5 Top Tips for Choosing a Wedding DJ in Charleston, SC: A Guide

How Important is the Music at a Wedding?

There is Alot to Consider When Choosing a Charleston Wedding DJ!

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life.

You want everything to be perfect, from the venue to the decor, the food, and the music.

When it comes to choosing a Wedding DJ in Charleston, SC, there are so many options available that it can be overwhelming.

So how do you choose the right Wedding DJ for you? Well hopefully we can provide some insight!

Here are our top 5 tips for choosing a Wedding DJ in Charleston, SC.

Once you have your list of the best Wedding DJs in Charleston, employ these these tips and recommendations, so you can zero in on the most competent and entertaining Wedding DJ who fits your style and budget!

FUN FACT: OVER 37,000 WEDDINGS ARE EXPECTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA DURING 2024

1) Don’t Wait!

Start Your Search Early to Ensure Availability

When it comes to hiring the perfect wedding DJ in Charleston, timing is everything. Starting your search early is crucial to ensure availability and avoid disappointment, especially in Charleston, SC.

The ideal time to begin your search is a minimum of a year in advance to. This will allow plenty of time to research and compare different DJs, read reviews, and ensure more availability for your wedding date.

If you have chosen a wedding date during Charleston’s busy season, like March or

October, beginning your search 18 months from your date is a good idea.

Simply put, the best wedding DJs in Charleston book first and you want to make sure you don’t leave yourself with a limited number of options or worse, the lowest quality.

8,700+ Weddings are estimated for 2024 in the Charleston area with roughly 145 Active Wedding DJs Operating in the Market

You should also make sure that you take the time to search just beyond the first page of Google. Just because a DJ comes up first when searching “Charleston Wedding DJs” that certainly does not mean they are the best. Some of the most talented vendors have not been able to crawl to the first page of a search engine so don’t miss out on amazing options that don’t appear first!

KEY POINTS:

• Charleston, SC is one of the most popular wedding destinations around and vendors book far in advance.
• The most popular and highest quality DJs always books first, especially during peak season
• If you feel like you are starting your search too soon, you are probably not. Booking lead time for the best vendors can be up to 18-24 months. 

2) Start With Referrals, Not Reviews

Everything on the Internet is True, Right?!

POLL THE COMMUNITY

One advantage to searching for a wedding DJ in Charleston, SC is that the area is not that big and the community is closely knit.

One of the best ways to find a reliable and talented professional is to ask for referrals from friends, family, or vendors in the area. Given Charleston is a destination wedding city, alot of people have attended weddings and can provide feedback on any DJ they have seen perform.

87% of Couples Getting Married in 2024 Said They Will Book Entertainment Using Referrals Instead of Reviews on Websites.

The single best resource for finding a wedding DJ in Charleston is other wedding vendors. Vendors such as caterers, photographers and planners who operate in this
particular market and have worked with DJs are an invaluable resource. They can offer valuable insight into DJs they have worked and give first-hand feedback on their experiences and the overall quality of service of those they have worked alongside.

ASK OTHER VENDORS

Another way to tap into the community for advice is through online forums or social media platforms such as Facebook. These resources are anbother great way to get get free insight as to what others have experienced

One other resource that is often overlooked is previoulsy married couples. If you see a couple used a particular DJ for their wedding in Charleston, reach out. otthem and ask about their experience!

As you are conducting your search, one thing to consider is that companies like Wedding Wire and The Knot charge a premium for wedding vendors to showcase reviews on their profiles. Getting recomendations from companies or people that are being paid to provide them can be problematic and not the most objective resource.

Overall, direct referrals are an excellent way to start your search for a wedding DJ because you can trust the opinions of professionals and guests with real-world exposure to certain DJs.

With their recommendations, you can feel confident that you’re making an informed decision and hiring a DJ who will make your special day unforgettable.

KEY POINTS:

• The single best resource for a referral is from a wedding vendor that operates in the Charleston area.
• Referrals and reviews from a company that is getting paid to provide them will never be completely objective. Real referrals trump reviews from paid platforms. 
• Think local! Tap into social media resources, local forums or even recently married couples!

3) Hire a wedding dj in Charleston that is unique

If You Want Your Wedding to stand out, book unique vendors

Over 75% of Millennials Say They Prefer a DJ Over a Band at their Wedding.

This could be in the form of extra services that they provide such as great lighting or an awesome photo booths. A unique “extra” goes a long way when you are entertaining your guests.

Some DJs may bundle these extras together or offer them at a discounted rate in order to provide you with the best possible value for your money

You could also find a DJ that plays an instrument while they DJ or even are accompanied by another musician or drummer. It’s a trend that is being seen more and more and certainly is unique.

Most notable would be a DJ that has unique music that they play or even specific remixes or edits that they themsleves have created.

