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 - When To Send Invitations

Planning

Jun 7

Written By John Sawyers

If you are planning a DC wedding there is a pretty good chance that you have a question or two. While our wedding day role as a DJ is to pack Washington DC dance floors, we take our self-appointed role as and wedding planning resource pretty seriously.

For us, it is all about helping couples get their best day ever!

That has led us to tackle the top 50 wedding questions couples have when planning their Washington DC wedding. Today we tackle the question of timing. Specifically, when should you send your DC Wedding Invitations.

When should we send out the invitations?

The best time to send out your invitations to your DC Wedding is 6-8 weeks before the wedding date. This allows enough time for planning and sending back the RSVP card in time. If it's a destination wedding, give guests more time and send them out three months ahead of time.

Most couples also send out save-the-date cards. They go out at six to eight months.

Where do you put the return address on your DC Wedding Invitations?

The return address usually goes on the back flap of the envelope. Also, the return address used should be that of the person(s) whom you've designated to receive response cards, be it your parents or you. Traditionally, whoever is hosting the wedding handles response cards.

Don't forget that the RSVP envelope should also be printed with this address and should include postage.

When should we make the deadline for RSVPs?

Make your RSVP date two to three weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time for you to get a final headcount to the caterer (one week before) and to finalize your seating chart.

If some guests still haven't responded by your deadline, give them a quick call and ask for their RSVP’s (still via mail) so you have all their information.

Where do we include information about our wedding website?

Your wedding website should be included on your save-the-date. If you'd like you can include the web address in the formal invitations with an insert; a small card that informs guests they can find more details online.

Can we include our registry info on our DC Wedding Invitations or Save-the-Dates?

In a word, no.

Including registry info on the wedding invitations or save-the-dates is considered impolite because it can come off as though you're asking for gifts. Put your registry info directly on your wedding website.

You can also tell your wedding party, parents, and close friends where you're registered, and let them fill guests in.

When should we send invitations to our rehearsal dinner?

You shouldn’t send rehearsal dinner invites in your DC Wedding Invitations. Instead, a week or two after you have sent your wedding invitations. That will allow enough time for the invited guests to adjust their travel time if needed. Even though the guestlist for your rehearsal dinner is often the same as your wedding guest list, the invitations should be sent separately.

Your DC Wedding day is going to be an amazing event! Planning it is a large undertaking and that can be stressful if you are uncertain what to do. I hope that you have enjoyed this article and will check out our other blog posts.

If you’d like to learn more about our Washington DC Wedding DJ Services I encourage you to click the button below.

Do you have any wedding invitation tips you’d like to share?

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