Are you hesitating between a DJ, a live band, or a playlist ?

‍To start with, let’s rule out the playlist. As perfect as your music selection may be, it will never be fully adapted or optimized for a day as special as your wedding. Track playback, key moments, transitions, introductions, and other elements cannot be managed by a guest who will want to enjoy the event as much as you do (which is why I don’t work at weddings of my close friends and family…).

Nothing is more vibrant than a live band! However, there are a few criteria or constraints to consider. First of all, the decisive factor: the price. This service is very costly because it requires more logistics and preparation than a DJ. Two factors will drive the price up even more: the number of musicians/singers and the length of the performance. Moreover, a band will offer you a limited repertoire. Expect to pay an average of €2,500 for 2 to 3 hours of show.

Now let’s talk about the advantages of a DJ. An event DJ will be able to offer you a turnkey service that is flexible, smooth, relevant, and personalized. This professional can cover a wide time frame and handle the different moments of your wedding. Their vast musical repertoire will delight all your guests, and you (the newlyweds) can make requests at any time. They will act as the master of ceremonies, guiding your group and, if you agree, animating the key moments. And finally, one last point not to be overlooked: a DJ will be much more able to adapt to unexpected situations, whether minor (schedule changes) or major (date changes).

Once the date is fixed and the venue booked, reach out to your DJ (and other vendors)—they need logistical details to confirm feasibility.

After scouring Google to find the DJ you need, make sure they really are the one for you!
To do this, keep the following criteria in mind:

- Your budget should match their pricing level.

- Musical compatibility: your DJ should be comfortable with the musical styles that inspire you.
‍
- Experience matters: make sure they have at least some background in the field. A quick look at client reviews and/or their portfolio will give you a clearer idea.

- A contract should bind you to the provider. This document protects both you and the DJ when it is well-written. How many times have I been contacted less than a month before the date because the DJ had suddenly gone silent? Far too often.

- Feeling! This word is key in the event industry. Was your meeting with this provider productive? Did you share laughs and smiles? Did they understand you right away and give good advice? If so, stop searching — you’ve found your match!

If you’re still hesitating, then ask yourself just one question: If an unexpected situation occurred — unrelated to the DJ or yourself — would you feel confident handling it with this DJ?

An event DJ should build your playlist based on the information you provide.
‍
From the very first package (ESSENTIAL), I invite you to give me up to 20 songs, along with your favorite music styles. With the two higher packages (RedWine and GoldOne), you have the option of sending me a playlist of up to 100 tracks. The aim is not to make my job easier, but simply to give you peace of mind. After all, how many of us have witnessed a musical disaster at a wedding?

This larger playlist will be downloaded, analyzed, and sorted so it can be integrated into my work.

There’s one important rule to follow for a wedding: stay commercial. This may be frustrating for a DJ — and perhaps even for you if you’re a music enthusiast — but it’s essential for keeping the dance floor full. Your playlist should appeal to all guests by mixing musical genres, timeless classics, and modern hits.

Poor time management (enemy No. 1!):
At a wedding, every service provider is connected to at least one other. Your DJ is connected to your photographer and your caterer.
Beware of the couple’s photoshoot dragging on after the cocktail — remember your guests, who have been standing for at least two hours, and will need energy after dessert. The biggest trap lies in the dinner. A dinner that drags on means guests get tired doing nothing, to the point of yawning. Have a precise schedule with your caterer and make sure it can adapt to anything that may enhance the dinner atmosphere (speeches, activities, dances). The energy available for a wedding evening is not the same as for a nightclub night. You start the wedding at 3 p.m., whereas a club night starts at 1 a.m. I will never thank wedding planners enough!

‍Lack of communication and preparation:
Communication from you to your DJ is crucial so that they have enough material to prepare for your wedding. This is the only way to ensure the service truly suits you and runs smoothly without trouble. We will have several exchanges between signing the contract and the big day.

‍Defective or insufficient equipment:
“It’s crackling,” “It’s not loud enough,” “There’s not enough bass,” or “We can’t understand anything on the mic.” These phrases sum up the technical problems and shortcomings that can occur if your provider does not pay enough attention to service quality. Sometimes this is due to the quality of the music file itself, but that’s much rarer. I only use professional-grade equipment, and when we’re in a very large venue or with a big crowd, I won’t hesitate to recommend adding extra sound reinforcement (which I provide). Since technology can fail without warning, I always have a backup PC + controller setup. All my files are at least MP3 320 kbps quality, which is more than enough.

‍Well-hydrated guests:
What’s harder to handle than a guest who’s lost control of their actions? A “well-hydrated” guest can quickly lead to a “well-hydrated” computer or DJ deck. Depending on the context of the incident, the provider may decide to end the performance prematurely (even if they have backup equipment) and request payment for the destroyed gear. Very often — if not always — you will be held responsible for the inappropriate behavior of your guests (contracts are often worded this way).

‍Smokers:
When smokers are in the majority, the room isn’t very full — and the dance floor even less so. In that case, it’s better to plan for an outdoor party. This is rare, but once you’ve experienced it, you’ll remember it for your next event. If you have more than 100 guests, this usually isn’t an issue. Before 2007, we could have them with us indoors, but those days are long gone.

Yes, two types:

- Dance-floor lighting: Enhances mood with dynamic beams. I use a LIGHTBAR system—a compact, energy-efficient tripod setup controlled via tablet to adapt lighting live.

- Architectural ambient lighting: Optional washwalls via battery-powered spotlights (6–12) that complement venue decor—think of it like musical background to the meal: not essential but a beautiful enhancement.

I operate in Bordeaux and surrounding areas, including neighboring departments.