What to Look for When Hiring a Professional DJ

August 15, 2022DJMike Urban

It’s your big day; you’re finally married to the person you love most and surrounded by the most important people in your life. Now it’s time for the reception.

Did you hire the right DJ or make a mistake that could ruin the night?

It’s no exaggeration to say that having the right DJ at your wedding or event is crucial to keeping your guests in a good mood. That’s why you should consider certain factors when hiring them. Here’s what to consider when partnering with a professional DJ in the Chicagoland area.

They’re Professionals

Yes, a DJ is an artist, and having a certain uniqueness will make them memorable and fun to work with. However, you also want a professional DJ that takes their reputation and job very seriously.

For instance, you want them to arrive on time. You want someone with experience who knows how to read the room and react accordingly. If the crowd needs amping up, they’ll know what to play and how to bring people to the dance floor.

There are a ton of disc jockeys in Chicago, but you want a professional that will fit the mood of your event. Weddings and family-friendly events mean no swearing, for instance.

They Can Handle Emergencies

A violinist wouldn’t show up to a concert without their instrument, and an actor wouldn’t come to the set without memorizing lines. In the same way, a DJ should show up with all the equipment they need to keep the music coming through the night.

That also means preparing for any emergencies or technical problems. It happens! A professional wedding DJ should have equipment backups and know what to do if anything goes wrong.

They Have Good Reviews

Hiring an event DJ can be stressful, but reading reviews and testimonials can help put your mind at ease. Reviews will tell you a lot about a DJ, including their professionalism, personality, and ability to create a memorable night.

Good DJs will have tons of reviews from past clients, and a great testimonial will help to paint a picture of the night.

Another important piece of information you’ll get from reviews concerns the value.

The cost of hiring disc jockeys in Chicago varies, and factors such as how long you need them will affect that price. When hiring a professional DJ, you’ll often notice they offer packages for different events. Reviews can tell you more about affordability.

They Answer Your Questions

Chances are that you have some questions about what to expect. A professional DJ will answer any questions you have, tell you about their different services, give you a good quote, and so on.

If you have any requests for songs or need to know what kind of events they’ll do, now is the time to ask. Talking to them will also give you a good idea of whether they’re a good fit for your event too.

Find a Professional DJ

To amp up the crowds and keep the party going, you need a professional DJ. Use these tips to help you find the perfect match.

If you’re searching for DJs in Chicago, look no further! We’ve got you covered. Simply contact us to learn more and get a personal consultation.

How Much Does a DJ Cost for a Wedding?

August 8, 2022benefits of a DJMike Urban

Summer is here and it is a great time to have a wedding. Beautiful wedding weather will continue through the fall and many couples are taking advantage.

Did you know that the average wedding costs nearly $23,000? This average figure is skewed by the pandemic, as wedding costs were closing in on $30,000 in 2019.

Entertaining your guests is at the top of the priority list. Your goal as a couple is to throw a party that every guest will never forget.

This leaves many couples wondering how much do DJs cost at a wedding. Read on to learn about hiring a DJ and other topics related to wedding entertainment.

How Much Do DJs Cost?

The cost of a DJ depends on the services that you want and the options that you select. The best way to look at DJ hire costs is to start with a base price.

There are a number of factors that drive the base price. Location plays a major role in DJ pricing. DJs working in large cities like Chicago are going to cost more than one covering a rural Illinois area. In Chicago, the cost of a DJ ranges from $1,200 to $3,585.

The duration of the wedding is another driving factor. A five-hour wedding is going to cost more than a three-hour wedding. A DJ’s hourly rate is up to $150 so additional time is naturally going to increase the price.

Continue reading for a breakdown of other costs that may impact your quote. Explore DJ add-ons that are popular at Chicago weddings:

Photo Booths

Adding a photo booth to your wedding is one of the best ways to make it a memorable evening. Some companies provide a makeshift photo booth with a portable camera on a tripod.

Instead, we offer an Arcade photo booth cabinet. It is a heavy-duty metal structure with a built-in camera. All electronics are fully integrated into the photo booth including a professional-style printer.

Your guests can use our touchscreen monitor to select photos and printing options. Within 7 seconds, they are given 4 photos on a 2×6 photo strip. Guests can use our full array of photo props making for a fun session.

Lighting

Many wedding couples want specialized lighting to make their wedding venue even more special. High-quality lighting can spruce up even the dullest venue.

