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 - Is A Rehearsal Dinner A Must?

Planning

Jun 25

Written By John Sawyers

At some point during your DC Wedding Planning, a decision will need to be made on whether to have a rehearsal dinner. As an award-winning Washington DC Wedding DJ, 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 those planning a DC Wedding couple but to help anyone who is planning their dream wedding. If this is your first visit to our blog please check out our main blog page for more event planning tips.

About Us

Do we have to have a rehearsal dinner?

Absolutely not, it’s completely up to you.

Keep in mind though, that the rehearsal is really just to help everything go smoothly on the day of. Before making a decision to hold or skip the Rehearsal Dinner it might be helpful to know a bit more about this event and its purpose.

What actually is the rehearsal dinner?

A Rehearsal Dinner is a dinner that is traditionally held the night before the wedding, often on a Friday, and usually starts around dinnertime (to leave time for attendants to get there from work).

Since the rehearsal dinner has become more of a celebration in its own right than just a formality, some couples choose to hold the event two nights before the wedding. This way, there's more time to relax, recuperate, and get ready for the main event.

What is it for?

The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity for your two families to spend time together before the wedding day in a slightly less hectic setting. Take advantage of the relaxed environment, full of happy anticipation—come wedding night, you'll most likely be pulled in too many directions to put in quality time with anyone.

The ultimate goal is to relieve some pre-wedding tension and make everyone feel comfortable with the upcoming nuptials, while not upstaging the main event.

What happens at a rehearsal dinner?

A Rehearsal Dinner generally consists of a few elements.

Meet and Greet:

Expect to meet and greet your guests—the rehearsal dinner is your chance to welcome everyone. Walk around and catch up with loved ones and meet more of your in-laws throughout the evening, because the wedding night is often a bit of a blur.

Wedding Party Gifts:

You also may hand out the wedding party gifts on this occasion, but do it subtly. No matter what, take a moment to stand and thank your bridal party for their support. Parent gifts can also be presented at the rehearsal dinner (but we prefer a more private time, if you can find it, just in case it gets emotional).

The gift exchange can be a nice last moment for you to connect with them before the festivities.

Toasts:

Traditionally, once dessert comes to a close, the toasts begin. As host of the party, the groom's father (sometimes along with the groom's mother) typically goes first, toasting his soon-to-be daughter-in-law and her family. The groom also toasts his new wife, the guests, and the hosts. Alternately, both of you can't stand up to thank everyone together.

Reminders:

Lastly, it's also your chance to slip in a few last-minute refreshers about the next day. Before calling it a night, double-check that everyone in the wedding party knows exactly where to go the next day, what they're supposed to bring, and when and where they're expected to arrive to get ready.

Now that you know what the rehearsal dinner is all about, you can make an educated decision on the value of holding the event. Every couple and their situation are different. Perhaps most of the attendants won't be arriving until late on the eve of your wedding.

In the Washington DC | Northern VA market the traffic on a Friday evening is brutal. It simply may not be practical to get everyone together for dinner if that Friday is a workday for them.

Do what is best for you and your guest and remember; skipping the rehearsal meal altogether is perfectly acceptable (sometimes there's just no way to fit it all in).

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