If Your DJ Shows Up With a Premade Playlist, RIP TL; DR : If your DJ doesn't have variety in their mixes (that you've heard already hopefully) or on their social you're probably going to hear Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Cha Cha Slide and Sweet Caroline whether you like it or not. Give your DJ 3 genres or 10 must play songs and see how they react. If they start getting squirrley they may lack the library, skills or confidence to make it work. Seek alternatives. Okay let's get into it! If you're planning your wedding — especially here in the Bay Area, where the vibe matters just as much as the venue — you need a DJ who brings energy, skill, and flexibility to your celebration. What you don’t want? A DJ who shows up with the same playlist they used last weekend. Yes, it happens. A lot - if you follow their socials you'll hear the same tired out "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" into Soulja Boy - well what if you don't like "Crank That"?? In my obvservation most people listen to 40% of the same music - but it's the other part that makes your event individually you. Here’s why DJs who use premade playlists can be a red flag, and how to avoid getting stuck with one. 1. Your Wedding Isn’t a Copy-Paste Event Not everyone wants Kendrick Lamar, not everyone wants Line Dancing... everyone does want Party in the U.S.A. though lol. However! Your love story isn’t generic — even if your music is, it should be your version of generic not last week's wedding. 2. The Dance Floor Changes Unexpectedly No crowd is the same. No energy is predictable. No playlist can satisfy the real time change in vibe and tastes. A great DJ reads the room, adjusts on the fly, and builds momentum - and drops bangers. If there is already a setlist, they're playing Bruno Mars into Vanilla Ice no matter if you like either of those or not. 3. Cultural Vibes, Family Traditions, and Inside Jokes Bay Area weddings are often diverse, multilingual, and multi-generational — and that’s why we "dance a lil' different". A DJ with a “standard setlist” probably isn’t considering your Nigerian aunties, your Tita's Todo Todo, or the fact that your guests want Latin - and that has crazy variations. If your DJ isn’t asking questions about your culture, your vibe, or your guests, they’re probably just planning on playing "Gasolina", "Calm Down" and checking the reggaeton and afrobeat box. 4. Premade Playlists = Below Average DJ Harsh? Maybe.True? Probably. A DJ who doesn't take the time to learn your tastes and crowd isn’t the worst thing, however the expectations should (and maybe already does) match the price tag. You do get what you paid for sometimes. If price is most important, find someone talented but without a lot of experience - that way you get in on the ground level of their rising reputation. If you have more wiggle room in the budget, find a DJ who checks more boxes. 5. Playlists Don’t Adapt On The Fly A real DJ isn’t just playing music — they’re managing energy, MCing, keeping the flow, and creating moments. When is it time to "get hyphy off a lil gin"? It just happens. Can't go too early, can't go too late - have to read the room and ride the wave. 6. You’re Not Just Paying for Sound — You’re Paying for Experience First of all sound does matter but that's a topic for another day! You hired a DJ for the skill, curation, and presence they bring to the room. That means they should be building a custom music experience around you — Like they should know that you're not a Swiftie but there are specific songs by Taylor Swift that you do like. FINAL: If They Don’t Customize the Music - Boring! Your wedding may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. You have all your favorite people in the same place at the same time - don’t let a default DJ run it on autopilot. Now you're probably thinking "that's not going to be me" but every weekend someone is dissapointed. Just because the photos look good and the set up is all white doesn't mean your floor is not going to start with "September" followed by a rough transition to YMCA". If their social media and mixes lack variation - dead giveaway! If you need an example of great and varied DJing check out my home page for social media and mixes! Best Wishes! No matter your culture or background your DJ should know what hits @byjoymoon

Planning your wedding is thrilling, but one of the biggest tasks is choosing the right music. The music you select will set the tone for your special day and create lasting memories for you and your guests. Are you stumped? To assist in your decision-making process, I've gathered the top 20 songs of 2024 that I personally have played at Weddings across the San Francisco Bay Area. ENJOY! 1. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars This high-energy hit will have everyone dancing and feeling the beat. Its catchy brass sections and lively rhythm are perfect for creating a festive atmosphere... or not, super played out in my opinion lol. 2. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyoncé This empowering track is perfect for celebrating independence and is a favorite at parties and weddings. Hit or miss. 3. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift A fun, upbeat song that promotes self-acceptance and encourages letting loose on the dance floor. Also hit or miss. 4. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper A classic anthem that resonates with women of all ages, reminding everyone to embrace joy and fun. Men love it too. 5. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield This iconic 90s hit is a staple at weddings, bringing everyone together for a sing-along and dance. Men also love this too... sometimes more than women ha! 6. "Get Low" by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz A quintessential hip-hop track from the early 2000s that gets everyone moving with its infectious beat. Who remembers the Dave Chapelle skit on this song? lol. 7. "Hot in Herre" by Nelly A fun and catchy hip-hop classic that has remained a favorite for getting the party started. Absolutely have to play "Girl! I think my butt getting big!". 8. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z This energetic track blends R&B and hip-hop, making it perfect for a lively atmosphere. 9. "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott ft. Ciara & Fatman Scoop A dance floor favorite that showcases Missy Elliott's iconic style and gets everyone moving. 10. "Temperature" by Sean Paul This reggae-influenced hip-hop track is perfect for summer parties and dance-offs. Sean Paul had a run in the 2000s that is still respected til this day. 11. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa A modern pop hit with an infectious beat that has quickly become a favorite for dancing. 12. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey This rock anthem is perfect for sing-alongs and dance-offs, making it a popular choice at gatherings. Also, Bay Area classic no matter how played out it is. 13. "Back That Thang Up" by Juvenile ft. Lil Wayne & Mannie Fresh An early 2000s hip-hop classic that always gets the crowd moving and encourages everyone to join in. Iconic intro. 14. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson An empowering breakup anthem that’s perfect for dancing and letting loose. Kelly did her thang, one of my favorite TikToks was a Bride and Groom singing this break up song at the top of their lungs... on their wedding day lol. 15. "Valerie" by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse A soulful track that combines retro vibes with a modern twist, ideal for grooving on the dance floor. RIP. 16. "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus A feel-good pop anthem that brings back memories and invites everyone to dance and sing along. Dealer's choice to transition to a Jay Z song or a Brittney song. 17. "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell A smooth hip-hop track with a catchy beat that encourages everyone to join in and dance. Pairs well with "back that thang up" lol. 18. "Tell Me When To Go" E-40 Features an infectious beat and catchy lyrics that creatre an energetic atmosphere, making it perfect for getting everyone on the dance floor. "Shake them dreads!". 19. "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar Love Drake still but no one could've predicted this lol. "A MINORRRRRRRRRRRR!" 20. "TV Off" by Kendrick Lamar "MUSTARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRD" What would you add or delete from this list? Let me know and I hope your DJ knocks your wedding out the park! As you prepare for your big day, remember that music plays a pivotal role in shaping the joy and memories you'll cherish. The songs of 2024 reflect the energy and happiness present during these unforgettable moments. With the right playlist, you can ensure that your celebration is filled with laughter, dancing, and lasting memories. Enjoy the planning process, and here’s to a wedding day that is as spectacular as the love you celebrate! If you've read all of this you're a real one, follow my instagram for real music vs this SEO stuff ha! Byeeee!

TOO LONG WON'T READ? Is a band or DJ better for a wedding reception? Bands deliver a better show but lack variety in genres; DJs offer wider music tastes but a below average DJ can ruin an event. How much does a wedding band cost vs a DJ? DJs commonly range $1,500–$5,000+; bands commonly range $4,000–$15,000+, depending on size, market, and production. Can we have both a band and a DJ at our wedding? Yes—many couples use a hybrid: band for cocktails/dinner, DJ for the dance party, my favorite - DJ with live sax/percussion and of course band for the wedding and reception - DJ for After Party. Do DJs provide MC services for weddings? Most professional wedding DJs include MC services and timeline coordination. Always confirm, some DJs just DJ and either do not feel comfortable MCing or outsource it to another professional. What if our venue has noise restrictions? A DJ typically offers finer volume control as they have direct access to the volume controls; bands can comply if they have sound engineering support and specifically planned stage set up. GOT TIME TO DELVE INTO SPECIFICS? If you’re a bride planning an unforgettable wedding reception—or an event planner building a high-energy corporate party—you’re probably asking the classic question: Should we hire a live band or a DJ? Below is a practical guide for those who are in the market for wedding entertainment - wether that be a live band or a DJ. The Vibe of Live Music Pros Show factor: A band is entertainment. Live vocals, horns, and solos create a “concert” moment that photographs beautifully and feels premium for weddings and galas. Emotional impact: Live music of your ceremony processional, first dance, or parent dances hit different. Interactive performance: Skilled bands hype the crowd, jump off stage, and build call-and-response moments guests talk about for years. Cons Repertoire limits: Even top bands can’t cover every genre. Learning new songs may add rehearsal fees or need