Arpeggio FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Hiring a DJ is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. The right DJ can set the tone, keep your guests entertained, and ensure the music flows seamlessly from the ceremony to the last dance. But if you’ve never hired a DJ before, you probably have a lot of questions. At Arpeggio Wedding Entertainment, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process of choosing the perfect Rhode Island wedding DJ.

When Should We Book Our Wedding DJ?

It’s recommended to book your DJ as early as possible—ideally 9 to 12 months in advance. Popular dates, especially during peak wedding season (May to October), can fill up quickly. Booking early ensures you have a wider selection of DJs to choose from and gives you ample time to discuss your preferences and customize your music.

How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost in Rhode Island?

DJ pricing varies depending on factors such as experience, services offered, and the length of the wedding. Most of our couples spend between $2,300 and $3,400 with us. We customize every wedding we do to fit your needs, no two weddings are alike and one price does not fit all weddings. Not every couple wants a Photo Booth while others consider it a must have.

What Should We Look for When Hiring a Wedding DJ?

When hiring a DJ, consider the following:

• Experience: How long has the DJ been performing at weddings? Experience can make a big difference in managing the flow of the event.
• Style: Does their style of music and personality fit your wedding vibe? Some DJs are more interactive, while others take a low-key approach.
• Reputation: Look at reviews and testimonials from other couples. A strong reputation is a good sign that the DJ delivers a great experience.
• Services: Ensure they offer the services you need, such as lighting, MC duties, and sound equipment for multiple locations (if needed).

Can We Customize Our Playlist?

Absolutely! One of the perks of hiring a DJ is the ability to personalize your wedding playlist. You can provide a list of must-play songs, a “do-not-play” list, and suggestions for specific moments like the first dance, cake cutting, and last song. Many DJs also offer to mix genres and include cultural or themed music to reflect your personality as a couple.

How Involved Will the DJ Be in Planning the Music?

Your DJ will work closely with you to plan every aspect of your wedding music. At Arpeggio Wedding Entertainment, we typically schedule a consultation to discuss your music preferences, key moments (like the ceremony and reception), and any special requests. We can also provide guidance on song selection for specific parts of the event, such as entrance music, first dances, and bouquet toss.

Do DJs Offer MC Services as Well?

Yes! Most professional wedding DJs also serve as the Master of Ceremonies (MC). This means they’ll make announcements throughout the event, such as introducing the wedding party, announcing speeches, and guiding guests through key moments like the first dance and cake cutting. Make sure to confirm with your DJ whether they’re comfortable with MC duties, as it plays a big role in the overall flow of your reception.

How Long Does a DJ Typically Play at a Wedding?

Most wedding DJs provide 5 to 7 hours of music coverage, which generally includes:

• Ceremony: 30 minutes to an hour (depending on guest arrival time and the ceremony itself)
• Cocktail Hour: 1 hour
• Reception: 4 to 6 hours, covering dinner and dancing.

If your wedding schedule requires additional time, most DJs offer extended hours for an additional fee.

What Equipment Does the DJ Provide?

Professional wedding DJs provide all the necessary equipment, including:

• Sound system: Speakers, mixers, and microphones for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
• Lighting: Many DJs offer uplighting, dance floor lighting, and special effects (such as LED lights or fog machines) to enhance the atmosphere.
• Backup equipment: A reliable DJ should always have backup equipment, such as extra microphones or speakers, in case something goes wrong.

Be sure to ask about the equipment they’ll be bringing and confirm that it’s appropriate for your venue size and layout.

Do DJs Offer Additional Services?

Many wedding DJs provide extra services to make your wedding even more memorable. Some of these include:

• Uplighting and dance floor lighting
• Monogram projections (custom logos or names projected on the dance floor or walls)
• Photo booths for guest entertainment
• Custom playlists for specific parts of the wedding, like dinner or after-parties
• Karaoke sessions or live-request music options

Check with your DJ to see which additional services they offer and how they can be incorporated into your event.

What Happens If the DJ Gets Sick or Has an Emergency?

At Arpeggio Wedding Entertainment, we understand that emergencies happen. That's why we always have a backup plan in place. Our team includes multiple DJs, so if one is unavailable due to illness or an emergency, we can provide a qualified replacement who’s familiar with your event details. Always ask your DJ about their contingency plan in case of unexpected circumstances.

Can the DJ Provide Music for Both the Ceremony and Reception?

Yes! Most wedding DJs are fully equipped to provide sound and music for the entire day, from the ceremony to the reception. This includes portable sound systems for outdoor ceremonies and wireless microphones for officiants and readers. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, make sure the DJ has the equipment to cover both spaces.

What Happens During the DJ Consultation?

During the consultation, you’ll discuss:

• Music preferences: Your must-play and do-not-play lists.
• Event timeline: The schedule for key moments like the ceremony, first dance, and toasts.
• Special requests: Any unique entertainment elements, such as themed music or cultural songs.
• Logistics: Details about your venue, setup needs, and equipment.

This is your chance to ask questions, share your vision, and ensure the DJ understands your expectations for the big day.

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