playlist, and wedding planning does come with a long wedding planning checklist. But if you’re up for the task, make sure you do your research and get started early.

Pro: Easy to do

If you love music, it’s fairly easy to find your favorite songs. Just make sure you make a long enough playlist; typically, you’ll need 18 songs per hour. You should also think about atmospheric music for dinner, cocktail hour, and any down time.

Con: If there is a break down, it takes time away from guests for troubleshooting

Unfortunately, even the best planned out DIY music comes with the risk of breaking down. Be aware that you may have to take time away from fun—and your guests—if any of your equipment breaks. The only way to avoid this is to have another person who can troubleshoot or have back-up equipment.

Wedding Reception Music: 10 Questions that Get You Awesome Wedding Songs

May 10, 2019wedding reception music, wedding reception music chicago il, wedding reception music IL, wedding reception playlist, wedding reception songs, wedding reception songs chicago ilMike Urban

The right wedding playlist that guarantees a packed dance floor is different for every couple. As wedding DJs, we’re firm believers that every couple’s wedding reception music should fit their big day (more than a Google search for the top wedding songs can do!)

The good news is that deciding on the right wedding songs can be as simple as sitting down together and asking the right questions. (Think of setting the right wedding playlist as another chance to get to know each other!) The answers to your questions can set the tone for the right wedding playlist, or give you answers to pass on to your band or wedding DJ.

What kind of wedding atmosphere are we trying to plan?

Wedding reception music can be an integral part of establishing a wedding atmosphere. Period specific music can go a long way toward reinforcing a vintage wedding with all those retro details. In the same way, the right wedding songs can be a sign of the trend-setting, modern wedding reception to come.

What is the budget for our wedding reception music?

Couples don’t need a huge wedding budget to get the best music, but they do need to allocate funds according to the items that make the biggest impact on guests. The amount in each category on the wedding budget checklist helps you decide on the right vendors for your big day. These tips can help you decide between a band and DJ, and choosing the right wedding entertainment for your big day.

Do we need an emcee for our wedding reception?

Couples often underestimate the importance of having an emcee to direct the crowd and keep guests on the dance floor. Emcees can make major announcements, point guests to major points of interest (such as a tasting bar or photo booth), and even assist with surprises. A professional emcee, such as a band leader or DJ, has the expertise to make the flow feel effortless and well-planned.

What are our favorite songs?

This is your big night. It’s normal to want a night filled with your favorite songs, but don’t get so set on the idea that you don’t listen to your band or DJ. Together, put your favorite songs down on paper (if you disagree on the list, give each other a certain number of vetoes). Once you’ve hired your wedding entertainer, pass on the list and let them mix it in with top wedding songs that fit with who you are as a couple.

What wedding songs do we hate?

No bride or groom wants to hear songs that give them the same sensation as nails on a chalkboard. In addition to ‘must play’ songs, draft a list of songs that you absolutely hate. Don’t overdo it! Be careful about marking too many of guests’ favorites so they don’t get the chance to dance to their favorite songs.

Do we have any favorite songs that we want for our entrance into the wedding reception?

Your entrance into your wedding reception can be as unique as you want it to be—and the right wedding song puts it over the top. If you have a favorite song that fits the mood you want for your entrance (think excitement, classical, or a song that reinforces a theme), now is the time to put it down on paper. Don’t worry if you can’t come up with the right song; your DJ or band can suggest songs that are right for your wedding reception.

Is there a special song that we want for our first dance?

Some couples have their first song set in stone the first night they meet. For others, it’s not so clear (this list of tips for choosing the first dance song can help). If you want to make the moment completely different, ask your DJ or band to select the right first dance song for the ultimate surprise.

Do we want to play any games during the wedding reception? Are there any surprises we want to include?

Just like wedding songs, put together a list of games that you love and hate (this list of wedding dance games can get you started). If you both hate wedding dance games, it’s okay to hold a wedding reception without a single game; make sure you let the wedding DJ or band know you hate games so there is a clear understanding. If you want to add a surprise to the wedding reception, such as a visitor or celebrity popping up unexpectedly (use this list of wedding surprises to start your planning), let the wedding DJ or band in on the secret. Often, they can take your surprise to another level with wedding songs and announcements.

