wedding DJ

Your Wedding DJ Might Be the Most Important Vendor

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!

wedding dj

How Important Is a Wedding DJ?

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.

dj services

What Makes Our DJ Services So Special?

An Enchanted Evening offers the best DJ services for your next special occasion in the Chicagoland area! Your party attendees will have a blast dancing to the tunes spun by our expert DJs. Since our founding in 1998, our full-time, professional production business has performed at over 6,000 events. Over the last decade, we have won more than a dozen industry honors, including The Knot’s Hall of Fame Award and Best of Weddings Award, as well as Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice Award. Find out what makes our DJ services so special below.

What Do Our DJ Services Include?

All-Inclusive Rate

We don’t offer tiered packages that only allow you a certain amount of benefits if you pay less. Our services are all-in-one, meaning you’ll get everything listed below and more.

Personalized to Each Client

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all packages with the same generic playlists like other DJ companies do, we provide premium services geared toward each individual client. Before we get to work, we find out your musical preferences, what sort of “vibe” you’re going for, and what unique program you’re envisioning for your event. This includes asking you what kind of music you don’t like, too, as well as finding out what activities or hosting/entertainment style you want us to portray on the day of your event.

DJ & Emcee in One

Instead of having to book two separate entities to serve as your DJ and host for your evening, our DJ services offer the best of both worlds. Our professional DJs are expertly trained to play music, host, and adapt to any event that requires both skills to manage a crowd.

On-call Back-up DJ & Back-up Equipment System

Sometimes, unexpected issues happen, and things don’t go exactly as planned. With decades of entertainment experience in the event industry, we know this all too well and have stayed ahead of the game by ensuring we have appropriate back-up solutions for every gig. An Enchanted Evening always employs a sufficient team of professional DJs, entertainers, and equipment staff to handle all of our clients’ needs, no matter what happens.

Professional Digital Sound System

Our wonderful DJ services include all the high-quality sound equipment you would expect at a sophisticated and professional event. When you book us, you won’t have to worry about dealing with separate equipment vendors or planners to handle technical issues; we do it all.

Dance Floor Lighting

Did we mention that we also provide an engaging and modern dance floor lighting system? We choose to provide this along with our DJ services because, let’s be honest, lighting changes and transitions play a huge role in setting the perfect mood when coupled with entertaining music and hosting.

Wireless Microphones

Along with your DJ’s own microphone, we provide an ample set of wireless microphones to assist with any additional performances, speeches, or activities you’d like to include in your event.

Online Wedding Planning Account

Finally, when you sign up for our wedding DJ services, it will include access to your own personal online wedding planning account. Here, you can keep track of all the important details of our services as it relates to your big day. We know how important and stressful the planning process can be for weddings, so we like to make things a little easier for you by always keeping you informed.

The Best DJ Services in the Chicagoland Area

Why look anywhere else? An Enchanted Evening has everything you need and more from all the DJ services in the Chicagoland area combined. Get your personal consultation today by contacting us at (847) 490-1000.

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.