This is another great way to expose your guests to something that they do not see at every wedding.

All in all, the goal is to make your wedding stand out and to keep your guests entertained all evening.

You want your family and friends to leave your party talking about how awesome it was and that unlike every other wedding they attend, your wedding was unique.

KEY POINTS:

• Charleston, SC is one of the most popular wedding destinations around and vendors book far in advance.
• The most popular and highest quality DJs always books first, especially during peak season
• If you feel like you are starting your search too soon, you are probably not. Booking lead time for the best vendors can be up to 18-24 months. 

4) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: PRICING, EXPERIENCE AND STYLE

NOT ALL DJS ARE CREATED EQUALLY

HAVE THEM SHOW YOU, NOT TELL YOU

Every single wedding vendor has some way of showing potential couples what they offer. Oddly enough, this is not always the case for wedding DJs. A lot of them will tell you about how great their offerings are are but that is about it.

For example, caterers have food tastings so couples can try their cuisine. Photographers and videographers have media galleries with finished video reels and photography galleries they have delieverd from recent weddings. Rental companies have show rooms where you can see their inventory of rentals and visualize what may fit your tastes.

So why do DJs typically only have an “About” section touting their work alongside pictures of a packed dance floor but no examples of them in action? The jury is still out.

The moral of the story is that the best DJs will always have examples of their work and available for you to see, not just read about. They should be able to showcase
their skills and demonstrate their ability to keep the party going all night long. By watching videos or listening to samples of their music, you can get a sense of their style and see if it matches the vibe you want for your special day.

LOCAL EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Hiring a DJ that is familiar with the Charleston market is so important. Every venue is different and each has its unique challenges. For example, some venues do not have power available for Ceremony while others may be on the 3rd floor of a building.

76% of brides wish they had spent more money on entertainment for their wedding

Regardless of the nuances associated with any venue, a DJ’s knowledge of
what they will encounter is crucial. They will avoid so many issues that could have been prevented simply by having experiencing. In addition, being familiar with other vendors in the area is also helpful and will add to a smoother evening overall.

DO NOT SOLELY SHOP PRICE

You may have heard the saying “good ain’t cheap and cheap ain’t good.” When it comes to finding the perfect wedding DJ in Charleston, SC, shopping by price alone is not a wise decision. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, doing so can lead to disappointment and even disaster on your big day.

The truth is that every wedding vendor charges what they do because that is what they are worth. This is not the case 100% of the time but across the board, DJs who have been in business for over a year understand their value and relative to the rest of the market and price themsleves accordingly.

A wedding DJ is responsible for setting the tone of the entire reception, and their ability to read the crowd and keep the party going is crucial. This requires skill, experience, and professional-grade equipment – all of which come with a price tag.

A DJ plays for 4 to 5 hours on average. If they suck, it is going to be a long night. Consider foregoing those mini lobster rolls at cocktail hour so you can save room in your budget for an awesome DJ!

By prioritizing cost over quality, you risk hiring an inexperienced or unprofessional DJ who may not have the skills or equipment necessary to deliver a memorable performance.

Instead, take the time to research and compare different DJs based on their experience, reviews, and portfolio before making a decision. Remember, when it comes to your wedding day, investing in quality entertainment is an investment in creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

5) Avoid The Booking Agency Blues

USING A BOOKING AGENCY CAN HAVE DRAWBACKS

While you are searching for a wedding DJ in Charleston, SC, it’s important to consider all factors associated with using booking agencies as opposed to booking with a DJ directly.

While these agencies may appear to offer convenience and reliability, the truth is that they often prioritize profit over quality.

By booking through an agency, you run the risk of getting stuck with a DJ who doesn’t match your style or preferences, or worse yet, one who is inexperienced or unprofessional.

The worst scenario is that you get a DJ sent to your wedding that you did not know you were getting.

Booking agencies typically have a large roster of DJs to choose from, but they may not be familiar with each individual DJ’s style or personality. Moreover, you may not be able to communicate directly with the person that will actually be at your wedding.

By working directly with a wedding DJ, you can ensure that the music and atmosphere at your wedding will be tailored specifically to your tastes and preferences.

Additionally, booking directly with a DJ can often save you money as there won’t be an additional agency fee added onto the cost of their services.

So if you want to potentially save on your budget and ensure that your wedding is filled with great music and personalized attention, consider working directly with a professional wedding DJ.

KEY POINTS:

• All of your communication will typically go through a middle-man, usually the owner or the booking manager.
• Your dollar will not go as far with a booking agency because they have tremendous overhead. What you pay is spread around that company to pay the bills and provide commisions. The DJ they send to your wedding will usually end up keeping only 50% – 60% of the fee you pay.
• A lot of these companies DJ rosters are not full-time DJs or are just getting started. If they could make it on there own as a DJ and not give up alot of their pay, they would probably be doing that.