The newlyweds may want the ballroom to illuminate in specific colors. There is even the capability to write your name on the ballroom wall in our lighting.

Video Montage

There are so many great memories to share with your wedding guests. What better way than to display them on a projector screen for all to see?

The best wedding DJs can offer you a video montage service. They accompany your best video clips with the perfect song to draw the room’s attention.

Recapping Wedding DJ Pricing

Wedding DJ pricing is going to vary based on the couple’s needs. Variables like time, location, and add-ons are going to increase or decrease the price accordingly.

The best way to lock in a reliable price estimate is by meeting with a wedding DJ. If you are wondering how much do DJs cost for a wedding, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What You Can Expect From a Chicagoland DJ

July 11, 2022chicago wedding djsMike Urban

A DJ can make or break your special night.

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

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

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

How Much Does a DJ Cost?

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

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

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

More Than Music!

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

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

Keep the Party Going

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

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

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

Light Up the Night

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

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

Crowd Pleaser

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

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

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

Music Connoisseur

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

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

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

Best Chicagoland DJ For You

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

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

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

Disc Jockeys Chicago: How To Find the Perfect DJ for Your Wedding

July 4, 2022chicago il wedding djMike Urban

There are approximately 13,354 disc jockeys in the United States, a large portion of them in Chicago. Finding disc jockeys in Chicago that match your music needs can be difficult with the many options available.

However, knowing how to narrow down your options will ensure you find a DJ that best fits your needs.

Continue reading to learn how to hire the best disc jockeys in Chicago!

Hire Quickly

Finding wedding DJs can be difficult, especially at the peak of the wedding season. No matter your event, you’ll need to hire a disc jockey as soon as possible. Doing so will ensure you find a DJ that best matches your needs.

Waiting until the last minute could mean no DJs are available in your area. Therefore, you may not have any music for your event whatsoever.

Reviews

Not all disc jockeys have excellent customer service or play the best music. Looking up reviews will give you better insight into how the DJ does the job. These reviews will also give you an overall opinion of how crowds like their performance.

Start by going online and searching for reviews on the DJ. Always consider each comment and review, so you understand their work well. After researching, you can further narrow your options to a final few.

References

References are also a great tool when you want more information on how the DJ conducts their performance. Contact the DJ directly and ask for a list of references.

This list will have the contact information from a few of their previous clients. Take this time to ask these customers about their experience and if they would recommend their services.

Pricing

Pricing is a massive factor when hiring a disc jockey in Chicago. Wedding DJs’ prices can vary depending on what services they offer. For example, some DJs offer extras like photo booths, lighting, or videoing.

The best way to get a price estimation is to ask for a quote from each DJ. They will consider your needs and give you a price quote for your event.

Experience

Always consider each DJ’s experience to ensure you hire someone that understands your event. Usually, the more experienced, the better. More experienced DJs can usually read the room and understand what music best fits the moment.

Personality

A DJ’s personality plays a huge part in the event’s vibe. Their interaction throughout the night can help your event run smoothly. A DJ with a great personality can excite the crowd and elevate the night.

Hiring Disc Jockeys in Chicago

This guide will help you find the best disc jockeys in Chicago to hire for your next event. Hopefully, your party is filled with fun and dancing throughout the night.

Don’t forget to contact us today to book any of our DJ services. We will take great care of you here at An Enchanted Evening!

How Much Does a DJ Cost in Chicago?

June 13, 2022DJMike Urban

When you’re planning a big party, the budget is one of the most important factors to consider. This is particularly important for weddings, where the average cost in 2021 was a whopping $28,000!

You’ll need to factor in catering costs, the cost of your venue, and also entertainment. So, how much does a DJ cost? Read on to find out more about this important aspect of event planning.

How Much Does a DJ Cost?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question! Various factors will have an impact on how much you pay your DJ. One of the main considerations is how long you want the DJ to play for. Do you want background music for a meal, for example, before the main party begins? Or just a couple of hours of dancefloor classics at the end of the night?

DJs generally are booked for slots of around four hours, but they are usually willing to be flexible and work longer or shorter stints. You’ll need to factor in breaks and refreshments if you want a long session, though! Many DJs offer packages for specific lengths of time, to make the pricing structure clear.

The level of experience that the DJ has is also an important factor. More well-established and in-demand DJs in Chicago will of course charge more money for their services, but that extra level of expertise will be well worth the investment!

