Choosing a DJ for your wedding, corporate event or other gathering is an important step in ensuring that your celebration is a success. DJ’s supply the soundtrack for the event, and heavily influence the type of energy felt by your guests.

These days, many people assume that picking the right DJ in the DC Metropolitan area is as simple as typing a few words into Google. But use that method with great caution. Any website can claim that a DJ is the best in the business. What your wedding or special event needs, however, is more than words. That’s why we encourage you to follow these 3 tips when choosing the right DJ for your D.C. Area event.

Tip #1: Go with what you know

We’ve all been to a wedding or other event where a DJ was present. These events are the best opportunity for you to scope out styles, personalities, and music that you’d like for your own special occasion.

Think back to all of the DJs you’ve seen in your life. Do any of them stand out? Why? Was it the music? Was is their personality? Do you just remember having the time of your life during that day? There is no better recommendation than your own.

Chances are you didn’t get the name of the DJ at the time of the event. But have no fear. You can either ask the host (if that’s possible) or contact the facility where the event took place.

As a backup alternative to this option, you can also ask your friends. The second best recommendation you can go with is one given to you by people you trust. Your friends likely have the same music and style tastes as you (or close enough). Ask them if they remember any DJs who stood out to them.

Tip #2: Ask the right questions

So now you’ve narrowed your DJ down to a select few from either your own past, or from the recommendations of your friends. It’s time to interview each DJ. The most important question you can ask your potential DJs isn’t how much they’d charge, but what kind of experience they have with an event similar to yours.

Here’s an opportunity for the DJ to talk about his or her own experience, and specific memories. Remember, DJs are entertainers, so you should be entertained by his or her responses. You should feel comfortable around this person, and, without question, the DJ should be able to grab and hold your attention.

Chances are you’ll be able to knock off a few potential DJs who just didn’t do it for you during your questioning. But for those who still remain, ask for references. A qualified DC-area DJ shouldn’t hesitate to give you the names of references who will speak on his or her behalf.

Tip #3: Go see them for yourself

Whether you’ve chosen a DJ you’ve seen before, or one from a recommendation, it’s vital that you see the DJ during an event before making a commitment. Yes, even if you’ve seen the DJ before, you should still ask to attend a current event, so that you can get a more representative view of what you should expect.

Don’t worry. This request is not out of the norm. DJs will ask the hosts of an event if it’s all right for you to stop by. Most people don’t have a problem with it, but the DJ will never (or should never) tell you it’s okay to come to an event, unless he or she has cleared it with the organizers.

When you’re at the event, take mental notes. What type of music does the DJ play? How good is he or she at playing requests? How entertaining is the DJ? Is there too much talking? Not enough lighting? Poor equipment? Compare this DJ to a handful of others that you go and see, and soon enough you’ll come away with your #1 choice.

Choosing a Washington D.C. DJ isn’t a last minute decision

As is pretty evident with the level of research and commitment outlined above, you shouldn’t start searching for a DJ a few weeks before your event. In the case of a wedding, for example, we recommend you find your DJ at least a year in advance. It also helps if your DJ can offer you more than music and entertainment (such as event lighting and videography services. This will minimize the number of vendors you have to interview and assess leading up to your big day.

Learn more about why so many people throughout the Metropolitan DC area choose Planet DJ for their music and entertainment needs. Contact us today!

Lights can make a moment. With the right type of lighting, for example, you can transform any empty room into a regal wedding hall. That’s why film directors shout out Lights, Camera, Action before filming their scenes. Lights are, in short, where the magic happens.

So when it comes to your wedding, corporate event, or any other type of celebration, what type of lighting should you choose? Of course that depends on many factors, including:

    * The impression you’re trying to make on your guests
    * The type of event you’re hosting
    * The restrictions of your space
    * Personal tastes

It’s ideal that you work with a D.C. area lighting specialist when choosing the right lighting for your event. Your specialist will be able to make suggestions based on your budget, tastes and more.

Even better would be to work with a company that provides all of your entertainment needs (lighting, music entertainment, etc.) because they’ll be able to create a consistent mood for your event.

While you have many options to choose from for your lighting, 3 of the most impactful styles are Uplighting, Pinspots, and Custom GOBO monograms.

The benefits of using uplighting for your wedding or other event

Uplighting is when you place an elegant beam of light against a wall or column. This lighting technique adds a layer of sophistication to any space. The way it works is that light fixtures are placed on the ground, facing the wall, column or virtually any other element of the room that you want illuminated (tables, displays, etc.). Uplighting can include a single color or can alternate throughout the night. With sophisticated technology, your lighting specialist can also make the colors change alongside the music being played at the time.

Why should I use uplighting for my event?

If you want a stunning look of elegance, then uplighting is your most effective option. Uplighting will enhance a room no matter what size or condition it’s in. This is ideal for weddings, but can be used for any event.

