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.

Your Wedding Planning Guide & Toolkit

You’re all set. Your downloads are below.

Grab what you need now and bookmark this page so you can return as planning progresses (especially when you start touring venues and interviewing vendors).

Not sure where to start? Do this in order:

Download The Perfect Wedding Guide (PDF)
Download the 12-Month Checklist (Excel) (it downloads to your device)
If you’re venue shopping, use the Venue Visit Checklist + Comparison Sheet
Before booking any vendor, use the matching “How to Hire” Checklist

Ask a Planning Question

1) Core Guide & Master Planner

Start here. These give you the big picture and a place to keep everything organized..

The Perfect Wedding Guide (PDF)
A start-to-finish walkthrough from “we’re engaged” to “we’re married.”
➜ Download the Guide
12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist (Excel)
Track budget, payments, guests, and vendor details in one place.
➜ Download the 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

2. “How to Hire” Vendor Checklists

Use these when you’re emailing or meeting vendors so you don’t forget the questions that matter most.

3. Venue Scorecard & Comparison Sheets

Touring more than one venue? These make it easy to remember what you loved (and what you didn’t).

4. Email Templates & Tipping Guide

Save time on emails and avoid awkward money questions at the end.

➜ Vendor Email Templates (Inquiry, Follow-Up, Thank-You)
➜ Vendor Tipping Guide

5) Want help pulling this into a simple timeline?

Spreadsheets are great for tracking tasks and budgets. But once you’re juggling timeline, ceremony details, wedding party, music, and vendor logistics, it helps to have everything organized in one place.

If you’d like a simple planning system that keeps your must-know details tidy (timeline prompts, music planning, key names/notes), we can point you to the best next step.

➜ See the App Upgrade

Quick comparison

Use the downloads if you love spreadsheets.
Choose the app if you want everything simplified + mobile.

Downloads: Best for budget tracking + checklists
App Upgrade: Best for timeline + music planning + keeping details organized in one place

6. Want a quick sanity-check?

If you want a second set of eyes on your plan, we’re happy to help.

Send us a message with:

your wedding date + venue (if you have it)
What you’re working on right now
What’s feeling stressful or unclear

We’ll point you to the most helpful tools, so you’re not guessing your next move.

➜ Ask a Planning Question