Wedding FAQs
Why choose Marquee Artists?
Personality and experience set us apart from the rest. There aren’t a lot of people out there with the necessary combination of creativity and responsibility to be great private event DJs. A lot of “real DJs” are just plain rude, while most “wedding DJs” can’t mix and won’t push the envelope beyond the lowest common denominator. We occupy that rare middle ground where we can take the lead or take requests, play for young and old, pop or niche audiences and keep everybody dancing. We also find ourselves grooving along in the DJ booth and having as much fun as the guests, which tends to be infectious. We work with couples starting months ahead of time to get a sense of who they are and what they want the event to be, not just the music. That way on the big day you can enjoy time with friends and family, not have to think about the DJ or the music.
What do you do to motivate the crowd if no one is dancing?
Switch it up! We like to keep things moving and keep people guessing. Give people what they want but don’t be predictable is the idea. You have to watch your audience so you don’t lose them in the first place. Eventually you get good at reading a crowd and sensing what they need to get them going.
Do you make announcements and MC?
Yes! But we keep the use of the microphone to any introductions and timeline related announcements. You’re the focus of the night, not us.
Can we come see you at a wedding?
Unfortunately not. Weddings and other special events are almost always private affairs for family and friends.
Can you play exactly what we want even if it’s unusual?
Yes! As long as it has been recorded we can play it. We work together ahead of time to build a list of songs you love to ensure we know your tastes as we read the crowd and mix throughout the night. We can work with minimal direction or strict must play lists but always enjoy the freedom to take the music in different directions if the moment calls for it.
Why can’t I hire a DJ for just a few hours?
Most people think they are paying for the time they see us DJing. In reality the value in hiring Marquee Artists is the hours we spend preparing for each event. Because so much goes into every event it’s the same rate for two hours or the entire event.
What is the process for booking Marquee Artists?
An industry-standard, 50% retainer is due with your signed contract to secure the date. At that point you and your DJ will spend the months leading up to your event planning the music and other details together online. The remaining balance for your event is due 30 days prior to the big day.
Do You need anything from us?
We require a 6-foot table with a linen (of your choice) wherever we are setting up. The venue must be available for setup starting two hours before our services begin. The venue must provide a good condition, working, 120-volt, 15-amp circuit on a grounded outlet within 30 feet of where the DJ is set up.
How far do you travel?
We travel anywhere! We love working with clients in different states and different countries. We do local weddings as well as destination weddings. Our base rate covers events within 120 round trip miles of the 20036 Zip Code.
What happens in an emergency?
We have multiple DJs able to stand in for each other in the event one has an emergency.
Are you insured?
Each DJ carries a $2,000,000 liability policy.
Chau Nguyen was absolutely the BEST! He DJed for 4 hours non-stop during our wedding and our guests couldn’t get enough! In fact, one of my friends who attended specifically asked for his playlist so she could recreate all the fun at her wedding in Florida a few months later. He was super responsive leading up to the wedding and was amazing at reading the room and livening up the dance party. Chau, thank you for making our wedding so special and so fun. We had a blast!
Chau Nguyen was absolutely the BEST! He DJed for 4 hours non-stop during our wedding and our guests couldn’t get enough! In fact, one of my friends who attended specifically asked for his playlist so she could recreate all the fun at her wedding in Florida a few months later. He was super responsive leading up to the wedding and was amazing at reading the room and livening up the dance party. Chau, thank you for making our wedding so special and so fun. We had a blast!