event dj in chicago

How to Create a Magical Evening With Your Event DJ in Chicago, IL

Want to know how you can make your next event feel extra special? It’s no secret: hire an event DJ in Chicago, IL. Hiring a professional DJ will add an energetic ambiance and enhance any setting, making sure all your guests have a memorable experience. With the right music selection and entertaining atmosphere, you can create a magical evening full of fun and laughter that everyone will remember.

Since 1998, An Enchanted Evening has been providing amazing event entertainment in Chicagoland, turning functions like weddings and corporate parties into something extraordinary. If you have an upcoming event in the Chicago area, let us know so we can get started on planning your perfect night! From choosing awesome equipment to scaling up production if needed, here are some of our tips and tricks on how to make the most of your event:

Start Planning Early

The earlier you start planning for your event, the more time there is to prepare. When it comes to hiring an event DJ in Chicago, IL, we recommend starting at least four to six months before your big day. Planning ahead will give you plenty of time to review and discuss music playlist options that fit the theme and atmosphere of your gathering. If you want to save valuable time down the line, choose An Enchanted Evening as your entertainment company; our experienced and professional event DJs can help you make sure everything the night-of will be stress-free.

Our event DJ in Chicago, IL, will make sure to find out what type of atmosphere you’re going for, as well as your goals for the evening. Having this information will help the DJ understand what kind of music to play and how to interact with your guests.

Lights, Sounds, Visuals: Use Your Imagination

The perfect event doesn’t just happen out of the blue; it takes creativity and careful planning. A great place to start when building your atmosphere is by being mindful of the lights, decor, and sound setup. Setting up mood lighting can instantly add a touch of romance or energy to a room while also helping capture beautiful moments throughout the night. When selecting decorations, try avoiding designs that can distract guests from dancing or enjoying the atmosphere.

Finally, make sure you have the proper sound system and audio equipment for your event DJ in Chicago to work with. At An Enchanted Evening, we provide the highest-quality professional-grade equipment so guests can fully enjoy their experience without any worries. From high-end speakers and amplifiers to multiple turntables and other audio accessories, our team will ensure everything is perfectly set up for a successful night.

Involve Your Guests

Creating an environment that involves your guests is a surefire way to keep them entertained throughout the evening. When working with an event DJ in Chicago, IL, you can ask for requests and feedback from your guests to make sure everyone is having a great time. At An Enchanted Evening, our DJs are experts at reading the crowd—they will start off by playing more mainstream music everyone can enjoy and end up transitioning into songs that are tailored to different partygoers’ interests.

In addition to music, consider setting up interactive activities, such as a photo booth. An Enchanted Evening’s photo booths are unique experiences in themselves as they are actually true arcade-style photo booths.

Top Rated Event DJ in Chicago, IL

At our production company, we take quality seriously and make sure to only use the best technology and services to give guests a truly unforgettable experience. Reach out to us today for more information about our services or to learn more about hiring an experienced event DJ in Chicago, IL!

wedding dj

What Is a Wedding DJ Responsible For?

Organizing a wedding can be quite a project. Between catering, decorations, and a venue to host your festivities, there are many specialized professionals to bring together for your big day. One of the most important contributors is none other than the wedding DJ. But what exactly comes with selecting this professional entertainment? From setting the overall atmosphere and tone to helping create stress-free memories, here’s everything you need to know about what An Enchanted Evening’s wedding DJs are responsible for:

Setting the Right Mood for the Occasion

Our wedding DJ creates the perfect atmosphere and energy at your special event. We have the extraordinary task of selecting the right music to reflect the occasion and managing any technical issues that may come up with sound equipment. We are also responsible for providing a unique experience by mixing in some creativity to create a memorable soundtrack. Furthermore, we can help coordinate other essential components, such as lighting or video screens, to add a modern touch to your celebration.

Your Special Emcee

In addition to providing the perfect soundtrack, our wedding DJ is also responsible for being your master of ceremonies. We’ll have the pleasure of introducing the bridal party and any other important announcements throughout the reception. A good wedding DJ should be able to keep up with the event’s flow while entertaining guests through witty, tasteful comments or jokes. At An Enchanted Evening, we strive to ensure everyone at your party has a fun time while keeping everything on track.