Disc Jockeys for Every Event

Disc jockeys in Chicago perform at many different types of events, and the type of event will affect the pricing. Wedding DJs’ prices tend to be the highest, with “coming of age” parties coming a close second. This could be a Sweet Sixteen or a bat or bar mitzvah celebration.

It’s important to consider the other roles that a DJ can take on in your celebration. It’s not just about playing music. They might also adopt the role of MC or dance master. A good DJ will be reading the room throughout the whole event, ensuring that everything is running smoothly.

Some DJs also offer additional services such as lighting and audio and video recording. You might want to hire a photo booth so that your guests can pose for photographs or even leave a video message for their hosts.

Wedding DJs Prices

A wedding DJ in Chicagoland can provide the perfect soundtrack to your celebration. The best disc jockeys in Chicago know how to provide appropriate music for each moment of the celebration and fill the dancefloor to provide your guests with a party to remember.

The amount of equipment the DJ needs to bring with them will also impact on the cost. The larger the venue, the more kit will be needed to ensure that the sound quality is perfect in every corner of the room.

Choosing a DJ for Your Party in Chicago

There are many factors that affect the answer to the question of how much does a DJ cost. The scope and scale of your party make this a variable question.

But you can be sure that whatever kind of event you have planned, the team at An Enchanted Evening can help you to plan it to perfection. We can’t wait to help you throw the best party ever!

Disc Jockeys in Chicago: Take Your Party to the Next Level

June 6, 2022good DJMike Urban

Planning a big celebration is a daunting task, whatever the occasion. But after the disruption of the last couple of years, people are getting ready to party again.

Whether you are planning a wedding, an anniversary, or a birthday celebration, there are a lot of things to consider. You need to find the perfect venue, organize catering and also choose the right entertainment.

Having a DJ at your party is a great way to ensure that it goes off with a bang. Read on to find out more about the best disc jockeys in Chicago, who are guaranteed to have your guests dancing all night.

Why Should You Hire a DJ in Chicagoland?

You might be tempted to just set up a playlist or ask a friend to play some music at your party. But there are a lot of good reasons to hire one of the many great disc jockeys in Chicago for your party.

Planning the perfect playlist takes time. Maybe you already have great ones on your phone for your gym workout or your early morning dog walk, but they won’t be right for your party. If you hire a DJ for your party, they can take away all the pressure.

A good DJ will also add a hint of spontaneity to your party. They can read the crowd and choose just the right song for each moment as the evening progresses.

Wedding DJs in Chicago

There is no doubt that planning a wedding is stressful! Hiring a DJ for your wedding party takes away a whole layer of worry. You can be sure that a professional DJ will be able to select great songs for each stage of the celebration.

Wedding DJs prices will vary depending on how long you want the DJ to play for. Prices will also be influenced by the location and travel costs and the level of experience and reputation of the DJ in question.

The Best Disc Jockeys in Chicago

The DJ that you choose for your party can make a huge difference to the success of the event. You’ll want to take care to research the decision properly. You should check out the social media profiles and reviews of any DJs you’re considering, to see what other people have to say about them.

You should also consider the kind of music you want them to play. Some DJs specialize in certain types of music, while others have a broader appeal.

Do you want your DJ to provide any other services? Some DJs also provide lighting services and other things like video production, or the provision of a photobooth. Deciding what extras you need is all part of the party planning process to make the night a glorious success.

A Night to Remember

If you’re planning a party in the Chicago area, our team at An Enchanted Evening has all the skills and qualities guaranteed to make your event a stellar success. There are no better disc jockeys in Chicago, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your event now!

How to Hire a School Event DJ in Chicago

May 30, 2022DJMike Urban

Are you searching for a school event DJ, but you’re unsure how to find the right one? A Chicago school DJ can be the difference between having a boring event or one that students are sure to remember.

You’re in luck; we’ve created a guide that will fill you in on finding a kid-friendly DJ in Chicago before your next school event is scheduled to take place. Read on for our tips.

Price

The cost is the first and most crucial aspect to consider when looking for a DJ to perform during a school event. Several aspects could affect the cost of hiring the DJ, including:

The length of time they’re expected to stay at the event
Event insurance
Dj experience
Type of event you’re hosting

Before you begin searching for a DJ, ensure you’ve discussed the budget you’ve allocated to paying for a DJ. From there, you can discuss your budget with the potential DJs and determine if they have an event package that will work for your school event needs.

