Choose the right wedding DJ

Are you shopping around for the perfect wedding DJ? If so, you probably have noticed there are lots of options out there; some with really over the top personalities, others more subdued, some with tons of lights and fancy equipment, others with just the bare necessities. You may even have found some that are ridiculously expensive, and others that are shockingly cheap. So how do you narrow it down? Many people simply look at the price, but if you are wanting an amazing wedding DJ that will play all of your favorite songs and truly match the music to you and your partner’s personalities, there are a few things you should know before starting your search:

Make sure to meet with your DJ before hiring them. In-person or via Skype/Face Time is best so you can get a feel for how they interact with you and your partner. You will be spending a lot of time planning a very important event with this person, so you want to be sure you get along well and you are both on the same page with expectations of how the day will go.
Ensure your DJ has everything you need for the big day. Not every DJ provides the same services so if you want someone who can seamlessly mix between songs, make announcements throughout the evening, play alongside a live musician or even simply provide extra speakers or lighting, you want to ask them during the interview process to avoid disappointment later on down the line. SIDE NOTE: Be sure to set realistic budget expectation when planning for add-ons. Cool things come at a cost, so make sure to set aside some wiggle room in your budget in case the company you decide to work with presents some upgrade options that are too good to refuse. More on budgets in a bit...
Any good wedding DJ should provide you with tools to help make music selection easier. Ask the DJ what sorts of things they do to help guide you through the process. There are lots of possibilities when it comes to songs to play at your wedding, so you want to make sure the person you hire is willing and able to help you when needed.
Don’t let pricing make the decision for you. Cheaper isn’t always better and is usually the sign of an inexperienced DJ. Weddings require a lot of hard work, expensive equipment, talent and experience, so if you want someone good, be prepared to pay around $1,500 for their basic package - $5,000 for something more elaborate.

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for when choosing the DJ for your wedding, you're ready to start your search without worrying about making the wrong decision. Best of luck!

Changing the Game

“DJ Keelez is thrilled to be a part of Modern Rebel’s “Changing The Game” series. Modern Rebel & Co. is an alternative event planning company based in NYC, Los Angeles & Washington D.C. that allows clients to plan an awesome event as well as give back to their community. For every event Modern Rebel does, they give a portion of their profits to a local non-profit that the client selects. Check out their website and my interview below!”

Changing the Game: DJ Keelez

WASI

WASI is a riot-pop group based out of Los Angeles, CA that draws influences from MIA, The Clash and Yeah Yeah Yeahs to create a genreless sound of their own. Their DJ sets creates an energy that lets the crowd dance from one unpredictable alt/electro/pop banger to the next. WASi has DJ’d throughout Los Angeles at venues such as The Satellite, The Echo and Bootleg Theater. They love to perform at spaces that encourages LGBTQ visibility and female empowerment.

Their DJ sets are hosted by front-women Merilou Salazar and Jessie Meehan.

WASI's favorite genres to perform: Alternative, Indie, Electro, Pop/Top 40

Other genres that WASI performs: Motown, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00's, House/Lounge, Hip-Hop, EDM, Current Hits

DJ ASH

DJ ASH is an open format DJ who specializes in hip hop, reggaeton, dancehall, and moombahton. Born and raised in Salinas, CA, Ash has performed across California at events such as Salinas Pride, Palm Springs Pride and social parties for the mobile app, HER. More recently she has performed onstage with artist Metta World Peace at We the West this past Spring. Ash has performed at venues such as Wildcat Lounge in Santa Barbara (Voted Best college night in Santa Barbara), Revolver in West Hollywood (Voted friendliest staff), and Atomic Nightclub in San Diego (San Diego’s Best DJs). Ash has previously held residencies with 24+ Event’s Ladies’ Night, and is currently the resident DJ on the B Side Forum.

Ash’s favorite genres to perform: Pop/Top 40, Dance/Remix Top 40, Hip-Hop, House/Lounge, EDM, Trap, 90’s

Other genres that Ash performs: Motown, 70’s, 80’s, 00's, Alternative, Indie, Rock, Disco, Funk & Latin, Current Hits

Hottest 2019 Trend in Weddings!

Introducing one of the hottest wedding trends of 2019, combining a live musician with a live DJ! You now don't have to decide between the two, you can get the best of both worlds! Your guests are sure to enjoy the variety of music and great show that comes along with it. Not to mention, the energy level of your event will instantly go up to about 1000 and your dance floor will be poppin' all night long! Highly recommend this addition to your special day!

Huge thank you to OMG Ocdamia Music Group, LLC and Creative Cloudworks. for making this video happen!

Preferred Wedding Vendors

I've had the honor of working with some of the best wedding vendors in the industry over the years. I highly recommend all of the ones listed below, so if you or anyone you know is on the look out for any of their services, please reach out and be sure to let them know I referred you!

