How to Hire A Wedding DJ, According to Our Wedding DJ
Wondering what to look for in a Wedding DJ?
Meet Ian: one of Bluemont Vineyard’s best Wedding DJs.
He’s got the answers you’re looking for.
1- Ian, you are one of our wedding planner's *favorite vendors of all time*! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and what drew you to DJ-ing weddings?
I got into wedding DJing by starting small with community events. My journey began when I noticed that my local community pool had a terrible sound system. Wanting to improve the experience, I brought my home stereo equipment, a small mixer, and a microphone on weekends to play music and make announcements.
As word spread about me, this casual setup evolved into providing music for BBQ events and pool parties. Through these local gigs, I had built a reputation, and eventually, people started asking me to DJ for larger private events and weddings. Since weddings require a mix of crowd-pleasing music, seamless transitions, and high-quality sound, I regularly update my setup and practice my skills to handle the unique demands of wedding receptions.
Wedding Pictured Above: Truman & Meghan’s Wedding Reception at The Stable, Spring 2025.
2-What questions should every soon-to-be-married couple ask their DJ before the ceremony?
Can we customize the music selection?
Discuss how flexible they are with the songs you want (and don’t want) played, and how they handle song requests.
How do you keep the energy going throughout the night?
A good DJ should be able to read the room and adjust the vibe accordingly.
Do you act as an emcee?
Confirm if they will be announcing events (first dance, cake cutting, etc.) and how comfortable they are with this.
How do you coordinate with other vendors (photographer, wedding planner, etc.)?
Good communication with other vendors helps the day run smoothly.
How do you handle the timing of the event?
Ask how they’ll work with the schedule, including the timing for the grand entrance, speeches, and first dance. Having a day of coordinator is a major plus in having the day to run smoothly.
Wedding Pictured Above: Lauren & Haley’s Wedding Reception at The Stable, Summer 2021
3- How much of what a wedding DJ plays is improvised based on the vibe of the room, and how much is planned ahead?
A wedding DJ's performance is typically a mix of both planned and improvised elements, carefully balanced to ensure a smooth, fun, and memorable experience for the couple and guests. Here's how I generally break it down:
Planned Ahead: Key Milestones & Special Moments, Special Requests, General Song Selection, and Transitions Between Events.
Improvised: Reading the Room, Song Requests, Spontaneous Mixing, and Adaptation to Unpredictable Moments.
The Balance:
Pre-Event Planning: The DJ will likely meet with the couple to get a sense of their musical tastes and preferences, as well as any specific songs they want to hear, helping them craft a playlist and timeline for the day.
Real-Time Flexibility: On the day of the wedding, the DJ will balance that preparation with the flexibility to adapt to the vibe of the room, knowing when to change genres, speed up the tempo, or introduce a crowd favorite to keep the energy flowing.
Wedding Couple Credits: Lauren & Haley’s Summer Wedding, The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard
4- When it comes to customizing the music, do you suggest couples send you their own playlists, or give you an idea of their taste?
When it comes to customizing the music, both approaches—sending a playlist and giving the DJ an idea of their taste—can work well, but it depends on the level of involvement the couple wants to have. Here's a breakdown of both options:
Sending Playlists:
Best for couples who have specific songs they definitely want played or who have a very clear idea of the exact music they want for their wedding. Spotify and Apple Music are excellent tools for sharing playlists.
Helps by sending clear requests, eliminating unwanted surprises, and adding a personal touch meaningful to them.
Downside is limited flexibility: If they send a rigid playlist, the DJ might feel restricted and less able to adapt to the vibe of the room.
Giving the DJ an Idea of Taste:
Best for couples who want to trust the DJ’s expertise to read the crowd and create the best atmosphere but still want their musical preferences considered.
Helps by allowing a seasoned DJ to use creative freedom to curate a set that fits the couple’s style.
What’s the Best Option?
It’s often best to combine both approaches: Start with a playlist and top songs, give a general idea of favorite genres and artists, and be open to DJ’s creative input!
You can contact Ian Lade, private event DJ based in Ashburn, Virginia, through the following methods:
Phone: 703-932-2710
Email: ian@digitalsoundservices.com
Website: Digital Sound Services