advance notice. Breaks & transitions: Bands take short breaks. Plan background playlists to keep the dance floor warm - or have a DJ fill in the blanks Space, sound, and volume: More musicians = more stage, more inputs, and a louder acoustic footprint—important for venues with sound ordinances 🙄, older guests or older outlet power supply. Higher cost: You’re booking multiple performers plus sound reinforcement; travel and production scale with band size. Best for: Default muisc, luxury brand events, clients prioritizing a headline-worthy show. The Flexibility of a DJ Pros Unlimited variety: From Motown and disco to Top 40, Afrobeats, Bollywood, country, Latin, EDM, Hip Hop and of course "Hyphy"— DJs can honor multicultural weddings and guest requests on the fly, "telling you when to go" in a way that is impossible for a band. Nonstop dance floor: No breaks and seamless transitions maintain momentum through grand entrance, toasts, and open dancing. Skilled Variety: DJs can mix, remix and mashup songs on the fly creating "OH!"moments that aren't available from cover bands. Compact & efficient: Smaller footprint, quicker setup, and fewer moving parts = simpler logistics with the ability to keep the vibe going when you have an event that requires multiple set ups. Cons Less visuals: If your DJ isn't personally well known, a "live show" of a band is more visually appealing than a standalone DJ. Quality variance: The difference between a playlist-button-pusher and a professional wedding DJ/MC is night and day. Vet carefully, a bad band will sound decent, a below average DJ will leave a stain on the event. No live music: If you are not a big dancing crowd, no DJ will be able to pack the floor - however, everyone loves live music - it will make non dancers dance too. Best for: Dance-focused events, diverse music tastes, venues with space constraints, clients optimizing cost and flexibility. Music Variety & Cultural Fit Bands excel when your tastes align with their core genres (funk/soul, classic rock, Top 40). Ask for current song lists, live videos, and how many new songs they’ll learn. DJs shine for genre-hopping and multicultural sets (e.g., Punjabi + EDM, Cumbia + Pop, ’90s Hip-Hop + Y2K, K-Pop + Top 40). If you have a big variety of music you like, make sure both have your tastes within their wheelhouse with video or mixes to confirm. Cost Considerations Wedding DJ: Typically ranges from $1,500–$5,000+ depending on date, demand, experience, gear, coverage, lighting, etc. Wedding Band: Typically $4,000–$15,000+ depending on number of musicians, horns/strings, rehearsal time, travel, and production. Ultimately, your choice will come down to what type of music do you like? How much space do you have? And how much you are willing to spend? The Personal Touch The personal touch a live band can bring to your wedding is another major factor. Many bands offer to learn a special song, such as your first dance or other significant moments during the ceremony. This personal touch can create unforgettable memories and emotional experiences. DJs can also personalize your experience by creating custom edits, mashups and mixes that you can preview ahead of time incorporating into a dance routine or just vibing with your wedding playlist ahead of time. Venue Considerations The venue you choose for your wedding can significantly impact your decision between a band and a DJ. Space : Live bands usually require more space for their equipment and musicians. If you're hosting your wedding in a smaller venue, a DJ might be the better choice. Power : Acoustic considerations are also vital. Some venues are barely set up to logistically accomodate a DJ, a band may overload their power structure. Having said that if the DJ blows a breaker the music is off until maintenance flips the switch... at least a band can continue acoustic until the power is addressed! Ha! MC & Timeline Management Both Bands and Experienced DJs typically include full MC services: directing entrances, cake cutting, toasts, and specialty dances while coordinating with your planner and catering captain. The Best of Both Worlds DJ + Live Musicians: Add sax, electric violin, percussion, or vocals to your DJ for the look/sound of live with the flexibility of a DJ - not all instrumentalists are created equally so this requires additional vetting. Nothing worst than a sax player doing too much on a track 😆 Band + DJ Tag-Team: Band covers cocktails/dinner and a feature dance set; DJ plays during breaks and takes over for a late-night club vibe. Wrapping Up Ultimately, the choice between a band and a DJ for your wedding comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and the atmosphere you want to create. If you’re looking for a lively, show experience and have the budget and venue for it - a live band may be great! If you prefer hearing the original artist, modern music and creative transitions a DJ could be the perfect fit. Whatever you choose, ensure to communicate your vision and preferences clearly. This will help ensure that your wedding entertainment aligns with your dream day. If you've made it this far follow me on Instagram , Youtube  or Tiktok  and Contact Me  when you need a DJ! Byeeeee! A Wedding DJ takes no breaks and can play more variety of music BONUS: How to Vet Your Entertainment (Band or DJ) Watch full live videos (if they only have highlight reels 🚩) Read recent reviews that mention the overall process, song selection and dance floor results. Agree to the vibes: “Must-plays,” “do-not-plays,” and guest request policy.