Pinspot lighting

Imagine being able to enhance and illuminate the centerpieces of your tables so that their beauty is put on display. It can happen with pinspotting. Pinspotting is an advanced light design that shines tiny light beams from the ceiling to a designated area (like your table’s centerpiece).

In our experience organizing events throughout the Washington DC area, we’ve seen pinspotting used for cake tables, buffets, floral arrangements, or anything that is deemed significant. But pinspotting is more than hanging a light from a ceiling. The lighting must be hidden perfectly in order for your desired effect to be achieved.

Pinspotting lights are versatile and come in an array of designs. They can be used if you don’t want your guests to endure harsh lighting, and they’re a great way to create a level of drama in a dark room with tiny light pools.

Pinspotting is also effective if you’re looking to hide certain architectural features of your space. By having the main light source focused on tables, for example, your guests won’t even notice that unsavory wall.

Lighting your event with custom GOBO monograms

A gobo is a lighted pattern that’s projected onto a wall or dance floor. Our custom GOBO monograms are a great way to repeat a design element or pattern from your invitation, or theme of your event. You can also choose to design any custom monogram that you wish. These custom GOBO monograms can be used throughout your event space. We’ve seen them used effectively on gift-giving tables, or on the center of a dance floor.

While custom GOBO monograms are popular among wedding events, they are just as effective in most other special occasions. Take, for example, a corporate event. Custom GOBO monograms of your logo can be created, thus helping to push your branding further.

With so many event lighting options, how do you know which to choose?

Event planning can be one of the most overwhelming tasks in your life. There are so many intricacies involved, from music to audio/visual needs and more. Making sure you have the right lighting is vital toward making your event memorable, which is why it’s best that you turn to a lighting expert in the Metro DC area.

Learn more about why so many people throughout the Metropolitan DC area choose Planet DJ for their lighting and entertainment needs. Contact us today!

If there were ever a day where there was no such thing as having too many photos, your wedding day has got to be it. And while hiring a photographer to capture every moment is a good thing, no photographer can capture it all. That’s why more and more couples looking to get married in the DC Metro area are excited to discover wedding day photo booths.

Why choose a photo booth for your wedding day?

You get the idea. And yes, you want to have these moments captured on film. However, your wedding day involves so much more than these planned out events. Oftentimes, it’s the unscripted moments that mean the most.

That’s what renting a photo booth will do for your wedding day: offer a feeling of spontaneity and levity that can be captured in pictures that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

There’s something nostalgic and youthful about these booths. The moment your guests step inside, they’re taken back to a younger time in their lives, where they could act goofy and silly without fear of judgment. The pictures produced when your guests are at their most relaxed will keep you laughing for years to come.

What to look for in your wedding day photo booth rental in D.C.

While photo booths take a page out of yesteryear, that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with old-school technology and poor-quality photographs.

These days, your wedding day photo booth can produce remarkable digital images that you can share in an instant across social media and beyond. You just need to know what to look for when renting these booths.

While these are just the bare minimum that we feel you should look for in a photo booth, there are some added features that may be worth your while.

    Memory Book

Our photo booth service includes a Memory Book, with contains every picture taken on your wedding night, as well as every message your guests left.

    Props

Chances are a number of your guests won’t need encouragement to get a little silly inside the booth. But it doesn’t hurt to have a few props to evoke the inner child in everyone. Hats, glasses, wigs, and funny-face masks will help make these photographs stand apart from those taken outside the booth.

    Attendants

Here’s where Planet DJ Productions simply stands apart from other wedding day entertainers in DC. We assign two qualified and trained attendants to your photo booths. Here’s why:

    * Attendant #1 will take your picture for you. That means you won’t have to worry about hitting a timer button and rushing into a pose.
    * Attendant #2 will remind your guests to write something in the memory book.

Photo booths bring the fun to your wedding day

No matter how formal or informal your wedding day may be, your guests will love the opportunity to let loose inside a photo booth. As D.C.’s leader in photo booth rentals for weddings, celebrations and more, Planet DJ Productions can help you choose the right booth for your important day. Contact us today to learn more.

That’s why we’re so fortunate to live in today’s day and age, especially in such a progressive region as the Metro DC area. Nowadays, folks looking to plan a wedding, birthday celebration, corporate gathering or any other event can guarantee their big day will make a lasting impression, thanks to the introduction of special effects to event planning.

Types of Special Effects to Use in Your D.C.-Area Wedding or Event

As one of the DC.’s leading event and entertainment organizers, we’ve made it our mission to remain on the cutting edge of special effects. You wouldn’t imagine what’s out there these days! Admittedly, some effects seem out of a place at, say, a wedding or a more formal affair. 

