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 - Should We Provide Vendor Meals?

Planning

Jun 23

Written By John Sawyers

Planning your DC Wedding involves a lot of decision-making. Many of your DC Wedding decisions will be of the should we or shouldn’t we variety. Those decisions run the gamut from whether to do the Garter thing to what flowers to select.

For those of you who are new to our DC Wedding Blog, welcome! This blog is focused on answering the ’ Top 50 Wedding Planning questions. While we are a Wedding DJ in Washington DC, we focus on being a planning resource for couples planning their dream wedding anywhere.

About Us

Should we provide meals for the vendors?

If you’ve been following along as we answer the Top 50 Wedding Planning Questions, you will not be surprised at our answer to the vendor meals question.

You don’t have to provide meals for your wedding vendors, but you should.

Why should we feed our wedding vendors?

The last thing you want on your wedding day is a low-energy DJ or an exhausted photographer. Remember, your vendors will work at least five to eight hours (or more!) that day, and you don't want their energy to flag just as the party gets going.

Which wedding vendors should get a meal?

All vendors who will be at your reception should receive a meal.

This typically includes your photographer, videographer, wedding planner, and entertainment—whether a one-person DJ or a four-person band. You don’t need to provide vendor meals for the ones that won’t be in attendance (for instance, your florist and baker).

How much do vendor meals cost?

As for pricing, ask your caterer—everyone has different policies. Some won't charge extra, while others will charge you around 50 percent of the guest meal cost.

If you’re serving a very fancy | or expensive meal, caterers might be able to offer a different meal option for vendors, like a sandwich with chips. (But the more substantial the meal, the better.) Other caterers will have you pay the total price.

Once the cost has been settled, you are responsible for letting your caterer know how many extra meals they must prepare for your vendors. Talk to your caterers and the venue manager to designate a quiet spot for them to eat during a break.

When should our vendors eat and take breaks?

You don’t want your vendors to miss any of the critical events of the wedding celebration. Timing is everything!

The best time for your vendors to take a quick meal break is when the two of you are eating.

You will want your photographer available to capture shots of every moment, be they planned or impromptu. At your wedding reception, the only time that you can be sure that little will happen is when you are enjoying your meal.

It is important to remember that while your vendors certainly need to eat throughout the eight-hour workday, they are there to serve your needs. Some planners and caterers may think it is not pleasant to help your vendors before they do your guests. You want your vendors available when you are to get the best results. Insist on your vendors being the first group to serve their meals; you can be sure that your vendors will not miss any critical moments and be there when you need them.

Featured