Wedding DJ Cost Guide

Across the U.S., most couples spend $1,500–$3,500 for an experienced, in demand wedding DJ covering reception music and basic MC services for 4–6 hours. Budget options can dip to $700–$1,100, while high-end or large-production DJs often run $3,000–$5,000+—especially in major metros, peak Saturdays, or when extensive lighting/production is included.

Rule of thumb: Plan 8–12% of your reception budget for DJ/entertainment, then adjust for market, date, and production value.

What’s typically included in the base price

A solid, professional wedding dj package usually covers:

• Performance time: 4–6 hours for the reception

• Pro audio system: speakers, mixer, laptop/controller, backups

• MC services: intros, announcements, timeline coordination with your planner

• Basic dance-floor lighting: simple wash/effects

• Planning support: music questionnaires, do-not-play list, timeline review

• Setup/tear-down: often 60–90 minutes each, not counted as performance time

• Insurance & backup plans: liability coverage and spare gear

If you’re holding the ceremony and reception in different areas, confirm whether a second sound system and microphones are included or billed as an add-on.

Factors that move the price up or down

1. Location & demand: Coastal cities and destination markets run higher than small towns.

2. Date & season: Saturdays, holiday weekends, and prime months (late spring–early fall) command premiums.

3. Hours of coverage: More time means more cost (and sometimes overtime rates after the contracted end).

4. Experience & reputation: Award-winning DJs with strong reviews and club/radio résumés charge more.

5. Production level: Uplighting, moving heads, hazers, monograms, LED walls, or cold-spark effects add labor, power needs, and cost.

6. Logistics: Travel, parking, stairs/no elevators, venue sound restrictions, and early load-ins can add fees.

7. Add-ons: Extra microphones, ceremony audio, photo booth, CO2 cannons, live musicians with DJ, etc.

Common add-ons and typical price impact

• Ceremony audio (mics + separate setup): +$150–$400

• Cocktail-hour satellite speaker: +$50–$150

• Uplighting (10–20 fixtures): +$200–$600

• Custom monogram/GOBO: +$150–$350

• Enhanced lighting/“club” package: +$300–$1,000+

• Photo booth (2–4 hours): +$400–$1,000

• Cold-spark fountains / special effects: +$300–$900+

• Overtime (per hour): +$100–$300

Not every DJ offers every option; some partner with production companies and pass through those costs.

How to compare quotes apples-to-apples

When two DJs quote different totals, they may be bundling different things. Use this mini framework:

1. Breakdown: Ask for an itemized proposal (base package, hours, ceremony audio, lighting, travel, taxes/fees).

2. Timeline & staffing: Who’s on site? Will there be an assistant/tech? How early is load-in?

3. Gear & backups: Primary and backup laptops, duplicate signal paths, extra microphones? Consider all DJ equipment.

4. MC style & mixing: Listen to real mixes; ask for full-length wedding recaps, not just hype reels.

5. Coordination: How do they work with your planner, venue, and photographer to keep the timeline smooth?

6. Contracts & insurance: Verify liability insurance and clear terms for breaks, meals, and overtime.

Comparison formula:
True Cost = Base Rate + (Add-ons) + (Travel/Fees) + (Overtime risk)

A lower base rate that requires add-ons you’ll need anyway often ends up equal to—or higher than—a seemingly pricier package that already includes them.

Smart ways to save (without killing the dance floor)

• Be flexible on dates: Friday/Sunday or off-season dates can reduce rates.

• Trim hours, not quality: Book a strong DJ for 4–5 hours and skip low-impact extras.

• Consolidate systems: If your venue layout allows, use one sound setup for cocktail hour and reception.

• Bundle strategically: Packages that include ceremony audio + uplighting may cost less than à la carte.

• Prioritize talent over toys: A great mixer/MC keeps energy high; flashy fixtures are optional.

• Skip overtime: Plan your grand exit before the contracted end to avoid hour-by-hour charges.

