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.

4 Tips To Get The Most From Your Washington DC DJ

Photo BoothPlanning

Jul 27

Written By John Sawyers

As award-winning Washington DC DJs, we work with many couples and corporate party planners who have little to no experience planning a major event. This article is one of many on our blog to help with throwing the best party ever!

At Perfect Harmony Entertainment, we have witnessed firsthand what the vendors you hire can do for you and your guest’s experience. This is especially true with the Washington DC DJ that you select.

Think about it. Other than your venue, the District DJ is the only item on your list that will impact your guest from literally start to finish.

I would never diminish the value or the skills of a talented photographer or videographer! These folks produce works of art that you and your family will view and share for the decades to come. That said, they make little to no impact on your guests’ enjoyment during the celebration.

ABOUT US

Outdoor alter for a wedding in Washington DC.

The DC DJ you choose is the sole provider of entertainment for your big day. They often serve as the MC or host of the event.

A great District DJ not only keeps your dance floor hopping, they often serve as the Ring Master and ensure that the event timeline is followed so that you get in all the activities that are important to you.

Once you have selected your Washington DC DJ you probably want to get the style of wedding that you have been dreaming of. Your style may be very different from the wedding that a particular DJ performed at a week ago.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your DC DJ creates the perfect wedding experience for you:

Your Washington DC DJ Works for You

This is your event. The DJ is the facilitator of fun. Let your DC DJ know what you are looking for in terms of vibe and style. The more information you can provide about your expectations and your guest, the more successful your party will be.

Success may not be determined by the number of people who are on the dance floor. We have had many couples have the time of their lives even though they knew that most of the guests would never be on the dance floor. Dancing just wasn’t their thing.

That didn’t mean that they did not want fun music, sing-along songs, and low-stress activities like the “Anniversary Dance”. Their event was a party, not a dance party.

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Bride looking over a balcony at a Washington DC wedding at night.

If You Have Special Requests Let the DJ Know

If you have a special version of a song that you like let your District DJ know. If you prefer a specific remix let them know. This is your playlist and you should be sure to get the tunes you want.

That said, even in this digital age every song may not be instantly available from the regular sources that your DC DJ uses to buy their music. Allow as much time as you can to ensure the greatest odds of success.

The same is true of entrances or special dance songs. We have had multiple father-daughter dances at a wedding. We have had tribute dances for those whose loved ones had passed on. These are very special moments that only happen once in a lifetime! Make sure that you include them and let your Washington DC DJs know early so that they receive the treatment they deserve.

Let Them Know How to Handle Requests

Your District DJ will be approached by guests with a variety of different song requests. That’s just the way it is. Luckily, since it’s your party and your DJ, you’ll be able to decide how the situation is handled.

Before the big day, tell your DC Wedding DJs if they should accept song requests or not.

Take Advantage of the Must and Do Not PlayList

If you really don’t want the “Macarena”, you must let your DJ know. Odds are one of the guests will ask for it. Your DC Wedding DJ won’t know what to avoid unless you tell them. I know that we all have songs that we absolutely cannot stand, and the last place you’re going to want to hear them is your wedding.

The “Do Not Playlist” is vital because there’s always that one friend who tries to get the DJ to play a song, they know you despise.

The same goes for a “Must Playlist”. If there’s something you can’t live without, let your DJ know. Especially, if the song needs to be played at a certain time or for a certain event. Coordinating with your DC DJs is vital to ensure that your wedding and reception go off without a hitch.

Thank you for reading this article. If you are already a client of ours then you are already aware of how easy our proprietary wedding planning process makes all of this. If you are not working with us and would like to know more about our services including our planning app, I invite you to click our contact button.

Our team at Perfect Harmony Entertainment does far more for our couples than provide great music and fun activities such as our photo booth. Our focus is to help our couples and corporate clients create the events they have envisioned. We do that in part by offering tips and advice and sharing our event experience.

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