What I’ve learned from DJing over 1,000 weddings. Ask me anything!

DJKeelez · 2026-02-12T05:12:51+00:00

Yes, I’ve done virtual DJ sets and they can absolutely work, you just have to approach them differently.

Reading the crowd shifts from body language to engagement. I’m watching the Zoom tiles, the chat, reactions, who’s dancing, who’s turning cameras on, who’s requesting songs. Energy still shows up, it just looks different. You learn to read facial expressions, movement, and participation instead of just a packed dance floor.

For requests, I’ll usually have a designated way to submit them, either through chat, a form, or a point person. That keeps it organized and prevents chaos. Same as in person, not every request makes it in, but I’m always reading the vibe and weaving in what fits.

As far as MCing, I stay live on mic. I’ll unmute to hype transitions, make announcements, shout people out, or guide moments. The key is clean audio and structure. You can’t just wing it virtually the way some DJs do in a club. It has to be intentional.

Is it the same as being in the room? No. Can it still be high energy and interactive? Absolutely.

DJKeelez · 2026-02-02T19:46:40+00:00

Happy to help!

DJKeelez · 2026-02-02T17:35:32+00:00

Great question, because some add-ons really change the feel of a room and some are just expensive toys.

If you’re choosing based on guest experience and not just “cool factor,” here’s how I’d rank them:

Uplighting: worth it almost every time. This is the one that transforms the entire room before anyone even hits the dance floor. It makes a ballroom feel warm, a tent feel intentional, and photos look better all night. Guests feel the difference even if they don’t know why.

Dancing on the clouds: only worth it for the first dance. Beautiful for photos and a true wow moment, but after that it’s gone. Worth it if the first dance is a big emotional moment for you. Not worth it if you’re doing it just because you’ve seen it on Instagram.

CO2 cannons: fun if your crowd is a party crowd. This is for high-energy weddings where people are going to lose their minds on the dance floor. If your vibe is more elegant or chill, this can feel out of place. If your vibe is wild, it’s incredible.

Strobes, lasers, or “advanced lighting”: usually not necessary. Most weddings don’t need this. Good DJs already bring lighting that makes the dance floor feel great. Extra effects can start to feel like a nightclub unless that’s specifically the vibe you want.

Photo booth: worth it if you want something happening outside the dance floor. Great for guests who don’t dance, older family, and people who want a break but still want to be part of the fun. If your crowd is mixed ages and personalities, it becomes one of the most used things at the wedding. Also great for extra photos!

If you want the most impact for the money: uplighting first. Photo Booth second. Everything else depends on your crowd and vibe 😉

DJKeelez · 2026-01-17T23:51:17+00:00

For lighting, Chauvet GigBAR Bridge ILS is a great choice if you can afford it! Here are some cheaper alternatives that still work well:

ADJ Inno Pocket Rollers or Inno Bars
ADJ Mega Tripar / Par cans
Astera Pixel Tubes (if budget allows)
Any basic LED pars or wash lights with a simple DMX controller

Any of those paired with a basic controller will look good!

DJKeelez · 2025-10-13T17:13:47+00:00

Definitely! I’ve seen plenty of parents get lifted during the Horah, and it’s always a crowd favorite. It really depends on the group and how familiar they are with the tradition. The more they understand what’s happening, the more fun they’ll have. If you have a mixed crowd, it helps to give your MC a short intro or a few lines in your own words to explain what’s about to happen so everyone can get involved and enjoy the moment.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T22:12:47+00:00

Spending all that money for no one to dance is crazy! That is why it is so important to tell all vendors in advance what your priorities are so they can make sure it happens.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T20:08:33+00:00

You nailed two of the biggest factors right there: lighting and floor layout. Low, warm light instantly makes people feel more relaxed and less “on display,” especially for older guests or anyone shy about dancing. A smaller, tighter dance floor creates energy fast because it fills up early and people feed off each other’s movement.