Red flags to watch for

• No contract or insurance

• Rock-bottom pricing with vague deliverables

• No backup plan for gear or personnel

• Limited wedding experience (club skills ≠ wedding MC skills)

• Poor communication or slow response times

Questions to ask before booking

1. How do you customize the music for our crowd and do-not-play list?

2. Will you personally DJ our wedding? If not, can we meet the assigned DJ?

3. What’s your backup plan if gear fails or you get sick?

4. How do you handle sound at dinner (volume, feedback control, wireless mics)?

5. Can we see full, real-world mixes or uncut footage from recent weddings at similar venues?

6. What’s the deposit, payment schedule, cancellation and reschedule policy?

7. Are there venue requirements (power, rigging, haze/smoke restrictions) we should know about?

Sample budget scenarios

• Small brunch reception (60 guests, Sunday): $900–$1,300 for 4 hours, basic lighting, one mic.

• Standard evening reception (120 guests, Saturday): $1,500–$2,500 for 5–6 hours, ceremony audio, uplighting.

• High-production ballroom (200+ guests, peak Saturday): $3,000–$6,000+ with enhanced lighting, tech assistant, special effects.

FAQ

Is tipping expected?
Optional but appreciated. Many couples tip 10–15% or $100–$300, especially for standout service or if the DJ went above and beyond.

How far in advance should we book a wedding DJ?
9–15 months for peak Saturdays; 4–8 months for off-dates. Top DJs book quickly.

DJ vs. band—what costs more?
Live bands typically cost more due to multiple performers and rehearsal time. Many couples hire a DJ for the reception and add a soloist or small ensemble for the ceremony to balance budget and vibe.

Idris Elba (the wire, the office) was DJ for Royal Wedding

Many people know Idris Elba from his time on The Office or his time on The Wire. What most don't know about Idris is that he is also a DJ! It may seem strange to hear that he's playing a role in his real life that is so different from his character on the Office, Charles Miner, or his character on the wire, Russell "Stringer" Bell. However, it's true that Idris Elba is a wedding DJ and he happened to DJ one of the most publicized weddings in history, the Royal Wedding!


Contents:

• Idris Elba The Office
• Idris Elba The Wire
• Idris Elba Royal Wedding
• Facts about Idris Elba

Idris Elba, photo by Harald Krichel, cropped
CC BY-SA 4.0

Idris Elba, The Office

Idris Elba's first appearance on The Office came in the episode titled New Boss where he played the role of Charles Miner, the new VP of the Northeast region for Dunder Mifflin. At first, he and Michael Scott, branch manager, got along pretty well but eventually, they were at odds in the office.

Idris made an appearance in seven episodes during his time on The Office. He interacted with Dwight Shrute, Jim Halpert and many other well known characters in the show.

If you haven't seen an episode of The Office, we would highly recommend it. It's a great show and you can binge watch it on many different platforms. As a DJ, wedding DJ specifically, we have had couples ask us to play the theme song from the office for ceremony exits, or for introductions of the wedding party. If you're a big fan, you may want to incorporate it into your own wedding and your deejay can help you do that. Hey, maybe you could invite Idris as a guest, who knows, maybe he'd show up as his character from The Office.

Idris Elba, The Wire

Idris Elba played Stringer Bell on The Wire, full name was Russell "Stringer" Bell. Stringer is a drug dealer who rises to the top of the Barksdale Organization as second in command. He's involved in many crimes ranging from money laundering to drug dealing and many others. It's a great show and if you haven't seen it, we would definitely recommend it. It's addicting, no pun intended.

Idris' character first made an appearance in an episode called The Target, but appeared in three seasons of the show. The Wire takes place in Baltimore where there is a very large DJ scene. Many of the places mentioned in the show are familiar to DJs in Baltimore.

If you're looking for a great show and are a fan, you'll want to watch everything that features Idris Elba. The Wire doesn't disappoint. You can find it on many streaming platforms and watch all the episodes.

Idris Elba, Royal Wedding

Yes, Idris Elba was the wedding DJ for the Royal Wedding. You may be asking yourself, what is Idris Elba from The Office and from The Wire doing DJing weddings? Well, apparently, Idris and Prince Harry have hung out many times and Harry had been at parties where Idris had DJed before. So, when it came to finding a wedding DJ for the Royal Wedding, Harry simply asked Idris if he would be interested and the rest is history.

