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 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.

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.

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.

From Actor to DJ

There were many rumors going around about a new founded DJ, Elijah Wood. The big rumor was that he went by the name DJ Frodo in his new career launch. With further investigation Elijah spoke up about the matter himself. It turns out that he was totally against the name, in fact it made him cringe even thinking about it. Everyone wants to make name for themselves, in his case a new name for a new adventure.

Check out the story for an inside look on the man they call Frodo.

One Pricey DJ Set!

If you're looking to hire the best DJ for a half million dollars, Calvin Harris is your man. To the normal person this may seem absolutely outrageous but for Calvin it's just another job. If you plan on hiring a DJ for $480,000 then i'd say it's safe to assume that it's not going to be a "small" wedding.

Every bride  and groom wants to dance the night away with their closest friends. If you have the extra change laying around, check out the most expensive DJ around!

Wedding DJ Gear #5 - Speakers

Ah yes, speakers. Speakers are the backbone of any mobile DJ. In order to perform, the sound has got to come out of somewhere, and without the appropriate speakers, sounds can be distorted or simply not loud enough or sometimes too loud. There is quite a lot to consider when choosing the right speakers, so you'll want a DJ with lots of experience, that knows what works and what doesn't, and more importantly, has the right equipment for your event.

It may seem natural to just figure that the most expensive speakers are the best, but this is not the case. While good speakers certainly do not come cheap, price isn't the only determining factor. For example, you may want speakers that put our really crisp and good highs for melodic, guitar-driven music, or you may want full sounding mids and lows for bass-y hip hop or electronic beats. This is all to say that, the right DJ will have the right gear and know what to do with it, so make sure you choose someone whose knowledge and experience you can count on.

DJs who know what they're doing will know where to place the speakers, how high to raise the speaker stands, and what direction to point them in. These are all things that come into play when considering sound for any event.

Wedding DJ Gear #3 - Cables

There are a number of things every wedding DJ must have, like microphones and turntables. But on a more basic level, you've got to have good quality cables. Cables transfer the power to your speakers and the audio signals from your equipment so it's important to have high quality, top of the line cables.

Of course, having cables isn't enough. You've got to know how to use them. Which cables to use for which speakers and which ones you can chain and which ones you shouldn't. And of course, you need to have extras (every good dj will have backups of all equipment, including cables).

Sharon Osbourne Expecting Wedding for Kelly

You read that right! The bumbling bad boy's wife, Sharon Osbourne, is expecting that her daughter, Kelly Osbourne will be getting married soon. Not long after Kelly publicly confessed her love for beau Matthew Mosshart, Sharon said:

"She's so happy she could get married tomorrow!" Sharon told Heat magazine. "Nothing surprises me with my daughter, she's not predictable. She's never been happier - you can always tell by her eyes. She's got really shiny eyes at the moment, so she's happy."

One thing's certain, whatever wedding DJ they hire to DJ that wedding is going to have some pressure on them, considering they're performing in front of professional and famous musicians and probably dozens more as guests of the wedding.

Check out more of the story here!

DJ Humor: Microphone Check

As DJs, microphone checks (and sound checks) are just another part of the job. We all do it differently, but everybody seems to have a go-to, dj or not, when doing a sound check, and the following graphic about one of December's most popular dates (12/12/12) spells it out for ya.

And it's pretty funny:

DC Wedding DJ Provides Ideas for Cake Cutting Songs

There are a lot of things people don't think of when it comes to planning their music, and sometimes, things like picking songs for the cake cutting comes last. Well, if you're in that stage and need some ideas for cake cutting songs, DC Wedding DJs Mixing Maryland are here to help.

Shelley Panzarella / CC BY 2.0

Whether you're looking for something clever or funny or elegant, United With Love has published their article on cake cutting song ideas for weddings. Enjoy!

Why You NEED a Professional Wedding DJ

Everybody makes mistakes, but come on, it's your wedding day. A good DJ is going to be prepared with backup equipment, much, much more music than necessary, and has prepared for the day to make sure everything is going to run smoothly. And if an issue does come up, a professional will be prepared to handle the situation in a split second.

I've heard many stories of horrible DJs who have played the same song twice, played the unedited version of a vulgar song when all the music is supposed to be clean, played the wrong song for a father/daughter dance, or had their laptop crash with no other way to finish the wedding. These types of mistakes are inexcusable and should be considered when choosing a DJ to perform your wedding.

Here's just one example of why you get what you pay for:


So, please consider hiring a DJ with a proven track record, that is professional and don't sell yourself short by going the cheap route.

Wedding DJ Gear #2 - Microphone

As a wedding dj you're most often also performing emcee duties including making announcements, introducing the bridal party, and coordinating other parts of the night like the cake cutting and other traditions. In order to do this you'll need a good, confident voice, and most importantly, a microphone.

Since the dj needs to get a message across in the midst of 140 guests who're all talking, a good microphone is essential. Of course the speakers matter and even the cables you use, but the microphone is what picks up the sound and therefore is of utmost importance.

Daehyun Park / CC BY 2.0

Wedding DJ Gear #1 - Turntable

Today we're starting a new series of blog posts in which we'll feature one piece of gear a wedding dj needs to do their job. Today's photo is the turntable. Though traditional turntables are not required to be a DJ (there are CD players, controllers, software, etc.) they are the most recognized.

Every good DJ has certain tools they work with to bring the fun, mixing, and entertainment to their audience, and for most DJ's, the turntable is the most important.

Boris van Hoytema / CC BY 2.0

Pauly D to DJ JWOWW's Las Vegas Wedding

It's not really a surprise that JWOWW, of Jersey Shore fame, would call on Pauly D to dj her wedding to beau Roger. The two spent many seasons at the Jersey Shore filming for their TV show of the same name, and since Pauly D is a nationally recognized DJ, who better to perform for their wedding?

We wish Jenni and Roger the best and if for some reason, Pauly D doesn't DJ for some reason, we know a few people who could pull through for ya.

Check out what the rest of the Jersey Shore guys have to say about Jenni's wedding:

How to do the Cupid Shuffle

If you've ever been to a wedding, chances are you've heard of the cupid shuffle. It's a group dance (or line dance) that's a lot like the electric slide, but newer, and more modern. Some DJs are probably tired of hearing it since it's requested at almost every wedding or event, but it does bring people out to the dance floor and they love it.

So, if you've yet to learn how to do the cupid shuffle, here's a video from Cupid himself breaking down the steps:

Cupid Performs The Cupid Shuffle

If you've been to a wedding recently, chances are you've heard the cupid shuffle or cha cha slide. As wedding DJs we get asked to play those songs at every wedding without fail and it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Wedding DJs (and anyone else familiar with the song) were treated to a familiar surprise on The Voice when Cupid himself performed his song, The Cupid Shuffle, not as an act but as a contestant in order to show the world that he was more than just that guy on that song you hear at weddings.

Here's the video of his audition for The Voice: