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

To begin with, let’s rule out the playlist. However perfect your musical selection may be, it will never be adapted or optimised for a day as special as your wedding. Track playback, key moments, transitions, introductions and so on cannot realistically be managed by a guest who will want to enjoy the event just as much as you do.

Nothing feels more alive than a live band! That said, there are a few criteria and constraints to take into account. First and foremost: the budget. This type of performance is very expensive because it requires more logistics and preparation than a DJ. Two factors will drive the price even higher : the number of musicians/singers and the length of the performance. In addition, a band will offer a limited repertoire. On average, expect around €2,500 for 2 to 3 hours of show.

Now let’s talk about the advantages of a DJ. An event DJ can offer you a turnkey service that is flexible, seamless, relevant and fully personalised. This professional can cover a wide time span and handle the different moments of your wedding day. Their vast musical repertoire will delight all of your guests, and you (the newlyweds) can make requests at any time. They will act as the master of ceremonies, guiding your guests and hosting (if you so wish) the key moments. And finally, a last point that should not be overlooked : a DJ will find it much easier to adapt to the unexpected, whether minor (a change of schedule) or major (a change of date).

Once the date has been set and the reception venue booked, contact your DJ and the other suppliers. It is important for each supplier to know where the festivities will take place so they can confirm the feasibility of their services, taking into account any technical constraints the venue may present.

After trawling through Google to find THE DJ you need, make sure he really is the right one for you! To do so, take the following criteria into account:
- Your budget should match his pricing position.
- Musical compatibility: your DJ must be comfortable with the musical styles that inspire you. Make sure he has a minimum level of experience. A quick look at his client reviews and/or portfolio will give you a clearer idea.
- A contract must bind you to the supplier. When properly drafted, this document protects you as much as it protects the DJ. How many times have I been contacted less than a month before the date because the DJ had gone radio silent? Far too often.
- Chemistry ! This word is key in the events industry. Was your meeting with this supplier productive? Did you share laughs and smiles? Did he understand straight away and give you good advice? Look no further, it’s a match!
If you’re still hesitating, ask yourself just one question : if, independently of both you and the DJ, something unexpected were to happen, would you feel confident about handling the situation together with this DJ?

An event DJ must build your playlist based on the information you provide.
From the very first package (ESSENTIAL), I ask you to give me up to 20 tracks, along with your favourite styles. With the two higher packages (REDWINE and GOLDONE), you have the option of sending me an inspiration playlist of up to 80 tracks. The aim is not to make my job easier, but simply to reassure you. After all, how many of us have witnessed a musical massacre at a wedding? This larger playlist will be downloaded, analysed and sorted so it can be integrated into my work.
There is one important rule to follow for a wedding : stay mainstream. This can be frustrating for some DJs, and perhaps even for you if you’re a niche listener, but it is essential to keep the dance floor full. Your playlist must appeal to all your guests by mixing musical genres, timeless classics and modern hits.
To wrap up this topic, it goes without saying that we will also discuss what you absolutely do not want to hear on this unique occasion.

- Poor time management (enemy No. 1!):
At a wedding, every supplier works hand in hand: your DJ collaborates with the photographer, the caterer, and others.
Be careful if the newlyweds’ photo session drags on at the end of the cocktail, guests have been on their feet for at least two hours and will need energy to fully enjoy the evening after dessert.
The biggest pitfall is often the meal. A long meal can tire guests and disrupt the flow of the evening. It’s essential to set a precise schedule with your caterer and ensure they can accommodate any entertainment during the meal (speeches, games, dances, etc.).
Wedding evenings require a very different energy level compared to nightclub parties: celebrations often start around 3 p.m., whereas a club night kicks off at 11 p.m.
Careful planning of each stage is therefore crucial. I can’t thank wedding planners enough for their vital role in this coordination !

- Lack of communication and preparation:
Clear communication with your DJ is key to ensuring your evening goes exactly as you envision. Through these discussions, the performance can be planned in detail and run smoothly, without stress. Between signing the contract and the big day, we’ll have several exchanges to fine-tune every detail and ensure perfect coordination.

- Faulty or insufficient equipment:
“It’s crackling,” “It’s not loud enough,” “There isn’t enough bass,” or “We can’t hear the microphone”—these are typical technical problems that can occur if the supplier doesn’t prioritise quality. Occasionally, the issue may stem from the music file itself, but this is rare.
I use only professional-grade equipment, and for large venues or significant guest numbers, I always recommend adding sound reinforcement (provided by me). Because technology can be unpredictable, I always bring a complete backup setup (PC + controller). All my files are at a minimum of MP3 320 kbps, fully sufficient for optimal, uncompromised sound.

- Overly “well-hydrated” guests:
Nothing is more challenging than a guest losing control… and an “over-hydrated” guest can quickly endanger the DJ’s or venue’s equipment. Depending on the severity, the supplier may have to pause the performance, even with backup equipment, and may seek compensation for any damage. Most contracts specify that you are responsible for your guests’ behaviour (as is the case with me). Anticipating this ensures the evening remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

- A venue too large for the guest list:
A venue that is too big for the number of guests can quickly affect the atmosphere.
When a room feels empty, the evening can seem sparse and disconnected, and conviviality suffers. Guests tend to cluster in corners, leaving the dance floor underused.
Technically, larger venues require stronger sound and possibly additional reinforcement to ensure even coverage. Without proper setup, the music can feel weak or uneven, limiting even an experienced DJ’s ability to create a lively atmosphere.

- Smokers:
When smokers are numerous, they often spend a lot of time outside, reducing attendance in the main room and on the dance floor. To avoid this, it’s better to position the dance floor near a smoking area or hold the evening outdoors. While rare, if you’ve experienced this at a previous event, it can help you plan accordingly. For more than a hundred guests, this issue is usually less noticeable.

There are two types of lighting:
- Dance floor lighting: This enhances and energises your dance floor. If you have moving heads (lyres), you can achieve very dynamic lighting. Depending on the supplier, this lighting can be adapted live to the dance floor. I use a new system called the LIGHTBAR, which combines everything you would normally mount on a bulky aluminium truss onto a single stand. This saves space and reduces energy consumption, as it is much simpler to install. Using a tablet-controlled programme, I can offer different lighting atmospheres that match the style and rhythm of the music.
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- Architectural lighting: This is background lighting designed to create a mood. If your venue already has well-thought-out lighting, you may not need to read further. With battery-powered spotlights (6 to 12 units), you can enhance your décor with washwalls (wall-washing projectors). I always compare this to background music during the meal: not essential, but if you have it, it’s a beautiful finishing touch. I offer this as an optional extra.

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