However, after scouring the earth’s four corners, we’ve come up with what we think are the four coolest special effects you should consider for your next event. Even if you’re not sure if the effect will work with your event, we encourage you to give us a shout, and we’ll give you our expert opinion on what we think works best for you. 

Low Lying Fog Special Effects for Your DC-Area Event

Low lying fog is quite a popular effect for weddings and dances. The way it works is that dry ice fog covers the dance floor, never rising above 6 inches from the ground. It provides the illusion that you’re dancing on the clouds. 

We’ve seen this used regularly for first dances or for formal introductions (such as, “Introducing for the first time, Mr. and Mrs.”

We’ve also seen the fog effect used for anniversary celebrations. 

Using the Bubble Machine for Your Wedding

We’ve discovered that many people aren’t too sure about using a bubble machine at their wedding or other formal event … until they see it in action. Like the fog effect, we’ve seen the bubble machine used frequently for a first dance at weddings. Couple that with the right first-dance song choice, and you’ll have set the tone for the rest of your celebration.

Or, you can choose to “tell a story” with your bubble machine. Rather than use it during the first dance, use the bubble machine as an exit at the end of the night. Unlike the fog machine, which introduces a subtle, comforting feel, bubbles are akin to happiness and celebration, which is the exact tone you want to establish as you leave your friends and family. 

Add a Spark with Pyrotechnics 

Bubble machines work wonders at a wedding, but what if you want something with a more definitive statement? Believe it or not, our wedding clients throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are venturing into the world of sparklers and pyrotechnics. What a way to make an exit!

Unlike bubbles, however, there is a risk factor involved with sparklers and pyrotechnics at your wedding, corporate event or other celebration. Operating the machinery, itself, is dangerous, but then factor in all of the potentially flammable things in your event space: table clothes, drapes, clothing, etc. 

That’s why it’s vital that if you choose to add pyrotechnics to your event, that you work with an experienced entertainment planner who can demonstrate his or her work with fire in enclosed spaces. 

Light Them Up With Lasers

Perhaps the one special effect that we see used more often in a variety of events across the mid-Atlantic is the laser. Weddings, corporate gatherings, birthday parties – you name it, and lasers can somehow make a positive impact. 

For example, you can use lasers to create moving objects, or you can even write names on the walls or in the air. If this is a company event, your DC-area entertainment planner can help you push your branding by incorporating your logo or slogan with laser. 

We Have the Effects to Make Your Event Special

The four special effects mentioned here are among the most popular effects we use for our clients throughout Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. But they’re not all that’s out there. We encourage you to contact us for a consultation, so that we can show you what type of out-of-this-world effects you can add to your event, to make it a day that will never be forgotten. Contact Planet DJ Productions today to learn more!

Comfort is underrated and nearly always overlooked. At least that’s been our experience organizing some of the liveliest events in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland and beyond.

But furniture is seldom factored into the fray. Sure, people typically decide on how many tables and chairs they need for their event, but they rarely think about the types of chairs that they’ll have their guests sit in.But put yourself in the shoes of your guests. If you were going to spend any length of time sitting around (as is often the case, even at weddings), wouldn’t you want to be comfortable? Well, so do your guests.

How to use lounge furniture in your Metro DC event

When used correctly, lounge furniture should serve as a complimentary accent to your gathering. It certainly shouldn’t be an eye sore; it shouldn’t be a distraction.That’s why when we provide lounge furniture for the events we organize throughout Washington D.C., we talk at length with our clients about one thing:Location. Location. Location.The successful use of lounge furniture for your event is all based on location. Often times, we’d recommend the furniture be placed either in the cocktail area or in a section of the reception ballroom.

1. Leather – including white or back lounge furniture

2. LED light-up furniture (changes colors or can be set to one color)

Each of these options is designed to propel your event into an unforgettable evening. When paired with such additions as glow bars, pipe and draping, or our coveted Fusion Dance Floor, you can be certain that your special day will look nothing like any other event that’s ever been held.

How do I know which type of furniture to get for my event?

Choosing the right lounge furniture for your DC-area event will be based on a number of factors, including:
 
    * The size of your event space
    * The overall look/design of your event
    * Your expected audience
    * And more
 
That’s why we recommend that you work with Planet DJ Productions for your next event. We offer everything you need, from DJs to photo booths, meaning we’ll be able to customize your evening – and your lounge furniture – to your exact specifications.

What we don’t encourage you to do is wait until the last minute to seek out lounge furniture. You’ll likely be left with less-than-ideal options, and chances are your chosen furniture will clash with your existing mood.

A piece of comfortable furniture doesn’t just offer a relaxing place for your guests to sit; it makes a statement. It says that you’re capable of thinking beyond the conventional. It says that you’re ready to make this evening one that no one will soon forget.Learn more about how Planet DJ Productions can pair you up with your ideal lounge furniture for your big day, be it a wedding or party. Contact us today to learn more.