WEDDING COORDINATORS
Renee Dalo of Moxie Bright Events - www.moxiebrightevents.com
Nam Lam of Modern LA Weddings - www.modernlaweddings.com
Jason Rhee of Rheefined Company - www.rheefined.com
Holly Gray of Anything But Gray Events - www.anythingbutgrayevents.com
Jessica Carrillo of Art & Soul Events - www.artandsouleventsla.com

EVENT PRODUCTION
Jose Camara - www.skyeventproduction.com
Entire Productions - www.entireproductions.com

FLORISTS
Nadia Guzman of The Flower Shop 818 - www.theflowershop818.com
Thy at Oceanic Flowers - www.oceanicflowers.com

CATERERS
Elayne Sawaya at the Catering Concierge - www.cateringconcierge.net
24 Carrots Catering and Events - www.24carrots.com
Amy's Culinary Adventures - www.amysculinaryadventures.com

LIVE PERFORMANCE ARTISTS
Masha at Artist Creating Entertainment - www.artistcreatingentertainment.com

BANDS
Amanda Castro of The Amanda Castro Band (Jazz) - www.amandacastro.com
George Loreto of Undercover Live (Variety of Cover Bands) - www.undercoverlive.com

DESSERTS
Nika Yazdani of Sugar Studio - www.sugarstudiola.com

CAKE
Nicole Redd-McIntosh of Nicole Bakes Cakes - www.nicolebakescakes.com
Tamara Brown of Mwokaji Cakery - www.mwokajicakery.com

PARTY RENTALS
Anna Canno of Signature Party Rentals - www.signatureparty.com

DJ Brynn Taylor

Since her arrival to Los Angeles in 2005, Brynn Taylor has earned her place as one of the most versatile and skilled female DJs in the country. She consistently maintains several residencies at high-profile venues in Los Angeles, New York, and Las Vegas. Brynn Taylor's eclectic repertoire, infectious energy and sheer talent have lead to her widespread recognition and acclaim. She was voted "Best West Hollywood DJ" by Wehoconfidential.com, and Curve Magazine has highlighted Brynn as one of the "Most Powerful Women."

Brynn’s favorite genres to perform: Pop/Top 40, Dance/Remix Top 40, Hip-Hop, EDM, Nu Disco, House/Lounge

Other genres that Brynn performs: Motown, 70’s, 80’s, 90's, 00's, Disco, Funk, Rock, Alternative, Indie, Current Hits

DJ DANNI AMMON

Danni Ammon hails all the way from Perth, Australia, and has the reputation of being my friendliest DJ. Since leaving Australia just a few years ago, she has performed at 100’s of events, including several weddings, fashion shows, pride festivals, corporate parties and numerous high-profile film and TV events. Danni is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, guitarist, music producer and drummer, and has performed internationally for various Indie-Pop bands throughout the last 10 years.

Danni’s favorite genres to perform: Pop/Top 40, Dance/Remix Top 40, Motown, Hip-Hop, Indie, EDM, 90’s

Other genres that Danni performs: 70’s, 80’s, 00's, Alternative, Rock, Disco, Nu Disco, House/Lounge, Funk, Current Hits

Event Tips and Tricks - Modern Bouquet and Garter Toss Ideas

The bouquet and garter toss are some of the oldest traditions, but I'm finding more and more couples omitting this from their wedding reception because it doesn't fit their modern day style. Here are some alternatives that I've seen at actual wedding that might inspire you to think of something super special.

One of the best things I've seen in lieu of flowers are toys - stuffed teddy bears, fake pomegranates, you name it. Whatever it is, make sure it's something fun that will get the crowd going and will fit the theme of your wedding.

Another thing I've seen is a cash bouquet. Extra points if you have the receiver of the bouquet donate that money to the charity of their choice.

Nerf guns make the whole event better. Newly weds can find a way to hide nerf guns throughout the venue and then during the reception, initiate a nerf gun fight everyone can participate in.

I've also seen a dance competition happen that the newly weds can judge. Have a small prize for the winner and get the runner ups to come to the dance floor to get the party going.

Event Tips and Tricks - How to Get Your Dance Floor Going

Welcome to another episode of events tips and tricks! The number one question I get asked is "how can i get my friends and family dancing?"

Tip 1 - Make sure you are on the dance floor. Your guests are more likely to dance if you are.
Tip 2- Take a group photo just before opening the dance floor. That way you'll have all your guests there.
Tip 3 - Invite your guests join you during your first dance. Then, have the DJ switch to a fun song to get the party started.

Here are just a few tips and tricks to get the crowd onto the dance floor. Happy planning!

BOOKINGS AND QUESTIONS