DJ for a Wedding Reception
While hiring DJs for weddings has grown in popularity in recent years, the traditional belief that a wedding requires a live band is still predominant. This is why many couples are left wondering if hiring a DJ for a wedding reception is a smart choice. But, after seeing thousands of weddings over the past decade, we can assure you that hiring a wedding DJ is a decision you won’t regret. Their versatility, adaptability, and the skill with which they can handle the preferences of large crowds make them a perfect choice for weddings.
To hire a DJ for your wedding reception, you can search online, ask friends and family for referrals, or consult an entertainment company offering DJ rental services. Each method increases your likelihood of working with a professional who can deliver an experience tailored to your vision.
Here at LIV Entertainment we offer a wide selection of affordable, top-tier DJs for hire in LA. No need to worry about finding a DJ yourself – our pros are always ready to bring your events to life! Contact us todays get started.
In this post, we will dive into what you can expect when you hire a DJ for your wedding reception and what you should look out for when searching for one. Plus, we’ll share some helpful tips to make your collaboration with a DJ smoother.
The Best Wedding DJs in Los Angeles
At LIV Entertainment, we have some of the best DJs to grace the Los Angeles scene. Each one brinsgs a unique style that guarantees your event will be unforgettable.
Kicking off our list is DJ Oren, a global talent with more than 15 years of experience who is known for his rich blend of Jewish culture with EDM and pop. His versatility shines the most in weddings, bat mitzvahs, corporate events, and more.
Next up we have DJ Nathan, who is actually also one of the founding member of LIV Entertainment. His lively and interactive style has earned him the title of crowd favorite. Thanks to over 15 years of experience turning tables and producing events, he has become the go-to man for corporate events, weddings, and birthday parties.
Another DJ on our roster is DJ Corey. He’s a Power 106 FM regular who brings fresh energy to every event. With 10+ years of experience under his belt, his open format style has made him a great choice for weddings, parties, and nightclub events.
Our other DJs who also use an open format style are DJ Jason and DJ Jayde. DJ Jason has spent over a decade creating high-energy events across the globe, while DJ Jayde has used the last 15 years to establish his presence at esteemed Hollywood venues. Their open format style has made them versatile options for weddings, corporate galas, private celebrations, and more.
What to Expect from a DJ for a Wedding Reception
It’s no secret that DJs play an important role on your wedding day, and for good reasons, too. Beyond mixing tracks and handling equipment, here’s what you can expect to accomplish by hiring a DJ for your wedding:
Experienced DJs are experts at creating the perfect vibe for any gathering, particularly weddings. They know when to switch from the soft tunes played at cocktail hour or dinner to lively dance floor tunes that transform the scene into a dance party.
Another important role of a DJ is to manage key moments during your ceremony. It’s their job to transition smoothly between different sections, such as your first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss. They also work with other vendors, like the photographers or event coordinators, to make sure things move along as scheduled and enhance your overall experience. This brings us to the next role of a DJ, making sure your wedding sticks to the set timeline.
Finally, the best DJs know how to interact with their audience in a way that encourages participation without seeming overbearing. They do this by adjusting their music to match the room’s energy level and taking special song requests.
Key Skills to Look for in a Professional Wedding DJ
In your hunt for a DJ, you need to be able to recognize what separates a professional DJ from an average one. The role of a DJ shouldn’t just be to play music at your event but to help you create lasting memories. That being said, when looking for what makes a good DJ, here are some skills to prioritize:
Experience in Weddings: Every kind of event has its peculiarities, and weddings are one of the most unique because of how important it is to get the flow of events right. Working with a DJ who has played at numerous weddings guarantees a smooth transition between events.
Variety and Adaptability: A top-notch DJ knows how to cater to a large crowd’s preferences, handling multiple music genres with ease. Being masters of reading the audience, they know when to switch from classical love songs to dance floor hits that get everyone out of their seats.
Professionalism and Communication: What makes a professional DJ is their ability to clearly communicate with not just you but also with other vendors that are part of the event. This ensures that everyone is on the same page, which will help your event progress smoothly and stay on schedule.
Equipment and Setup: A craftsman is only as good as his tools; that said, any good DJ will invest in high-quality gear. Without proper equipment, it will be difficult to enjoy crystal-clear audio during your ceremony, and this could negatively impact the experience for you and all your guests.
How to Hire a Top Wedding DJ for Your Special Day
Since your DJ is responsible for setting the mood of the event, it’s important to get a professional who knows what they’re doing. To hire an expert DJ for your big day, follow these five easy steps:
1. Research Local Wedding DJs
To find a DJ, one of the easiest places to search is online. A quick Google search will provide you with a list of local DJs in your area who specialize in weddings, or you can also go the traditional route to ask friends and family for referrals. Another common way of finding a DJ for hire is by consulting with businesses that provide event entertainment services.
2. Check the DJ’s Experience and Style
While DJs are expected to know how to curate playlists for several events, it would be in your best interest to work with a DJ who specializes in weddings. Selecting a DJ who has played at numerous weddings assures you that they’ll be able to keep everything running smoothly. As an expert, they know how to control the pacing of your event and how to read the energy of the room. They also know how to prepare against most unwanted situations that happen at weddings. For example, in case of a power outage, they might have a portable generator or battery-powered speakers nearby.