Are there any curfews or volume limitations we need to follow?

If the wedding venue has any curfews or volume limitations, it’s better to know right away. If an over-the-top wedding dance is a top priority, include the question in the list of questions you ask the wedding venue. Always let the DJ or band know as soon as possible if the answer is a yes. Once you have those important details, use this wedding reception planning checklist and let the wedding planning fun begin.

Wedding Music Checklist: What do I need?

March 1, 2018wedding play list, wedding playlist, wedding reception music, wedding reception playlist, wedding reception songsMike Urban

Once you’ve finalized all the big details, it’s time to move on to planning the fun stuff: wedding music and entertainment. We’ve got a little bit of experience in that area (maybe a bit more…like 6,000+ weddings), so we put together a step-by-step checklist that can help you plan the perfect wedding music and entertainment for your big day.

What music do I need for my wedding?

In a traditional wedding, your wedding music typically follows this format:

Ceremony

___ Prelude

___ Music while parents are seated

___ Processional music for attendants

___ Processional music for bride

___ Recessional

Reception

___ Dinner & cocktail background music

___ Wedding party entrance music

___ First dance

___ Father-daughter dance

___ Mother-son dance

___ Bouquet & garter toss songs

___ Dance songs

How do I choose the right music for my wedding?

Your exact wedding playlist depends on the wedding theme or atmosphere you’re planning. The playlist for a vintage wedding with a Roaring 20’s theme is going to be very different than a rustic country wedding. Choosing the right wedding music can be as complicated as planning and executing a do-it-yourself option or as easy as choosing and trusting the right wedding entertainers.

Commonly, the latter option is split between two wedding entertainers: band and wedding DJ. Bands tend to be more expensive but can add to the atmosphere with a unique wedding theme. Wedding DJs are usually more affordable and can craft a playlist unique to your musical tastes (if they don’t, be careful and look for these other signs of a substandard DJ).

Whatever option you choose, understand that your wedding reception is not an isolated event; it’s part of your whole wedding. Choose music that fits with your wedding theme, or contact a DJ or band and give them all the details as you plan (for a seamless day, use a DJ for your ceremony and reception). A high-quality wedding entertainer can give meld the right wedding songs into a playlist that fits your special day—and makes your guests want to stay on the dance floor.

Wedding Playlist: How many songs do I need for my wedding?

March 16, 2017wedding play list, wedding reception music, wedding reception playlistMike Urban

Your wedding playlist should be as uniquely you as the colors you choose and your wedding décor. You can make that happen (and all the dancing that goes with it) by leaving your wedding playlist in your DJ’s hands. If you fancy yourself a music aficionado, however, you may want to take more of a hands-on approach to your wedding playlist.

A “typical” wedding playlist (though every wedding is different) includes the following:

Ceremony

Prelude
Music for seating the parents
Processional music for attendants
Processional music for bride
Recessional

Reception

Dinner & cocktail background music
Wedding party entrance music
First dance
Father-daughter dance
Mother-son dance
Bouquet & garter toss songs
Dance songs

Once you’ve made a list of what songs you need, use these tips to craft the perfect wedding playlist:

Hire an excellent DJ for your big day.

If you want the best music for your big day, hire the best DJ. Use these tips to find an experienced DJ that can take your input and run with it. Avoid amateur DJ’s that may sound like a great deal, but can’t offer you necessities for an awesome wedding reception like state-of-the-art equipment (and back-up equipment), a back-up DJ, and all the extras that take your evening to the next level.

Make a list of must-have wedding songs you have to hear

One sign of an excellent DJ? A DJ that asks for your favorite songs. Do you have special song that means something to you and your fiance, songs you love to dance to, or a favorite of your parents or friends that you would all love to dance to? Put them down on paper. To make sure your guests hear all their favorite tunes, add a line to your invitations and ask for their requests.

Make a list of songs you DON’T want to hear

Do you have a song you hate with a passion? Let your DJ know that too (along with this other important information).

Be realistic about the amount of songs that can be played

Remember, there are only so many songs that can be played at your wedding reception. Usually that number is about 15-20 songs per hour, so don’t be upset if every song on your list can’t be played.