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.

DC Wedding Planning- Who Must Be On The Guest List?

Planning

Jun 30

Written By John Sawyers

DC weddings are expensive, at about $37,000 on average in 2019. With catering costs at $50.00 per plate on the low end and over $100 per plate for a fancier meal, each guest does represent a dollar amount.

Money is far from the only factor in determining who should receive a DC Wedding Invitation. This is going to be one of the best days of your life. You’ll definitely have those people who are most involved in your life there to celebrate your DC Wedding.

But, what about the rest of the guest list? What happens if your wedding budget or the size of the venue will not allow you to send a DC Wedding Invitation to every person on your list? How do you decide who is allowed to enter and who stays outside your virtual velvet rope?

Welcome to my DC Wedding Blog where I cover a variety of event planning topics and tips for couples planning their Washington DC Wedding. While the information covered is tailored to the DC wedding couples we serve, much of it applies to all weddings regardless of location.

As a Washington DC Wedding DJ Service, our passion is helping couples have the best experience possible and to be an asset in all facets of wedding planning. This article is one in a series of articles intended to help not only the wedding couples we serve from Washington DC to Lancaster PA; but to help anyone who is planning their dream wedding.

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How many guests should I invite to my wedding?

This question can get tricky, but it all depends on the size of the event you want to have. If you are envisioning something more intimate, then that is what the guest list should include – the closest of family and friends.

But, if you’re having an extravagant, big-time celebration with 100’s wedding invitations to spare, you may just have to invite your extended family and the sorority sisters who invited you to their own wedding a few years back.

Which family members do I have to invite to my DC wedding?

Traditionally regardless of who is paying for the wedding, the guest list is broken into thirds. Two-thirds of the guests should be family members of each side with the remaining third being friends and co-workers.

When creating your wedding guest list, you should treat your family members equally. So, if you invite one aunt, you should include all aunts (and uncles, too). The cost of adding extra place settings at your reception is money well spent if it keeps tensions at bay. If you wish to highlight your favorite aunt, ask her to give a speech or call out your closeness in some other meaningful way. She will still get how much you value her friendship, and no one else will have their feelings hurt.

In terms of extended family, you should evaluate each family by their closeness and then apply an all or nothing rule. If someone makes a comment about his first cousins being included while yours were not, just explain that his family has a tighter bond.

Should I invite plus-ones?

You are not obligated to offer every one of your guests a plus-one to your wedding, but if they’re in a serious relationship of any sort (dating, living together, engaged, etc.), their partner should be included. I strongly suggest that you don’t institute a “no ring, no bring” rule.

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