3. Schedule an Interview or Consultation
Now that you have a list of potential DJs you’d like to work with, it’s time to get to know them. These meetings are the best time to discuss details like song requests and learn about the services each DJ provides and excludes. Make sure to ask questions that revolve around their experience, the type of equipment they use, and anything else that could potentially play a role in bringing your vision to life. If possible, audition your DJ through live demos to get a better sense of their style.
4. Check Their Contracts and Policies
Before finalizing your decision, take some time to review your DJ’s contract and its policies. Be sure to confirm it includes essential details like the duration of the event, the equipment that will be available, setup and breakdown time, and additional services provided. Before finalizing everything, carefully review your DJ’s cancellation policy and ask about their backup plan for issues like equipment failure.
5. Confirm Everything in Writing
All that’s left now is to confirm the final details in writing. It’s important to do this because proper documentation will help you avoid any misunderstandings and last-minute surprises on your special day. Think of your contract as a guideline on the responsibilities of both parties. Your final contract should include details like your DJ’s arrival time, what songs should be played at key moments, and the schedule of events.
How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost?
The cost of a wedding DJ can range from $1500 to $20,000 for the whole day. This cost typically covers the DJ’s service for the event, sound system, equipment, and sometimes MC services if you ask them to include this in their quote. Factors such as the DJ’s experience, the duration of your event, and whether you requested additional services such as MCing or dance floor lighting can affect your final expense.
The biggest determining factor for the cost of your DJ is the duration of your event. If your event ends up lasting longer than you planned, the overtime charges can quickly pile up. It’s best to stick to your agreed-upon time or ask your DJ about their overtime policies before your big day.
It is usually more expensive to hire a DJ who is out of your local area because this comes with additional charges, such as travel costs and accommodation, which can add to your overall cost. Other factors that can lead to higher costs when booking a DJ include planning your wedding during a peak season. Naturally, higher demand will result in higher charges, so booking a DJ in advance or fixing your date during an off-peak date can help you save money.
Some DJs also charge extra to request customized playlists. If you want your wedding tracklist to feature multiple songs across genres or themes, we advise you to discuss how this could affect pricing upfront.
Live Band or DJ: How to Choose the Best Option?
To choose between getting a live band and a DJ, you should weigh factors such as the cost and flexibility of each option. While wedding bands provide memorable performances, they are often more expensive than hiring a DJ. On average, wedding bands cost around $5000 plus a 10% gratuity in the US, but you could end up paying more than this if you’re dealing with a more experienced and larger band. In contrast, hiring a DJ averages around $1,700, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the DJ’s reputation and the duration of your event will affect how much you pay at the end of the day.
When it comes to setting the tone for an event, wedding bands are preferred for how well they create an engaging atmosphere, but their repertoire is often limited to the songs that they know. DJs, on the other hand, have access to thousands of songs at a time and can easily adapt their style to the mood of the crowd.
While live bands may offer custom song options, it’s not common for them to perform songs they haven’t rehearsed. This could be a reason why it’s harder for them to accommodate last-minute song requests. However, this is an area where DJs shine the most. Thanks to their extensive library, they can easily take on special requests and blend different genres seamlessly.
Tips for a Smooth DJ Experience on the Big Day
To make sure everything goes perfectly on your big day, here are some tips to incorporate for a smooth DJ experience:
Communicate early with the DJ. It’s important for the DJ to have a clear picture of everything you want for your wedding since they will be in charge of setting the tone for that day. Briefing them in advance makes it easier for them to bring your vision to life. To help your DJ create the perfect flow for the day, take time to review every key moment with them from the entrance to the last dance.
Work with your DJ to create a playlist together. While many people often leave this soley in the hands of the DJ, we recommend collaborating with them to do this. Crafting a playlist together gives you a chance to provide a list of songs that match the theme of your event. You can even go ahead to add a list of songs that should not be played at your wedding to avoid ruining the moment.
A professional DJ should always have a backup plan in case of equipment failure. In such situations, DJs are expected to have some measures in place to ensure the event continues as planned. Be sure to ask your DJ how they plan to handle situations like this if they occur.
Ultimately, once the deal has been made, we suggest you step back and trust your DJ’s abilities. They know how to keep the crowd engaged, so give them the freedom to do what you hired them for. While it’s important to let the DJ know about your preferences, don’t overload them with instructions, as it will affect their ability to interact with the crowd naturally. And finally, don’t forget to have fun. After all the planning is done, let go and have some fun knowing your DJ’s got everything covered from here.
Need an Experienced DJ for Your Wedding Ceremony?
When looking for a DJ to perform at your wedding, remember that it’s best to go for someone who already has experience playing at weddings. DJs are more than glorified music players; they help you create memorable experiences and guide the flawless transition of key moments in your wedding reception.
If you want your wedding reception to be remembered for years to come, LIV Entertainment can help. Book a free consultation to find the perfect DJ, or visit LIV Entertainment Group’s office in LA.