Keeping Your Program Flow Organized

On top of establishing the mood, our wedding DJ can also help keep everything organized throughout your day. From getting everyone in place for crucial moments to ensuring everyone’s favorite songs are queued up and ready to go, we can easily and seamlessly help you maintain the program flow of your event. Our wedding DJ will also keep the crowd informed and engaged, preventing awkward silences or lulls throughout the night.

Crisis Control

Our wedding DJ can help control or cover up any unforeseen issues that may arise during your special day. From managing last-minute changes or taking control of the dance floor, our wedding DJs will do their best to keep your special day running smoothly. Our wedding DJs have years of experience and are trained to professionally handle hiccups or disruptions so that you can still enjoy an amazing night without any added stress.

Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicagoland

From assisting with grand introductions or entertaining guests during dinner, we know how to break the ice and get everyone involved in the fun! All in all, our wedding DJs can help turn your special day into an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.

At An Enchanted Evening, we understand the significance of your special day and strive to ensure everything runs as planned. Operating since 1998 and with countless industry awards (including from The Knot and WeddingWire), our wedding DJs in Chicagoland know what it takes to create an atmosphere that reflects the joys of your union while also keeping everything organized until the very end. To discover more about how we can help create a beautiful event for you and the people in your life, contact us today!

disc jockeys in Chicago

Disc Jockeys in Chicago: 3 Benefits of Hiring a DJ

Wedding DJs are an integral part of a wedding. In the United States, the average cost of a DJ is between $875 and $1,100.

If you want your guests to have a good time at your wedding reception, you must have a few key things. Good food and ample seating are two things; another is excellent music. Music can make or break your event and is present in almost every aspect of the wedding, from the ceremony music to getting people on the dance floor at the reception.

This article covers three great benefits you gain from hiring disc jockeys in Chicago for your event. Keep reading to learn more.

1. They Have the Right Equipment

One of the primary benefits of hiring disc jockeys in Chicago is they supply professional equipment with their services. Proper sound equipment is essential for your guests to have a good time. Furthermore, the DJ will have the necessary experience in using the equipment and will arrive before the event starts to set it up.

When you hire a professional DJ with their own professional equipment, you don’t need to rely on a Spotify playlist from your smartphone. This makes paying the cost of a DJ worthwhile.

2. They Provide Ambiance

Experienced disc jockeys will know how to read the room and adjust the beats accordingly. For example, when food is served, your DJ will change the music to something more appropriate for the activity. Typically music such as soft, smooth jazz is played during dinner, and then the music gets kicked up later for dancing.

If you use an iPhone to manage your music, you cannot easily change the music if you see the dance floor is waning. Professional DJs in Chicago will notice when a particular tempo is not working and change it to something different. This can mean the difference between a full and an empty dance floor.

3. A Wide Range of Music

The third benefit you gain from professional disc jockeys in Chicago is access to their music collection. While using Spotify may be a tempting way to save money, it will take you a long time to assemble a worthy playlist.

Wedding DJs will have their own music collection and extensive catalog knowledge. This makes it easy for them to find and play the right music for your event. When you use an iPhone and Spotify to manage your playlist, you’re at the mercy of whatever song is next in the queue.

Hire Top Disc Jockeys in Chicago for Your Event

Too often, people assume omitting the DJ from their event will save money. While true, it’s at the expense of your event’s success.

When using an iPhone to play your music, you must compile your own playlist and find a guest to manage it. Hiring disc jockeys in Chicago will be the difference between a mediocre party and a great one.

Find the best DJ for your event by looking at our services. With over 6,000 events completed and over a dozen awards, you can’t go wrong with An Enchanted Evening.

dj chicagoland

3 Reasons to Hire Chicagoland DJ Services

Americans planned more than 2.5 million weddings in 2022. The average cost of a wedding in the US is between $28,000 and $35,000.

So many things go into planning a wedding, from buying the dress, planning seating arrangements, and securing the entertainment. One vendor you need to book is your DJ. Without one, your event will be severely lacking in entertainment and ambiance.

Keep reading if you’re throwing a party and want the best beats around. Here are three reasons you want to hire a DJ in Chicagoland for your event.

1. No Music, No Fun

The first reason you have disc jockeys in Chicago is that without them, there won’t be any music. People come to a function to have fun, and for many, that includes dancing.

Music can also play a part in the overall feel of the event. A talented DJ can adjust the music according to what is happening when it happens.