The DJ is one of the most important parts of a wedding and often fills many roles from emceeing and making introductions and announcements to coordinating and running a timeline and of course DJing and playing music for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and wedding receptions. Prince Harry put their trust in the hands of their friend, Idris, and he did in fact DJ the Royal Wedding.

Facts about Idris Elba

- Idris Elba Age: 46 years old (at the time of this posting)
- Idris Elba Wife: Sonya Hamlin (2006), Hanne Norgaard (1999 -2003)
- Idris Elba Height: 6ft 2in
- Idris Elba Net Worth: $20 Million, according to Celebrity Net Worth
- Idris Elba Children: Daughter's name is Isan (born in 2002), Son's name is Winston (born in 2014)
- Idris Elba Instagram: @idriselba

Find a Wedding DJ: Baltimore and Beyond!

If you're getting married (or hosting a corporate or social event), chances are you've been searching for a wedding dj or event dj. You're looking for a disc jockey that can rock your event whether you're searching locally in an area like Baltimore, MD or if you're looking more broadly like in all of Maryland. Now, we just picked Baltimore as an example but whether you're looking for a Baltimore wedding DJ or a deejay in another city, here are some helpful tips.

It's helpful to figure out if you're looking for famous Baltimore DJs, baltimore club DJs, or even a dj by name like DJ Sean J, DJ Quicksilver, or DJ Manny. Are you looking for people who teach dj classes in Baltimore or who perform at bars, clubs, and private events? Once you figure out what kind of DJ you're looking for, you'll be able to determine which DJs would be the best fit for your wedding or event.

Wedding DJ Baltimore

Wedding DJ in Baltimore

You'll also want to narrow your search for the best dj in Baltimore by deciding what kind of music you'd like to have. You'll want to think about music for your wedding ceremony and your reception. There's a lot to choose from, especially when picking specific songs for your first dance, wedding cake cutting and other important moments and wedding traditions.

Once you find a wedding deejay that you think fits your style and can perform the mix of music you're looking for, you'll want to get a contract to make sure everything is in writing. A good wedding dj should have plenty of reviews and carry a great reputation. Every wedding is different but a good DJ will be able to work with you to determine what you want specifically and how to work in your favorite music.

Now that you've chosen a baltimore dj for your wedding, you can start planning the music and timeline and other details. Make sure you check in with your deejay from time to time and update him or her with music changes, changes to the timeline, and other important things so the DJ can prepare for the big wedding day.

Since we're talking about baltimore specifically, we may as well share some great wedding venues that DJs in Baltimore will be used to. Accelerator Space, Baltimore Museum of Industry, American Visionary Art Museum, The Assembly Room, 1840s Plaza, The Belvedere, The Evergreen Museum, The Peabody Library are just a few we can mention. But do a good search in order to find the venue and the DJ that best suits you for your wedding. Oh, and when you find a baltimore wedding dj you're happy with, lock them down and enjoy!

When Should You Book Your Wedding DJ?

So, you're having a wedding, eh? Congrats! Now the fun starts, you get to plan everything from DJ to photographer to cake, and everything else. Since this probably isn't the 100th time you've planned a wedding, you might have some questions about things like how many tables you'll need, what color chargers to go with, and when to book your wedding DJ, caterer, florist, etc. We may not be able to help you with the rest, but we can sure help you with the when to book your wedding DJ.

The first thing to consider is how important the DJ is to you. With all things wedding-related, you've got to order things by importance. For example, are your table settings more important than the energy on the dance floor? Is having a photo booth more important than hiring a better DJ? Are more expensive table linens worth having less budget available for a lesser quality, or less experienced DJ? You've got to decide for yourself, but if you care at all about having a good time with your guests and having you memories be of a killer reception that was tons of fun, you'll put your DJ high on that list of important things.

We're going to assume that you care about having a good time at the wedding and making sure things go perfectly while you and your guests dance and celebrate all night. For this, you're going to want to shoot for a better DJ, one with the experience, the talent, and most importantly, one that understands exactly how to give you what you want while making sure everyone at the wedding (not just you) are having a great time. In order to do this, you're going to have to book early.

