For most couples, entertainement is at the top of the priority list when it comes to making decisions about the big day. But deciding on the right music for your wedding can be a big challenge-- so we've brought in an expert to help tackle the topic. We're thrilled to welcome our favorite DC DJ, Evan Reitmeyer of MyDeejay!
Hitched: How should a couple go about selecting a DJ?
Evan: The most important thing you can do is research – before you call anyone. There are literally hundreds of DJ companies and independent DJs in the DC region alone, with vastly different styles and approaches to their craft. Our company’s approach and business structure is very unique, and you’re likely to find big differences between DJs if you know where to look and what questions to ask. A great place to start is our Top 40 Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ, which is part of our revolutionary DJ Shopping Guide and is available for free on our website.
Hitched: How far out from the wedding should a couple start looking for/booking the entertainment?
Evan: That’s a great question! We wrote a Wedding Planning Timeline on our blog a few years ago that compared the different advice that most of the major wedding websites were giving and our suggestions based on what actually happens in real life – it’s definitely worth a read. For DJs, we suggest 10-12 months before the wedding. Most of the top vendors in any category are going to start booking at about a year out from a popular date, so signing contracts for the planner, photographer, DJ, and ceremony officiant should be done as soon as possible. I once had a couple book me more than 22 months in advance!
Hitched: What is the benefit to choosing a DJ as opposed to a live band?
Evan: This is a “debate” that’s been raging for at least 20 years now, but the answers are simple. Bands are great at high-energy, interactive entertainment. There are very few DJs who can “put on a show” that’s comparable to what a band can offer. The majority of couples, however, are not necessarily interested in flashy, in-your-face entertainment for their weddings anymore – that’s where a DJ can really shine. DJs have the ability to play any type of music, from Benny Goodman to Bollywood, and present it in a style that can range from over-the-top cheesy to subtle and sophisticated. That type of versatility is what makes DJs so popular, but finding one that matches the type of atmosphere you’d like at your wedding takes some work.
Hitched: What are some of your favorite first dance songs (current or classic)?
Evan: My favorites are always songs that have a special meaning for the couple – whether it’s the song they first danced to or a song from the movie they saw on their first date. My personal favorites are “To Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan, Garth Brooks, or Adele (take your pick!) and anything by Van Morrison.
One of Evan's weddings that was recently featured on Style Me Pretty
Thanks so much to Evan from MyDeejay for stopping by our blog today with such fabulous advice. If you have additional questions for Evan, or have another topic you'd like us to have an expert tackle, please leave us a comment!
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