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 - How Big Should My Wedding Party Be

Planning

Jun 9

Written By John Sawyers

When it comes to planning a wedding, couples have a lot of questions. That is understandable since this is something you only do once if you do it right.

As an award-winning Washington DC DJ Service serving Frederick MD | Washington DC | Northern VA, our passion is helping couples have the best experience possible and to be an asset in all facets of wedding planning.

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How large should our wedding party be?

As you start planning your wedding, you will quickly realize that there are no set rules for many of the choices you will have to make. The optimal size of your bridal party is another example. Some couples choose to have large parties consisting of friends, siblings, cousins, and in-laws. Others prefer a smaller wedding party with just one or two loved ones. If you're trying to figure out exactly how many people should stand by your side on the big day, we've broken down the key factors to help you decide if a big or small group is right for you.

Consider the size of your wedding.

You can have as many bridesmaids and groomsmen as you like. The average wedding party size is roughly five on either side, so you can use that as a guide when you decide.

For a smaller wedding with around 50 to 60 guests, have no more than four, but for a larger wedding of, say, 150, you could go up to 12 if you really wanted.

Keep in mind that more isn’t always merrier. The more attendants you have, the more details to organize—flattering tuxes or dresses, a bachelor or bachelorette party with 12 attendants who have busy schedules, wedding party gifts and so much more.

Choose responsible attendants.

You are going to rely on them for some big wedding planning tasks. The best attendants are friends who are responsible and good at providing emotional support. It also helps if they are fun since they'll be planning the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Set honest expectations.

What role do you want your wedding party to play? Is it important to you that they help address wedding invites, shop for your day-of attire with you, and attend all pre-wedding parties? Will it be enough for them to wear what you choose and show up on your wedding day?

If you want a heavily involved wedding party, it may not be the best idea to ask friends or family who live far away or have extremely hectic schedules. You may be setting yourself up for disappointment.

Think twice before you ask.

Once you've asked someone to be at your wedding party, you can't change your mind later. While you may be tempted to ask all your favorite friends to be in your wedding party the minute you get engaged, don't! Take your time. Give yourself at least a month, if you can, to mull over the options. Then ask yourself this question: Will I be just as close to this person in five years as I am now?

If you are on the fence about asking someone to be in your wedding party, consider how they'd fit in with the rest of your attendants. If you don't think they'd, leave them off the list.

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