Review Their Social Media

Social media will tell you everything you need to know before hiring a DJ for one of your school events. A DJ’s social media will provide you with an in-depth look into their work and past events they’ve been at.

Doing this will help you understand if a particular DJ will work for your school event. For example, if you want a DJ that will play kid-friendly music, but the videos on their social media show they’re into the more risque scene, you might want to continue your search for a DJ that will work for what you need them for.

Consider The Type of Music They Play

Since we’re on the topic of music that the DJ chooses to play, this is another crucial aspect to review before hiring a DJ. If you’re looking for a graduation DJ, the last thing you want to deal with is the DJ constantly attempting to play vulgar music.

You don’t want to spend the entire event listening to songs that have to be bleeped out to ensure the vulgarity of the words doesn’t taint the event. You might also consider if the DJ takes song requests.

For example, during a graduation event, you might want the DJ to play the class song at some point. If it’s essential, it’s worth asking before you sign any paperwork.

Consider Experience

The last step in hiring a DJ is to consider their experience. Just because a DJ is new to the industry doesn’t mean they won’t be able to perform during your event.

However, a DJ with experience will understand the format of a school event and will have more knowledge of how to handle these types of situations while providing quality event music.

How to Find the Right School Event DJ 101

Finding the right school event DJ can be easy if you know what to look for. Before you hire a DJ, ensure you take the time to determine the budget you’re working with and review their experience.

Are you still searching for a DJ with the experience you need to pull off a school event? Contact An Enchanted Evening and inquire about their award-winning DJ services today.

Should You Hire a DJ or Make Your Own Wedding Playlist?

May 16, 2022wedding music listsMike Urban

Are you having one of the 1.6 million weddings in the US this year? Then you’ll need to make sure it’s the best one your guests attend!

We understand that weddings can be expensive, especially if you’re going all out for yours. So to cut some corners, you might want to DJ your own wedding. It might be fun anyway, right?

But when it comes to your wedding playlist, it’s always best to go with a DJ instead of DIYing it. Here’s why!

It’ll Save You Time

You might already have several playlists ready to go on your iPod. However, not all of them will be appropriate for your wedding. Even if a playlist seems promising, there might be some tracks that aren’t ideal for your special day.

You’ll have to spend hours curating your playlists to ensure every song is right for your wedding. That time’s better spent planning other aspects of your big day!

You’ll Have a Better Selection of Songs

You might be an audiophile and your music library is huge. But considering that a wedding DJ does this for a career, they’ll have a much bigger wedding music playlist than you’ve got.

Chances are, they’ll have quite a few songs you’ve never even heard of before. When they cue up these tracks for your wedding, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what they can offer.

There Will Be Better Transitions

When you have a preset playlist, you’ll have to spend time ordering the tracks so transitions are smoother. Otherwise, you’ll have to hit the “shuffle” button and hope for the best!

Wedding DJs will know how to follow one song with another so it’s seamless. In fact, you won’t even notice that they’ve played a few songs in the span of an hour!

There’s More Room for Spontaneity

The beauty of having a professional at your disposal is they can put together playlists that’ll set the tone for a wonderful evening. In addition to that, they can also cue up tracks that’ll fit at a moment’s notice!

For example, let’s say your bridesmaids want to do a silly dance to the hottest songs of the 1990s. You can bet the wedding DJ can find the perfect songs to go along in an instant!

This means you can have spontaneous dance battles with perfect music playing along.

Have a DJ Handle Your Wedding Playlist

Having a DJ handle your wedding playlist will be the best plan. Seeing as they’re professionals who have years of experience playing music flawlessly, you won’t have to worry about awkward silence, bad mashups, or inappropriate tracks.

So leave the DJing up to the experts. You deserve to fully focus on your big day instead of spinning music anyway!

If you’re ready to have a top Chicago DJ for your wedding, then request a no-obligation consultation now. We’ll be able to give you a live demonstration of our audio system.

Top 10 Wedding Songs That Your DJ Can Play

May 3, 2022choosing a wedding djMike Urban

Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of community and belonging. When people sing and dance together, they can feel more connected, making it easier and more fun to celebrate something together.

That is why having music at your wedding is so important! Even when guests don’t know each other, music can be the bridge that connects them, helping to create an environment of pure excitement and joy.