In short, you should be looking for your DJ as soon as you secure your date with your venue. The good DJs get booked up pretty quick (depending on your market) for certain popular dates. Once your DJ is booked, you can go about booking lot's of other stuff knowing that you've got the important things down, venue, dj, photography, etc. The good wedding DJs in Maryland get booked 10 months to 16 months in advance, and for popular dates are typically booked at least a year ahead. In other markets, things might be different but it will always be true that the good ones go fast.

DJ Remixes Cash Me Outside Girl and Cashes Himself Inside

By now, we all know the Cash Me Outside girl, Danielle Bregoli, from her appearance on the DR. Phil show. Her time on the show has lead to her 15 minutes of fame via one line she spewed while a guest on the show. Now, that moment has led straight to Internet memedom and for some unknown reason, potential reality show deals and other things. One smart music producer was able to capitalize on that and came up with a great remix including this line.

Photo from RollingStone.com

DJ Suede has been making music for a long time, but it's his newly viral remix that has given him the most attention. With over 18 Million views on YouTube alone, his remix has gone viral itself. So, give it a listen and decide for yourself, would you blast this in the car? In the club? In the shower?

Read more about DJ Suede and his success after remixing this viral phenomenon. Then, start producing trap beats and wait for the next meme.

DJ Breakdown: Wedding Party Introductions

There have been some epic wedding party introductions in the past, but whether you go all out and over the top or do a simple introduction, yours will be unique to you. So, just what goes into a wedding party introduction (called bridal party introductions in the past)? The wedding DJ announces names, sure! People enter a room, sure! Music typically plays, but what you do will be fully up to you. Here are a few samples of format for a wedding party introduction.

Photo by Live Picture Studios

The Whole Wedding Party

Most common practice is to introduce the whole wedding party. Typically bridesmaids and groomsmen are paired up and each pair is introduced together. This can either be just the bridesmaids and groomsmen or can include parents of the newlyweds and/or flower girls and ring bearers. Who you include is up to you, but this is the most traditional and most common introduction.

The Groups

With this version, you select a song for each of three groups. The first group is the parents of the newlyweds and they get their own song. The next group is the wedding party including a best man and maid of honor. The last group is made up of the newlyweds. Each group getting their own song to come out to. It's a fun way to mix things up.

Just The Couple

You may also opt to introduce only the couple that just got married. If there are too many people to introduce or you want to do things low key, it's still a good idea to have yourselves introduced into the reception. It's a time to be celebrated and it let's the wedding party and wedding guests know that things are about to turn up.

Which method is best?

There is no right answer here. Do whichever appeals to you most and consult with your wedding DJ, they should have so much experience with this that they can give some good recommendations. Whatever you do for your wedding party introductions... make sure it fits your style and that you have fun.

Cool Gifts and Accessories for DJs

Ever want to buy your favorite DJ a gift, you know, just to say thanks for killing it? Or maybe you have a DJ in the family... your brother a disc jockey? What about a cousin or friend from school? I know you've probably wanted to but maybe you just haven't pulled the trigger. Well, we're here to tell you that cool dj accessories as well as some pretty funny dj gifts do exist, and you can buy them.

Funny DJ Gifts

We all love gag gifts, right? Right! Giving funny gifts can be rewarding. Seeing the look on the receivers face when they get a present they're totally not expecting. Here's one funny gift for DJs specifically!

Here we have the DJ scratch pad for cats. Get it? Scratch pad?! Like, cause DJs scratch records. You get it! We'll here's an awesome turntable replica with a scratch pad (record) for your feline friend!

You can buy it here.

Cool DJ Accessories

DJs are always acquiring more gear, so here is a list of some cool dj accessories you can get as a gift for your favorite disc jockey.

• Collapsible gear cart [Buy here]
• Some great headphones [Buy here]
• Laptop stand [Buy here]
• Portable turntable [Buy here]

DJ Extras: Uplighting for your Wedding or Event

I'm sure you've heard the term, "the cherry on top." This term refers to the last piece or the finishing touch to something, just like a cherry on the top of an ice cream sundae would be. When it comes to weddings and events of all kinds, that finishing touch, that cherry on top, is uplighting, and your DJ can help you with that.

