What size should a wedding cake be?

A 3-tier cake (10, 8, 6 inches) usually serves 75–100 guests. Larger weddings may need more tiers or sheet cakes.

How much does a wedding dessert table cost?

On average, dessert tables cost $3–$8 per guest depending on desserts and display setup.

What desserts are good alternatives to cake?

Cupcakes, donuts, pies, cookies, and mini tarts are fun, affordable alternatives to a traditional wedding cake.

What’s the difference between a last dance and an exit song?

The last dance is the final song on the dance floor. The exit song plays as you leave or during a sparkler or tunnel send-off. They can be the same or different.

Should we go upbeat or slow for the exit?

An upbeat song creates a big sing-along, high-energy goodbye. A slow song creates a romantic spotlight moment. Choose the vibe you want captured in your photos and video.

How long should the exit song be?

Aim for 3–4 minutes. Your DJ can start at the chorus and fade at the perfect time so it feels seamless.

Can the DJ handle clean edits and timing?

Yes. Professional DJs use clean versions, cue guests, and coordinate timing with photographers and planners so the exit feels flawless.

How much should we budget for a wedding DJ?

National averages typically range from $1,000–$1,700 depending on the source. In Washington, DC, couples commonly invest $1,600–$2,200 for full-day coverage on peak dates. Always compare all-in quotes for a fair match.

Does ceremony audio cost extra?

Usually yes. Ceremony sound often requires a second system, wireless microphones, and additional setup time. Expect an add-on of about $300–$600.

Why do big venues or multiple rooms cost more?

Larger spaces or split-room layouts may require extra speakers, microphones, cabling, or an additional system for cocktail hour. More coverage means more gear, setup time, and labor.

What hidden wedding DJ costs should we watch for?

Common add-ons include overtime, travel/mileage, extra systems for additional rooms, dance lighting or uplighting, photo booth services, and peak-season premiums. Ask for a line-item breakdown.

What’s included in professional DJ pricing?

Typically: ceremony audio, cocktail-hour system, reception system, wireless mics for toasts, basic dance lighting, setup/teardown, backup equipment, and planning/prep (timeline review, music pulls, coordination).

Are wedding DJ prices negotiable?

Pros may adjust based on hours or off-peak dates, but established companies usually maintain set pricing to reflect labor, experience, and reliability.

What’s the difference between a cheap DJ and a professional DJ?

Lower-cost DJs may lack backup gear, insurance, MC skills, or timeline management. Professionals bring reliability, polished MC work, and the experience to keep energy and flow on track.

Do DJs charge for setup and teardown?

Most professionals include setup and teardown in their quotes. If it’s not specified, request that it be detailed in writing.

Do DJs bring their own lights?

Basic dance-floor lighting is often included. Uplighting or specialty effects are usually available as add-ons.

How do travel fees work for DJs?

Many DJs include travel within a local radius (e.g., 30–50 miles). Beyond that, mileage or flat travel fees may apply; confirm the details in your quote.

How far in advance should we book our DJ?

Peak Saturdays can book 12–18 months ahead. If you want better availability or pricing, consider Fridays, Sundays, or off-season dates.

How can we save on DJ costs without cutting corners?

Consider off-peak dates, trim coverage hours if your timeline allows, and ask about package pricing when bundling services like DJ plus lighting.

Chestnut Hill Villa in Manheim, PA - Permanently Closed

Venue ReviewWedding Venues

Jun 19

Written By John Sawyers

Update: This Manheim Wedding Venue Is No Longer Operating

Chestnut Hill Villa

https://www.chestnuthillvilla.com

543 Champ Blvd, Manheim, PA 17545

(717) 898-2926

Chestnut Hill Villa, formerly located at 543 Champ Blvd in Manheim, Pennsylvania, is no longer operating as a wedding venue.

The property previously hosted estate-style weddings and multi-day celebrations, offering accommodations, tented events, and guest capacity up to 200.

If you were researching Chestnut Hill Villa for your wedding, you’d need to explore alternative venues in Lancaster County.

Below are similar options that offer comparable guest capacity and estate-style atmospheres.

Similar Wedding Venues in Lancaster County

If you liked Chestnut Hill Villa’s style, consider these nearby venues:

• The Booking House (Manheim, PA)

Industrial-meets-elegant warehouse space with multiple ceremony and reception levels.

• Cameron Estate Inn (Mount Joy, PA)

Historic estate venue with on-site lodging and formal grounds.

• Moonstone Manor (Elizabethtown, PA)

Riverfront mansion with tented reception options and garden ceremony spaces.

• The Mill at Manor Falls (Mountville, PA)

Restored mill venue offering indoor and outdoor flexibility.

Each offers capacity ranges suitable for 150–200 guests.

Chestnut Hill Villa aerial view of the venue and grounds.

Chestnut Hill Villa veue exterior and pool area.

What Chestnut Hill Villa Offered

Before closing, the venue featured:

Multi-day wedding weekend access
Overnight accommodations
Outdoor ceremony spaces
Tent wedding capability
151–200 guest capacity

Couples drawn to this venue typically want a private estate feel with lodging included.

Planning a Wedding in Manheim or Lancaster County

If your original plan included:

Estate-style atmosphere
On-site accommodations
Outdoor ceremony
Tent reception
Weekend-style celebration

You can still achieve that in the Lancaster County region.

The key is selecting a venue that allows flexibility in vendors and provides enough layout control for your guest count.

Chestnut Hill Villa wedding ceremony outdoors.

Chestnut Hill Villa outdoor wedding ceremony.

DJ & Reception Planning Notes

Estate and tented venues require thoughtful planning for:

• Ceremony audio (wind + open air)
• Power access in outdoor settings
• Proper speaker placement for large guest counts
• Lighting design for tent or garden spaces

These venues look incredible — but only if sound and lighting are handled correctly.

Chestnut Hill Villa venue and grounds exterior.

Chestnut Hill Villa exterior photo of the venue.

Final Thoughts

While Chestnut Hill Villa is no longer hosting weddings, Lancaster County remains one of the strongest wedding markets in Pennsylvania for estate-style and tented celebrations.

If you're planning a Lancaster or Manheim wedding and need guidance on sound, layout flow, or vendor coordination, feel free to reach out.

Check DJ Availability and Pricing

Chestnut Hill Villa tables decorated for a wedding.

Chestnut Hill Villa tent venue set for a wedding.

Chestnut Hill VillaManheim PA Wedding VenueLancaster County Wedding VenueClosed Wedding Venue PAEstate Wedding Lancaster PATented Wedding Venue PA200 Guest Wedding VenueManheim Wedding VenuesWedding Venue Alternatives Lancaster PA

John Sawyers