If your wedding is coming up, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for the ultimate playlist of wedding songs that you and your guests will love.

Creating a Playlist With the Best Wedding Songs

Because everyone and their mothers (literally) have different music tastes, it can be pretty overwhelming to develop a playlist that suits everyone. However, certain songs have the power to always bring even the harshest critics to their feet.

So, if you want to create a playlist that makes everyone sing and dance the night away, be sure to add these ten songs to the list:

Marry You by Bruno Mars
I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
Dancing Queen by ABBA
Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
Wobble by V.I.C.
Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon
September by Earth, Wind & Fire
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake

As a rule of thumb, always meet with your DJ before the wedding to discuss all of the songs you want (and don’t want) to hear during your wedding.

Bonus: Slow Dancing Songs

Because there are times at a wedding when you might want to spend some quality time slow dancing with your new spouse, here are 10 of the prettiest ballads to add to your wedding playlist:

Perfect by Ed Sheeran
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees
Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur
A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
Lover by Taylor Swift
You’re Still The One by Shania Twain
All Of Me by John Legend
Marry Me by Train
Lucky by Jason Mars

Playing a couple of ballads is a great way to keep the wedding playlist versatile and give your guests a chance to slow down. They are also the perfect music to play when everyone is still eating dinner or when people start to leave towards the end of the wedding.

Hire the Best Disc Jockeys in Chicago

These wedding songs will make everyone at your wedding dance the night away! No matter what type of music they are usually into, your guests will absolutely love the energy and excitement that these party songs and ballads bring to the table.

Are you looking to hire one of the best disk jockeys in Chicago? Contact us today to see how we can help bring your big day to the next level!

Top 5 First Dance Wedding Songs You Should Know About

April 25, 2022wedding song play listMike Urban

Picking your first dance song is usually really easy or really difficult, with no in-between. It seems that couples usually have a “song” and know right away what they’ll dance to at their wedding, or they have no idea and spend months leading up to the wedding trying to pick something.

Are you planning a wedding and struggling to figure out what you want your wedding DJ to play? If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered. Read on for some less-common first dance wedding songs that you won’t hear played at 5 other weddings this year.

1. Into the Mystic by Van Morrison

Unless you’re a Van Morrison aficionado, this might be one of his songs you’ve never heard of. It’s not as popular as Brown Eyed Girl, that’s for sure, but it’s a perfect wedding song. The instrumentals are great if you want to show off your dancing skills, and the lyrics “And together we will float into the mystic” are perfect to celebrate your marriage.

2. Harvest Moon by Neil Young

This is another unconventional, yet perfect, first dance song. You likely know some of Neil Young’s songs, such as Old Man and Rockin in the Free World, but you might now know Harvest Moon.

Released in 1992, Young sings “but there’s a full moon risin’, let’s go dancin’ in the light…because I’m still in love with you on this harvest moon.” It’s a feel-good “oldie” that’s unique and unexpected.

3. You’re All I Need to Get By by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

This song dates all the way back to the late 1960s and was one of Gaye’s and Terrell’s biggest hits. If you love Motown music and old-school R&B, this is definitely the song for you.

The entire song is about dedicating your life to each other and how much the other person completes you. They sing “Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you, and it was plain to see, you were my destiny.” What’s more romantic than that?

4. You & Me by Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews Band doesn’t have a lot of songs that are first dance appropriate, but this one surely is. If you’re a DMB fan and want to incorporate their music into your wedding, the song You & Me from their 2009 album.

The song is all about adventure with the one you love. The lyrics are all about how you and your new spouse can do anything together.

5. Sweet Thing by Van Morrison

We can’t leave this list without one last song by Van Morrison. It’s all about not letting anything stop you to get to the one you love. He sings “oh sweet thing, sweet thing…and I will raise my hand up into the nighttime sky and count the stars that’s shining in your eye.”

This is one of the most perfect and romantic wedding songs out there!

Which of These First Dance Wedding Songs Will You Pick?

Hopefully, these first dance wedding songs narrowed things down for you, they’re all so perfect, it might be hard to pick one of them. The good news is that if you love more than one, you can always have a secondary song, have your DJ do a mix of a few different songs, or incorporate it into the dancing later on in the reception.

If you’re planning your wedding and ready to book your Chicago wedding DJ, contact us today for a personal consultation. We provide DJ services, lighting, and have a photobooth for rent. Let us make your wedding a night to remember.