What is uplighting?

Uplighting simply refers to the lighting in a room that accents a wall or pillar or another structure either to highlight it or to add a hue to the room to coordinate with decor and contribute to overall ambiance and atmosphere. Here is an example:

Photo from Indianapolis Uplighting

Uplighting can be done in any number of colors, from red uplights, purple uplighting, green colored uplights, blues, amber colors and everything in between. They're usually rented on a per-light basis, meaning you can rent anywhere from 1 to a million, though most events likely fall somewhere between 10 and 30 lights.

What does uplighting cost?

Uplighting rental can range in price per provider, but let's use one Maryland wedding DJ company as an example. Their rates are $40 per uplight which for 10 lights would be $400 and for 20 lights would be $800 and so on. You'll also want to check with any company you choose to see if there is a setup or charge fee. The company we're using as an example has a $75 setup and charge fee which means they will charge the lights and set to your specific color and charge the batteries on the lights and setup and breakdown the lights at the end of your event. These setup and charge fees are sometimes waived so make sure to ask, it can't hurt.

Hopefully that gives a good idea of what to consider when looking into uplighting for your wedding or event. If it's in the budget it's a great way to enhance any gathering.

World's Youngest DJ

Aaliyah taught us that age ain't nothing but a number, and it's never been truer in this world of freelancers, creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs. So when searching to find the world's youngest DJ, it's no surprise that the Internet turned up something expected, yet a little unexpected - a DJ younger than you'd ever guess.

Here's DJ Arch Jnr, a South African DJ prodigy in the making. After winning South Africa's Got Talent in 2015, this little guy is headed for big things in the DJ world. Could he be the next A-Trak or DJ Qbert? Sure. But, will he be? Time will tell for this young DJ. In the meantime, we can all watch the prodigy in action and wish we got started this young.

Most Requested Songs of 2016

As DJs, we get a lot of requests, especially at weddings and private events. Every year there are a new batch of favorite artists or songs that rise to the top and then there are the old staples that reign supreme. Whether you're into newer music, or prefer a DJ that can mix the appropriate old tunes, a good DJ will be able to accommodate both.

There's a very popular DJ software that ranks the top 200 most requested songs each year, and while it's not entirely accurate (doesn't track requests at an actual wedding or event, and only takes into account DJs who use the software, etc.) it can at least give a good look into what has been popular over the year.

Here's a snapshot of the top 10, but head on over for the full list.

Why do DJs Take Requests?

One of the biggest and most important skills that a good DJ needs to have is the ability to read the crowd. In doing so, a great DJ will be taking in so much information  about the crowd and checking that against their own music knowledge and experience reading crowds from the past. One of the ways good DJs read the crowd is by taking requests.

Now, a good DJ isn't going to play all requests, but they're going to use that information to make better song selection that can appeal to the majority of the people at the wedding or event or club or party. For example, if you're at a club and someone requests an old classic rock song, it's probably not the best environment to play that song, but it can let the DJ know that there may be some people there that are into more rock-influenced, edgier music. With that info, a DJ can choose songs that will fit in with the energy level and the environment that would please that person. 

That's just one example, but there are many, many more ways good DJs use requests. So, if you're out and you're at an event with a DJ, feel free to make a request, just know that if it can't be played, the DJ is likely using that info to find things that you will like that fits in better.

Oh and for some dj humor, here's an awesome clip of DJ No Request from the movie The Goods:

How to Dance to JuJu on that Beat

Ah, the good ol' group/line dance game has a newer player in "JUJU ON THAT BEAT" by Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall. You probably haven't heard of them but you know the song, or you've seen someone dancing to it, or you've been at a wedding where someone requested it and the DJ obliged. Whether you're into group/line dances or not into them, if you attend or plan to attend weddings or events anytime soon, you aught to learn the song/dance and be in the know.

Here we've got a choreographer who has broken down the steps to teach the dance in it's entirety:

Some DJs are cool with these types of requests and some aren't, but heck, if you like the song and you're at a wedding, go ahead and request it. In fact, most DJs will likely be happy that you're not requesting the older, cheesier group/line dances like electric slide or ymca. A good DJ will be able to read the crowd and see if it's the right thing to mix in or not.