If your guests are eating, your DJ will switch to music more appropriate for dining, but when dinner is done, your DJ will turn up the beats to get everyone dancing. DJs know how to read a room and keep it going, which is one of the best reasons to hire one.

2. Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Secondly, DJs in Chicago can assist if you need to make announcements during your event. Professional DJs can make excellent MCs for your function and make announcements to the guests when needed. For example, your DJ can let your guests know when it’s time for dinner or when the bouquet is about to be tossed.

You want to ensure you choose a charismatic DJ in your interview, so you know what energy you’ll be getting on the day. You must find a DJ who is comfortable interacting with people. Otherwise, you may end up with a bland party.

3. Tools of the Trade

Finally, another important reason to hire a Chicagoland DJ is that they will have all the right equipment for your event. There are better ways to provide music to your guest than using an iPhone to play music through a speaker.

Instead, hiring disc jockeys means they will supply their own professional equipment. This means you save time and money by not having to source sound equipment while planning everything else.

Find Your Perfect DJ in Chicagoland Today

Planning an event can be stressful, and you need to have everything organized well before the time if you want it to be successful. Take time interviewing several DJs before you commit to one. You want to be sure they know what they’re doing musically and can act as an MC if this is a service you need.

Look at our services if you’re looking for a DJ in Chicagoland for your next function. With experience from more than 6,000 events, our professional DJs will engage your guests for an incredible evening of fun and dancing.

Hire a DJ

Why You Should Hire a DJ Even if You Have a Wedding Band

1.68 million couples got married in the USA in 2020. When it comes to planning a wedding, music is a crucial component. Deciding whether to hire a DJ or a band is a big part of the decision-making process.

It sets the tone for the night and can make or break the overall atmosphere. While a wedding band is a popular choice for many couples, hiring a DJ in addition to the band can offer many benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider hiring a DJ even if you already have a wedding band.

Difference Between A DJ and A Band

A DJ and a band are two different forms of musical entertainment for events.

A DJ typically uses pre-recorded music and plays it through a sound system. They can play a wide range of music genres and often use mixing software to create a seamless and energetic flow.

DJs often have a vast music library and can quickly switch between songs to accommodate the changing mood and atmosphere of the event.

On the other hand, a band typically consists of live musicians who perform their versions of popular songs or original music. Bands can create a unique and personal atmosphere.

Their performance can be customized to fit the specific event. They can also often take requests and interact with the audience, which can add an extra level of excitement.

Why Hire Both

More Variety

One of the main advantages of hiring a DJ is the wide range of music genres and styles that they can play. A DJ can play anything from classic rock to today’s top hits, which means there will be something for everyone to enjoy. This can keep the dance floor lively and ensure your guests are entertained throughout the night.

Increased Flexibility

A DJ can quickly change songs and adjust the music to suit the mood and energy of the crowd. If your guests feel more energetic, the DJ can play faster-paced music to keep the party going.

If the mood changes and your guests are looking for something more relaxed, the DJ can easily switch to slower, more laid-back songs. They can also make announcements and coordinate events throughout the night, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

More Professional Sound

A Chicago DJ typically has a better sound system and lighting setup than a wedding band, which can enhance the event’s overall atmosphere. The sound quality will be better and the lighting can create a more exciting and dynamic environment. This will keep your guests engaged and entertained.

Backup Option

In case of an unexpected issue with the wedding band, having a DJ as a backup can ensure that the music continues and the party doesn’t stop. Whether it’s a technical issue or a band member getting sick. Having a DJ on hand can give you peace of mind knowing that the music will continue and your guests will still have a great time.

Make Your Wedding Day Special: Hire a DJ

Music is a crucial aspect of any wedding, especially in Chicago. When you hire a DJ or wedding band can add an extra layer of excitement and make your celebration unforgettable. With the right music, your guests will be entertained and the wedding party will be unforgettable.

Enchanted Evening offers talented disc jockeys and musicians to bring your wedding day to life. Our team understands the importance of your special day and is committed to delivering high-quality entertainment. Make your Chicago wedding unforgettable. Hire a Chicago DJ, a wedding band or both from Enchanted Evening. Contact us today to learn more.

DJ Costs

DJ Costs: Does a DJ Charge per Hour or per Event?

The term “disk jockey” was invented in 1935. It has remained a popular term since then and many people have made a living from being a DJ. A DJ is a great thing to have at your next event, whether it’s a graduation party or a wedding. 