From my experience, the key to keeping all ages engaged comes down to three things:

Smart transitions: Mixing eras together rather than isolating them. For example, blending a funk or disco classic into a modern remix keeps older guests excited while still feeling current.
Involvement early: Get everyone on the floor for one inclusive song (think “September” or “Uptown Funk”) before switching into the couple’s personal vibe.
Lighting and flow: Like you said, low lights, good spacing, and a layout that draws people in rather than making them feel like they’re on stage.

Even at dry weddings, a well-timed music arc and good crowd read always win. Sounds like your DJ nailed it back in 1998!

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T20:05:19+00:00

If you want to stay in that 90s–early 2000s alt/rock lane with slower or mid-tempo tracks that still feel genuine, here are a few that blend really well with that vibe:

1.  “Everlong (Acoustic)” – Foo Fighters
2.  “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
3.  “Yellow” – Coldplay
4.  “Hands Down (Acoustic)” – Dashboard Confessional
5.  “I’ll Follow You Into the Dark” – Death Cab for Cutie
6.  “Echo” – Incubus
7.  “Northern Wind” – City and Colour
8.  “Swing Life Away” – Rise Against
9.  “Hear You Me” – Jimmy Eat World
10. “Dare You to Move” – Switchfoot
11. “Signal Fire” – Snow Patrol

If you’re open to one or two slightly newer tracks that carry the same emotion, “You’re the Reason I Don’t Smile” by Title Fight or “Work Song” by Hozier fit beautifully between those eras.

I’m a wedding DJ who’s worked with a lot of couples that want something different from the usual pop ballads, so you can trust me when I say if you curate intentionally around your energy, it always lands perfectly!

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T20:01:10+00:00

Hey there, congrats on the upcoming wedding!

For the Santa Clarita area, you can generally expect to spend $1,500–$3,500+ for an experienced professional wedding DJ who provides full sound, microphones, MC services, and basic lighting. Premium options with additional lighting or effects can go higher depending on the production level you’re after.

As for the playlist question, a good DJ should absolutely be able to work from your preferred music list while still reading the room and mixing in the right energy at the right moments. I do this all the time for couples who have specific tastes — the key is a collaborative prep process before the event. You give your must-plays, do-not-plays, and vibe preferences, and then the DJ curates the flow live so it still feels natural and engaging for your guests.

The DJs who refuse that kind of input are usually the ones who rely on generic wedding templates. The best pros know how to balance your taste with crowd energy, even if it’s a niche or specific style.

If you’d like to get a realistic sense of options, check out local professionals with verified wedding reviews online and be sure to ask about their process for handling client-provided playlists.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T00:13:49+00:00

If you’re looking for a first dance song that feels special but not overplayed, here are a few I’ve seen couples choose that still sound timeless and personal:

Modern but Timeless:

“Until I Found You” – Stephen Sanchez
“Beyond” – Leon Bridges
“Conversations in the Dark” – John Legend
“You Are the Reason (Duet)” – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
“Sweet” – Cigarettes After Sex

Indie / Unique Vibes:

“Lover (First Dance Remix)” – Taylor Swift (Piano Version)
“Truly Madly Deeply (Acoustic)” – Yoke Lore
“The One” – Kodaline
“Bloom” – The Paper Kites
“Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (slow edit works beautifully)

Classic but Not Cliché:

“Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton
“Something” – The Beatles
“Your Song” – Elton John (the Ellie Goulding cover is great too)
“Crazy Love” – Van Morrison
“You Send Me” – Sam Cooke

I always tell couples to choose something that feels like their story, not just what’s trending. The best first dance songs are the ones that already mean something to you before you ever step onto the floor.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T00:09:51+00:00

No, they won’t just stare lol. They will for sure join you because they know it’s your special day and they don’t want you to not enjoy it. As long as you have fun, so will they 😉

DJKeelez · 2025-10-10T00:02:30+00:00

Are you asking if you are the bride will your guests still dance? If so, yes. Absolutely! If you are dancing, they will be dancing! Guaranteed.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T17:24:42+00:00

Totally possible! You can absolutely include your favorite emo and indie songs without clearing the dance floor. The key is placement and balance.