So, learn the song, learn the moves, and if you feel so inclined... bust a move at the next wedding you attend. Oh, and although it's older, people are still requesting the Cupid Shuffle, so if you're into this kind of thing, you may want to learn that one too.

It Seems Everyone is a DJ These Days

Image via TMZ.com

I guess the recession hit everyone hard, including celebrities, because some of the most unexpected stars have turned to DJing over the last number of years. Appearances and endorsements must really be down. It takes a lot to be a real DJ, so it's unlikely any of these celebs are any good technically, but hey, it's not what you know, it's who you know, right?!

Here are a few celebs that took up DJing
Shaquille O'Neal aka DJ Diesel
Hulk Hogan aka DJ Oh Brother (I guess)
Paris Hilton aka DJ Paris Hilton
Prince Harry aka DJ Harry Houdini (I guess)

There are so many more and I won't list them all here but with everyone turning to DJing over the past few years, it begs the question... What makes a good DJ? We know that it takes a lot more than notoriety to be good at something, which is why being a celebrity DJ doesn't make you good. When hiring a DJ for your event, make sure you do your homework and get to know who you're hiring and most importantly, if they're any good.

Who was the First DJ Ever?

DJing has become very popular lately. Whether it be DJs for weddings, private events, bars, clubs, parties, or the hottest music festivals on Earth, one thing is certain, DJs basically rule the entertainment world right now. Celebrities, athletes, and basically anyone you can think of has jumped into the DJing world as of late. Though, fame doesn't make them good DJs, it does bring more attention to the art form!

Image via DJTechTools

First DJ Ever

So, with all this attention on DJs, we kinda want to know who was the first DJ ever? Who got things started and started the trend that got us all to where we are today?

The term Disc Jockey was first coined in the 1930's and mostly refers to radio personalities. Though they simply played records, their contribution evolved to what today's DJs do with regards to mixing music and other important skills. The idea of a DJ being a performer and a musician all started with Jimmy Savile in 1943 when he threw the world's first ever DJ dance party and later was the first person credited with using turntables to continuously play music.

Today, DJing is a lot more than simply playing music. You've got to mix music live, read the crowd, have vast music knowledge and a large music library, and you've got to understand the energy in a room and mix based on all of those factors and more. DJing isn't easy but it sure is fun!

So, there you have it. Jimmy Savile brought DJing to the world, but many greats over the decades have made it what it is today.

Wedding DJ or Wedding Band?

When it comes to picking the entertainment for your wedding, hiring a good band or a good wedding DJ can be a difficult choice to make. The one thing to remember is that it's your wedding, whichever you decide is right for you, just made sure you've done your research to make sure you're hiring a professional that can provide everything you want and need.

Millennium Band

Pros/Cons for a Band

Let's start with the Pros: A wedding band can get really interactive since you have someone, the lead singer, on the microphone all night. This can be seen as a con as well, but for those who need a little encouragement to dance, this could be a good thing. Bands also have a generally larger sound system because there are more members, sometimes, the sound can seem fuller. Bands also can provide a lot of energy by dancing/moving on stage to encourage guests to do the same.

Now, the Cons: Bands cost a lot more than a DJ because there are a lot more people and more setup/breakdown. Because there are a lot more people, that means more meals to provide, which can add an extra cost you may not expect. In addition, because there are more people and more equipment, bands require a lot more space so if space is limited at your venue, this wouldn't be a good fit, or would mean you'd need to lower your guest count. Another con is that bands take breaks throughout the night, so while their high energy performance is a good thing, those breaks can kill the vibe and lower the energy for guests throughout the night. Finally, while most good wedding bands learn new music, they can't have the absolute newest hits, so while some songs may be current, the ability to read the crowd and play newer or newly popular songs is non existent. Despite these cons, there are a lot of pros to consider.