But what about the DJ costs? Does a DJ charge by the hour or by the event? How can you make sure you choose the right option for your budget?

Keep reading and learn more about it below.

What You Need to Know About DJ Costs

The cost of a DJ will depend on what kind of DJ you’re hiring. It will also depend on what kind of event you’re planning. Many DJs charge by the hour. 

This makes it simpler for the DJ to determine how much they should be paid. It is also easier for you to determine how much money you will need to spend for a certain period of live music.

Suppose you need a DJ for four hours. 

This will cost you around $400 on average.

This would be for an ordinary event such as a bachelor party, a graduation party, and so on. This may sound like a lot of money, but this is the going rate for a high-quality, professional DJ

You may have to pay more for more extravagant events like a wedding. A wedding DJ may cost you around $500 for four hours. But you may pay a fraction of that price at a more toned-down party like a corporate event. 

Such an event may cost you $300 for four hours of music. Your location also matters. Some DJs in big cities like Miami or New York City charge more compared to DJs in more rural areas. 

The Details

You may also pay more for a more prestigious and well-known DJ. This is because their services are more sought-after and it will be harder to book them. This causes their price per hour to go up. 

When hiring a DJ, you can also look for one who charges by the event. This is not as common as DJs that charge by the hour. You may want to find a DJ that charges by the event if your event is going to be very long. 

The DJ may give you a fixed rate for the event. The DJ will charge more if the event is very large and long-lasting. Some events may cost you a few hundred dollars while others may cost thousands. 

The cost may vary depending on the DJ’s experience too. The more experienced the DJ is, the better they will be at doing their job. But a more experienced DJ will also be more expensive. 

You will have to balance the quality of the DJ with your budget. 

All about the Cost of Hiring a DJ

DJ costs can be quite expensive. This is why it is important to know your options. You can get a DJ that charges by the hour or by the event. 

Choosing the right option will ensure that you don’t go overboard on your budget. To learn more about DJs, check out our services

disc jockeys chicago

How to Choose the Right Wedding Disc Jockey

Did you know that as recently as the 1920s, it was good etiquette for the bride and groom to let their guests dance first? Nowadays, though, the first dance is usually allocated to the bride and groom. You choose a special song beforehand for that first dance and that’s considered the first dance of the rest of your happy life together. 

And all this is made possible through the efforts of the wedding disc jockeys in Chicago who set up the music and ambiance, not only for the first dance but for all the dances on your wedding day. Keep reading to find out how you can choose the best wedding DJ for your upcoming big day. 

Consider Their Costs

If you are on a realistic budget for your wedding, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still get a great wedding DJ for that cost. Wedding DJ prices do range from affordable to exorbitant, so you will want to do your research when you go through any potential DJ companies. 

Consider Their Experience 

Additionally, you will want to find a wedding DJ who has widespread experience in setting up a fun evening of dancing and music. For example, our company has been in the business since 1998 and has performed at over 6000 events since then. 

With this kind of experience, you know that no matter what kind of wedding you will be holding with whatever theme, we will be able to set up the music necessary to make it a delightful experience. 

Consider Their Reputation

You will want to look at the production company’s reputation both online and offline. You can do this by checking out all online reviews on Google or Yelp. Read through both the positive and negative ones to see what previous customers say about them. 

Also, check out their website and see if they have any written or video testimonials on there. If you know anyone who has used them as a wedding DJ before, then speak to them to see what they say about the company. 

Finally, look through all the awards that the company has won to date. Over the last ten years, our production company has received more than a dozen industry awards. We are 9-time winners of The Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Award and The Knot’s Best of Weddings Award. We also won The Knot’s Hall Of Fame Award and this is just the beginning for us!

Hire the Best Disc Jockeys in Chicago

Don’t make it hard on yourself – choose An Enchanted Evening as your wedding disc jockeys in Chicago, so you can have at least one part of your wedding set up without worries. 

We are ready to help you make your wedding reception a memorable one. Please contact us today if you have any questions about the types of wedding DJs we have or any other questions related to your wedding planning. 

disc jockeys in chicago

5 Hiring Tips for Disc Jockeys in Chicago

According to a recent survey, 40% of those involved in wedding planning labeled it as ‘extremely stressful,’ and 71% found it more nerve-wracking than other major life events like searching for a job.

But weddings aren’t the only events that are stress-inducing. If you are planning a school dance or a business event that requires music, then you are probably tense about that as well. Keep reading to learn 5 hiring tips that can help you choose the best disc jockeys in Chicago for your event. 

1. Check Out How Professional Their Equipment Is

Not that you are an expert on what professional DJ equipment looks like, but if they are going to show up at your event without any equipment, and just a laptop and some CDs, then that might be a problem. Go visit their studio or their workplace and check out what kind of equipment they will bring to your event day to gauge their expertise.

2. How Easy Is It to Get in Touch With Them

You want to hire someone who isn’t so busy that they miss your phone calls or messages and don’t get back to you for days on end. This will create problems for you as the event day approaches, and you have questions or inquiries for them, but they are never around to answer you. 

3. Do They Have a Plan for Your Day?

If you have already given them an idea of what your event will look like, they should have created a bit of a plan for what kind of music they will bring to your event. Ask them about it to see if you like their choices. 

4. How Friendly and Likable Are They

You want to choose a school dance DJ who is likable. That is, they should have a personality that isn’t too standoffish or aloof. This will ensure that children and adults can go up to them and make requests without fear. 

Also, it’s much easier to work with someone who you like rather than someone who rubs you the wrong way. 

5. Do They Fall In Your Budget Range?

You must choose disc jockeys in Chicago that fall in your budget range. There’s no need to spend too much money on something like that since there are many affordable, professional, and experienced school DJs out there.

Disc Jockeys in Chicago – Ready to Hire One?

Now that you are aware of some hiring tips, you are ready to make your decision and choose the best school dance DJ for your upcoming event. If you haven’t found disc jockeys in Chicago yet, then contact An Enchanted Evening today.

We are ready to make your event a memorable one with a fun night of dancing, music, and fun. We bring decades of experience to the table, and we have won many accolades from the industry due to our ability to wow our customers. 

Corporate Holiday Party

How to Find the Right DJ for Your Corporate Holiday Party

There are more than 13,000 DJs to choose from in the United States–that’s a lot of options! 

Having the right music at your holiday party is essential to creating the right atmosphere. If you’re beginning your search for the perfect DJ and aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help.

Keep reading for a quick list of things to consider when choosing a DJ for your corporate holiday party. 

Look for a DJ with the Right Experience

There are different DJs for all types of events, from birthday parties to weddings to backyard hangouts. Just because a DJ has experience doesn’t mean their experience is the kind you’re looking for.

Make sure the DJ you’re considering has experience specifically in doing corporate holiday parties. Ask them about their previous events that were similar to yours and how they typically plan for them. 

Understand the DJ’s Style

Just like people all have different music tastes, DJs have different styles when it comes to how they choose their music and energize a crowd. 

Try to find details about your potential DJ’s style and what type of music they’re most comfortable playing. A great way to uncover some of this information is through their website, which likely has links to videos of them working or song lists that show what you can expect from booking them. 

If you want your corporate holiday party to play themed music, ask the DJ if this is something they’ve done before or feel confident they can carry out. 

Look at the DJ’s Reviews Online

When finding the right DJ, you want to choose one that not only has experience but who leaves a strong positive impression. The best way to find evidence of this is by reading their reviews from past clients. 

Look for reviews on sites like Google or Yelp that are unbiased and that offer both positive and negative insights into what the DJ experience would be like so you can decide if this DJ sounds like the right one for your event. It’s also likely that the DJ has testimonials on their website you can read as well.

Ask About the Backup Plan

While hopefully unlikely, it’s always possible that the DJ you choose will get sick or have something come up that makes them unable to work your event. In this case, a backup plan is crucial to ensuring your event goes smoothly no matter what.

Ask the potential DJ what happens if they’re unable to DJ your party. Do they have someone on call who can come to replace them? A true professional will have a plan in place so you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong. 

Take Your Corporate Holiday Party to the Next Level

A corporate holiday party is the perfect setting for encouraging employees to relax, unwind, and have fun while still keeping it professional. The right DJ can make or break your event, which is why putting a little time into finding one that has the right experience and style for your party is so important.

Looking for a DJ for your holiday party in Chicago? Find out more about how our professional DJ services can make your event one to remember. 

Setting up the DJ Booth

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

DJs. They can make or break your corporate event. 

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

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

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

This is your guide. 

Choosing the Space 

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

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

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

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

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

Talk to Your DJ 

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

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

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

Start Setting Up the DJ Booth 

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

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