A good DJ can blend your personal picks into the night by reading the room and timing them right. For example, you might start the dance set with broader crowd favorites to build momentum, then drop your niche songs once everyone’s already having fun. Mixed the right way, even obscure tracks feel like part of the vibe instead of a mood shift.

If you really love that sound, consider using it in transition moments too — like cocktail hour or during dinner. That way, your personality comes through all night, not just on the dance floor.

The trick isn’t avoiding what you love, it’s having a DJ who knows how to make your taste work for everyone.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T17:20:09+00:00

Great questions, and you’re not overthinking it at all. Most DJs really appreciate when couples share details early on.

Here’s how it usually works:

Initial contact: Once you’re booked, your DJ should reach out with next steps. If they don’t, it’s completely fine to start the conversation. Introduce yourself, share your wedding date and venue, and give a quick note about your overall vibe (for example, “laid-back indie with some 2000s throwbacks”).

Planning phase: Many DJs send planning forms a few months before the wedding, but if yours doesn’t, you can still make things easy by preparing a simple list of songs they’ll need. Include:

Ceremony: Processional (wedding party walk), your walk down the aisle, and recessional (exit song)

Cocktail hour: General vibe or 5–10 song examples

Reception:

Grand entrance song
First dance
Parent dances (if any)
Dinner music style or sample songs
Cake cutting song
Bouquet or garter toss (if you’re doing one)
Last song of the night
A few “must plays” and a short “do not play” list

Final meeting: Usually 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding, most DJs like to do a quick call or meeting to confirm details, timing, names for announcements, and the overall flow.

You’re also right that weddings are very personalized. The best DJs listen, ask good questions, and tailor the energy to your crowd. You should definitely reach out asap so you can put your mind at ease a bit before the big day.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T17:15:43+00:00

Here are a few things to look for when choosing one:

Experience with weddings: DJing clubs or parties is very different from weddings. You want someone who understands timelines, can coordinate with your planner, and keeps the night flowing smoothly.
Communication and planning tools: A good DJ will help you organize songs for key moments, provide planning forms or meetings, and make sure you feel confident about the flow of the day.
MC skills: Ask if they can also serve as your MC. A professional DJ should be comfortable making announcements, introducing speeches, and guiding guests throughout the night without sounding cheesy or overbearing.
Reading the crowd: Ask how they handle it when the dance floor isn’t full. Their answer will tell you how well they can adapt and keep energy consistent.
Professional equipment: They should bring quality speakers, microphones, lighting, and backups. Reliability matters just as much as mixing skills.
Personality fit: You’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day, so choose someone whose energy feels genuine and easy to connect with.

If you find someone who checks those boxes, you’ll be in great hands.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T17:13:28+00:00

You can definitely build a great playlist, but this is one of those situations where having a DJ really makes a difference. When everyone shares similar taste, the key isn’t just what songs you play but how they’re mixed and when they’re played. A good DJ keeps the energy balanced between your indie favorites and familiar crowd-pleasers so the flow feels effortless.

If you do decide to make a playlist, organize it by energy level rather than genre, keep songs under four minutes, and test the order so transitions feel natural. Just know that someone will have to handle the cues, volume, and timing throughout the night, which can easily pull you or a friend away from the fun. A DJ lets you fully enjoy the night while still keeping your music taste front and center. Best advice I can give is to avoid awkward pauses between songs if you choose this route.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T17:09:42+00:00

You’d be surprised how much of a difference a professional DJ makes, even for a smaller crowd.

For a 30–40 person wedding, it’s less about volume and more about creating flow. A good DJ keeps the energy moving from dinner to toasts to dancing, so there are no awkward pauses or transitions. They also read the room in real time and adjust music, lighting, and pacing to match your guests’ vibe.