Jessica Smith Photography

Pros/Cons for a Wedding DJ

Let's start with the Pros: A good wedding DJ is able to read the crowd and mix music based on the energy in the room. This is incredibly important at a wedding; being able to switch to a different song or change the direction of the night based on who is on the dance floor and how they react, is the key to a great wedding reception. Sadly, that's not something a band can do. A DJ has a greater knowledge base for music and can incorporate your suggestions along with music you may not have even thought of before the wedding. They'll also be able to avoid the music you don't want and make sure guests are able to make request as well, incorporating the songs that will work and not mixing in the ones that won't work. Another pro is that a wedding DJ is less expensive than hiring a band because there are less people (band members) to pay and a little bit less equipment to set up and requirements (like a stage, meals, etc.). Additionally, a wedding DJ doesn't need to take any breaks. A DJ is going to be able to perform non-stop during the whole reception, catering to guests at every moment. This makes for a seamless night with entertainment the entire time.

Now, the Cons: I know, we're biased here, but there really aren't any cons to consider when hiring a wedding DJ. Of course, you'll want to make sure you hire a great DJ and not a cheesy one, otherwise there will be cons, but in general, the choice to hire a DJ over a band has no cons. We'll be publishing a post soon on how to make sure you're hiring a good DJ and avoiding the cheesy, outdated, bad ones.

Your Wedding DJ Will Make or Break Your Big Day!

If you do a Google Image search for wedding djs (which you should), you're likely to find this photo. It's been posted and re-posted... and then re-re-posted on wedding blogs and tumblrs, wedding dj company websites, profiles, and everywhere else. It's a great photo, showing what we all want when picking a DJ for weddings. We want everyone to have a good time and what better way to show that, than a packed dance floor!

Anybody can buy some equipment and call themselves DJs, but the true sign of a good wedding DJ is one that can mix everything live on the spot, read the crowd, and mix based on the energy in the room. So, when considering DJs for your wedding reception, make sure you're choosing one based on their experience, talent, and ability to read the crowd and really DJ, not just play music. Ask a lot of questions, find out the difference they provide and pick someone you feel will truly understand what you want and don't want and be able to rock your crowd... You deserve it, and so do your wedding guests.

DJ's Don't Loose Your Groove

It's a very common tale. Your a DJ and you've aged over the past decade and in the process you've forgotten what's cool. I guess you could say... you've lost your groove. It's a failure to stay fresh, wish causes a failure to boost business, but how are you supposed to stay fresh in an industry where trends change almost weekly? The key is inspiration my friend. If I were you I'd do a scan of the web everyday and find the coolest pictures of the DJ's that you can whether they do Top 40's Music, Experimental, EDM, etc. I don't care. Get inspired by guys like the one below. He's got it and that's what the people want. I'm not saying we all have to be DJ Khaled, I'm just saying we can all learn something from the streets and from the people.

Hiring the Right DJ

Have you every had an event where you thought you found the perfect DJ  (or at least a decent one) and he turned out to be a complete flop? I certainly have. It was one of the worst moments of my event planning career. When a DJ is off, almost everybody knows. It becomes the elephant in the room. You don't want the music to stop because of the awkward silence, but the outdated and terribly mixed songs coming from the DJ booth are even more awkward. That's why finding the right person is so important.

3 things to look at before hiring a DJ:

1. What events have they done in the past? Anything reputable? This info should be in their EPK

2. Are they gonna make it hot?

3. Who's your daddy?

Ask yourself these three questions and 99 times out of 100 you'll end up with a really good DJ.

Drake at Landmark Festival

Landmark Festival that took place in on Washington D.C.'s National Mall was a first for the Federal City. The festival brought in artists from Alt-J to (D.C's own) U.S. Royalty to Drake. The town was due for some good music and it got what it needed. It a city overrun with politicians and consultants, there's a need for art. Luckily great music will still be played by Washington D.C. Area DJ's well after the festival.

RAC - Changing the Game for DJ's

For the last few years RAC have made a name for themselves through re-mixing what would largely be considered Indie music. They've re-mixed songs from artists such as Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Washed Out, and more. Their genre has been refreshing as they've taken a more subtle and nuanced approach to re-mixing. Both their choice of songs and style (surprisingly they do more than add a sub-bass) have made them stand out to become one the most affordable DJ duo's of our time.