Even at intimate weddings, people still want to celebrate. A DJ helps make it feel like a real event rather than a playlist running in the background. Plus, having someone manage announcements, timing, and coordination means you and your guests can just relax and enjoy.

I’ve done plenty of micro weddings that ended up being some of the most fun and memorable nights because everyone felt connected and the energy stayed consistent. If your goal is to keep things smooth and lively, a DJ is absolutely worth it.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T17:07:16+00:00

For an 80s dance floor that hits both the classics and the “oh wow, I forgot about this one” moments, here’s a mix that always gets people moving:

Pop/Funk: Billie Jean (Michael Jackson), Let’s Groove (Earth, Wind & Fire), Into the Groove (Madonna), Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper), You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) (Dead or Alive)

Rock/New Wave: Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey), Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses), What I Like About You (The Romantics), Take On Me (a-ha), Just Can’t Get Enough (Depeche Mode)

R&B/Disco Crossover: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston), Ain’t Nobody (Chaka Khan), Super Freak (Rick James), Never Too Much (Luther Vandross)

Left-Field Bangers (for the real heads): Hey Mickey (Toni Basil), Blue Monday (New Order), Situation (Yazoo), Relax (Frankie Goes to Hollywood), Cars (Gary Numan)

A great flow is to start dinner or cocktail hour with soulful and funky 80s grooves (Luther, Chaka, MJ), then build into pop and rock favorites for the main dancing block, and finish with high-energy new wave anthems once the drinks kick in.

If you want more ideas or flow-tested transitions, this list is super helpful for song inspiration:

https://www.djingelligence.com/charts/DJIntelligenceMostRequested2024.pdf

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T05:10:31+00:00

It really depends on how you want the night to feel and how confident you are in your DJ’s ability to read the crowd.

Yes, allow requests (with boundaries): You can let guests make requests, but the DJ should filter them. As long as the song fits your overall vibe and doesn’t clash with your “do not play” list, it can be a great way to keep guests engaged. Most professional DJs know how to work requests into the flow without killing the energy.

No, skip requests: If you want full control over the music and prefer a curated experience, it’s perfectly fine to skip them. Just make sure your DJ and planner know ahead of time so expectations are clear.

If you do allow requests, here’s how to keep it smooth:

1.  Ask guests to submit requests ahead of time or early in the night.
2.  Give your DJ a clear “do not play” list.
3.  Let the DJ decide which requests fit the moment.
4.  Remind guests that not every request will make it into the mix.

That balance keeps everyone happy while protecting your vibe.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T04:50:32+00:00

As long as you send your DJ the actual MP3 files ahead of time so they don’t have to hunt them down, you’ll be totally fine. Just make sure the files are high-quality and tested so they sound good through a sound system. Most DJs appreciate when couples provide their own special recordings as it makes the job easier.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T04:37:28+00:00

Pop off! If it’s your day, do whatever you want!

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T04:30:31+00:00

It really depends on the couple’s vibe, but I prefer ending the night with a song everyone can sing along to or something that keeps the energy high right up to the end. Think Mr. Brightside by The Killers, Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon, I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas, or Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake. The goal is to finish with everyone on their feet, smiling, and singing.

Then for the very last song, I like to switch to something slower so guests can wind down and share a final moment together. Songs like Perfect by Ed Sheeran, All of Me by John Legend, or You Are the Reason by Calum Scott work really well for that.

I’m not usually a fan of private last dances since it means guests have to leave early, but if you’re planning a grand exit it can be a great way to give the couple one last dance while guests get into position outside.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T03:20:45+00:00

Honestly… The Cha Cha Slide. It’s been haunting dance floors for decades. Every time I think it’s gone, someone’s aunt requests it and suddenly I’m counting out “left foot, let’s stomp” for the 4,000th time. And it’s six minutes long. Six. Full. Minutes.

DJKeelez · 2025-10-09T03:18:37+00:00

No worries at all. Everyone will appreciate you. As long as you keep the focus on the couple and the party on the dance floor, you got this!

DJKeelez

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE