The music is one of the most fun parts of a wedding, so choosing a wedding DJ should be enjoyable and stress-free. Here are 5 things that you should consider to ensure you pick the right one:

1. Reviews, Reviews, Reviews 

Reviews are the most important aspect to consider when making your decision on who will entertain your guests throughout the event. Reviews are unbiased, real stories from brides, grooms and wedding attendees about their experience with the DJ. Bunn DJ Company is proud to have over 1,000 published reviews on WeddingWire with a 5.0 average rating. The Charleston wedding DJs have been recognized by The Knot “Best of Weddings” for 3 years in a row while the company has been awarded The Knot “Hall of Fame” status for winning “Best of Weddings” for a consecutive 10 years.

2. Responsiveness 

Communication is key. When inquiring about a wedding DJ or DJ service, you should expect a response to a phone call or email within 24 hours. The only exception may be on weekends when most DJs are at events. You should also have a direct line of communication with your DJ, i.e. their phone number, email, etc. After picking your DJ, they should also keep in touch with you until the big day. Our DJs are happy to meet with you throughout the wedding planning process, learning about your music taste and carefully listening to your requests to craft the perfect playlist for each part of the event. We give all of our clients access to our online planning system where they can use our planning forms and easily fill out their wedding ceremony and reception timelines.

3. Affordability 

Everyone’s budget is different, so your DJ should offer a variety of pricing options. We have three different packages of services for our clients to choose from: the Palmetto Package, Holy City Package and King Charles Package. We also offer an array of a la carte services including:

• 4 hours of DJ/MC service
• 3 hours of DJ/MC service
• Ceremony Audio (includes music + mics & 1 hr)
• DJ/MC service additional time
• Cafe (string) Lighting
• Monogram Projection
• Uplighting (12 or 16 lights)
• Dance Floor Lighting
• Photo Booth Service

Contact us at (843) 278-0343 or submit a form here to learn more about these.

4. Presence in the Wedding Industry 

Is the DJ active in the local wedding industry? It is likely that other wedding vendors such as planners, venue managers, photographers, videographers, etc. have either met and/or worked with the DJ and will be able to provide their opinion on their performance and how they’ve catered to couples with differing tastes in music. Bunn DJ Company Charleston is active in the Charleston Bridal Association and will be performing at the Magnolia Plantation & Garden’s A Lowcountry Love Affair, an event that serves as a source of inspiration for brides and grooms as well as a resource in finding trusted wedding vendors.

5.   Online Presence  

Is the DJ active on social media? Perusing the DJs website and social media accounts such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook can give you access to tons of blogs, videos and photos from past weddings and events. Mixcloud is also a great tool that features original mixes uploaded by the DJ.

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Bunn DJ Company currently has offices in Charleston, SC, Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, NC and Richmond, VA. Visit our website https://bunndjcompany.com/ to learn more about us and read about recent weddings we’ve rocked.

“Without music life would be a mistake” – Nietzsche

Blog written By: Bunn DJ Company Charleston

Lighting your indoor or outdoor venue is incredibly important and something that should never be overlooked. Bunn DJ Company offers three different types of lighting: cafe lighting, dance floor lighting and uplighting.

1. Cafe (string) Lighting

Cafe lighting (also called String Lighting or Market Lighting) is beautiful, people love it. In outdoor venues, we will hang it in tents or over dance floors. We’ll also hang them in darker indoor venues like converted barns. They are meant to provide lighting at a downward angle and must be hung high enough so that guests won’t accidentally jump up and hit them. If you choose cafe lighting you should also strongly consider dimmers so that you can control the amount of light. Cafe lighting puts off a lot more light than people think and no one likes dancing on a very bright dance floor.

2. Dance Floor Lighting 

Dance floor lighting is a great choice if you want to create that party atmosphere. It goes best with modern indoor venues. It also allows us to bring the house lights down a little bit lower and showcase the array of changing colors. When these lights are turned on, everyone knows it’s party time.

Check out our Dance Floor Lighting Demo Video for more info

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNThXFis8o

3. Uplighting

Uplighting looks great in both indoor and outdoor venues. We highly recommend it in hotels, ballrooms or convention centers. There is a stark difference between not having it and having it; it creates a finished and polished look from the traditional decor of those types of spaces. In outdoor venues, you can use it highlight trees such as large oak trees in Charleston. We do not typically recommend uplighting for use in a historic home or venue because of its modern look.

Check out our Uplighting Demo Video for more info

(Towards the end of the video you will see the color changing mode but that is not something we have to do, they can stay on the color(s) you selected for the entire evening. You can select any color(s) you would like)

As wedding DJs in Charleston, we have the privilege of working for many destination clients who have their ceremony and reception at the same venue. We frequently receive questions concerning the ceremony music, which songs to pick, what works and what doesn’t. We wanted to take the time to answer some of those questions for you to ensure that your ceremony goes smoothly.

Microphones are necessary.

There is nothing worse than being a guest at a wedding and not being able to hear the officiant or the vows. If that’s the case, then your guest will check out. The ceremony is a very important part, if not the most important part of your wedding day, so you want to make sure everyone can hear you loudly and clearly. Microphones are also important if your DJ or Videographer is recording your vows. Make sure that you have microphones, a speaker and a sound system – especially if it’s going to be outside.

The music you pick should reflect your taste.

The music for the whole day to be reflective of the couple. We tailor the music for the prelude ceremony just as we would for the cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. We always begin playing the music about 20 – 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony as the guests arrive. If our clients don’t give us specifics, we play classical, instrumental covers of modern songs by artists such as The Piano Guys, Vitamin String Quartet and Sleeping At Last for the prelude music. It’s a little bit more upbeat than Beethoven or Mozart yet still gives off a very elegant vibe.

Everything should flow.

The music should flow together. Having several classical songs and then have the bride come down to an Indie Rock song doesn’t flow. You want to make sure that everything matches from start to finish.  Communicate with your DJ or your musicians to be sure the music is “matches” from start to finish.

Factors to consider when choosing songs.

1. How many people are in the wedding party and how long the walk will be. If it’s a long walk, you’ll need more songs.
2. One song for the grandparents and parents.
3. If the groomsmen are entering separately, they should walk to one song, as should the bridesmaids.
4. The Bride needs one processional song.
5. One song at the end for the recessional: This is a high moment of the day, so pick a fun, upbeat song that means something to you. It’s a moment you’re going to want to remember. We usually start the song at the beginning of the first chorus or whatever point you would like the song to start.

Nick and Stef’s Wedding at Boone Hall

The Wedding Ceremony

The stunning wedding ceremony was held on the Boone Hall lawn. The weather was perfect to DJ the wedding! As the guests arrived I had a mix of The Piano Guys, Vitamin String Quartet, and Sleeping At Last songs playing. The grandparents and parents came down the aisle to “Wonderful Tonight” by Vitamin String Quartet. The Bridesmaids and ring-bearers followed to “Thinking Out Loud” by Daniel Jang and finally Stefanie & her Father to “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys. After a short ceremony by officiant Christy Loftin, the wedding party recessed to “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. The guests made their way in the Cotton Dock for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.

The Introductions & First dance

After Photographer Dana Cubbage took some amazing pictures, guests were invited into the Cotton Dock where I was ready to get the party started. I introduced the parents to “Sweet Child of Mine” and the bridal party to “Feel So Close” by Calvin Harris. Lastly, Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas Wheeler entered their party to “Sugar” by Maroon 5. They had their first dance to  “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young. They took their seats and Stefanie danced with her Father to Tim McGraw’s song “My Little Girl”. Nicolas and his mother followed with a dance to “Count on Me” by Joe Russell. Nicolas and Stefanie then had a dance with their two young sons to “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw. Duvall Catering served a plated dinner and I had a mix of current country, Michael Bublé, James Arthur, and Ed Sheeran playing.

The Dancing

Towards the end of dinner Stephanie & Nicolas cut their cake to “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor. I opened the floor with an anniversary dance then invited everyone to join, playing a mix of Top 40, 80’s, 90’s and Oldies that filled the dance floor for the next 2 hours until the last dance to “I’ve Had the Time of my Life” by Bill Medley. The guests lined up outside for a sparkler exit to end the night!

Kristin and Brian’s Wedding in Charleston, SC

Kristin and Brian’s wedding took place at St. Luke’s Chapel in downtown Charleston. Their cocktail hour and reception followed at Cannon Green. From the start of the cocktail hour, I knew this would be a fun group!

The Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour was held in the Cannon Green courtyard just outside the main reception space. The couple opted for ‘DJ’s choice’ of music during cocktail hour, so I played a mix of alternative/indie rock, Motown and Standards. Tassia Davis from Beautiful Bride Events coordinated a beautiful wedding from beginning to end. Molly Joseph from Molly Joseph Photography took pictures of the couple while the guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’ oeuvres.

The Introductions

The bridal party entered the ballroom to Pitbull’s song “Don’t Stop the Party”. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Yeakel entered their wedding to huge applause while “Head Over Boots” by Jon Pardi played. The couple then went straight into their first dance, to the song “Bloom” by The Paper Kites which was played by a musician to Brian’s surprise.  Kristin then had a very special father/daughter dance since her father was unable to be there. Kristin started the dance with her Uncle Reese, and then danced with her dad’s best friend Gary. Kristin wrapped up her dance with her Uncle Jim. Justin danced with his mother to Rascal Flatts “I Wish”.  Kristin’s Uncle Reese gave an incredibly heartfelt welcome and Father Bob O’Connell gave a brief blessing before dinner service started.

The Dancing

Before the dance floor was opened, toasts were done by the bride’s sisters and three groomsmen. I opened the floor with a medley of Top 40 and Motown that filled the next 3 hours, ending with a hard set of throwback hip-hop. The lively wedding party danced all night long until the last dance to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. This was such a fun wedding!!! Congrats Kristin and Brian!

Amber & Matthew’s Wedding  at Boone Hall Plantation

For the better part of a year I was anticipating Amber and Matthew’s wedding at the beautiful Boone Hall Plantation. I knew it would be a blast! Amber and Matthew relocated to Charleston from New York about a year before the wedding.  Most of the guests traveled from New York and New England to join them on their special day.

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was on the Cotton Dock and it was a perfect day! The grandparents, parents, groom and groomsmen entered to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Vitamin String Quartet. The bridesmaids entered to “Canon in D”, followed by Amber and her father walking down the aisle to “Wonderful Tonight” by Vitamin String Quartet. Matthew and Amber recessed to “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit.

The Introductions, Dances & Dinner

Janie Warren with Duvall Events pulled off some amazing decor and did a phenomenal job coordinating everything!  After some beautiful sunset pictures with Rachel and Ted of Nuvo Images, Amber and Matthew and their wedding party were ready to be introduced. I introduced the wedding party to “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz, and then Amber and Matthew came in to “New York Groove” by KISS. Matthew and Amber then had their first dance to “Mango Tree” by Zac Brown Band ft. Sara Bareilles. Amber then danced with her father to “Walk With You” by Edwin McCain, and Matthew and his mother followed with “A Mother’s Song” by T. Carter Music.  Catering was provided by Daniel Island Grille and was amazing! During dinner, I played a custom mix of classic rock, country, 80’s and jam band.

The Dancing

After some great, heartfelt toasts, we opened the dance floor, starting with some Van Morrison which brought the young and old to the dance floor. I played a great mix of 80’s, 80’s rock, classic rock, Top 40 and a little country. The dance floor was packed all night long, including the additional hour we weren’t planning on having while guests awaited the final pickup. We ended the night with “Friends in Low Places” with Amber and Matthew in the middle of giant circle of their friends and families arm-in-arm. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day!

Blog written by DJ David Fox

Photo courtesy of Nuvo Images

Kelly and Adam made the trip to Charleston from D.C. for their wedding. They were joined by their friends and families on September 24, 2016 at the William Aiken House! Many of their family and friends had to travel to Charleston, but knew it would be worth the trip!

The Wedding Ceremony & Intro’s

They were married in front of the pond at the William Aiken House. They had a string-trio providing the music for the ceremony and cocktail hour. After the beautiful ceremony performed by one of Adam’s best friends, guests enjoyed some wonderful drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres from Fish Restaurant. Towards the end of cocktail hour, I began playing a mix of old soul, classic rock, alternative & indie rock and motown. Once Adam and Kelly were back from taking pictures with King Street Studios, we began the introductions, first introducing the parents of the bride and groom to “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates, followed by the wedding party to “Black & Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa, and finally, our bride and groom to You & Me by Bassnectar. Adam and Kelly had their first dance as husband and wife to What A Wonderful World by Sam Cooke. Adam and his mother then danced to Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Kelly’s mother then welcomed all of the friends and family and gave a heartfelt toast to the couple. Guests then moved inside for dinner.

The Dancing

After some great toasts by the Adam’s brother, the Best Man, and Kelly’s sister, the Matron of Honor, Adam and Kelly cut their cake. We then officially opened the dance floor. I started with some classics from Jackson 5, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder before we did the traditional Jewish wedding dance, the Horah to Hava Naglia. It did not take long for all of the guests to get involved in the dance and soon enough Adam and Kelly were hoisted up in the air in their chairs. The groomsmen waisted little time in getting both of the parents up in the chairs. Another great moment during the reception was when I played “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen which was a special fraternity song for Adam and his fraternity brothers. We ended the reception with Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show and Adam and Kelly exited to sparklers.

The After-Party!

But that was not even close to the end of the night.  The After-Party started 30 minutes later next door at The American Theater. The Theater was decorate with some great furnishings and I had the dance floor lighting going, not to mention that I was Video DJing! I re-introduced the newlyweds to “Wild Ones” by Flo-Rida and we got the party started immediately. I played a mix of Top 40, throwback hip-hop, 90’s pop, 80’s rock & pop, and dance. We ended the epic night with Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks.”

This was one of those weddings that no one who was a part of it will ever forget, including myself. It was such an honor and so much fun to be Adam and Kelly’s DJ!  It was so great to work with such an awesome, fun couple! Thanks again Adam and Kelly, congratulations!

David Fox

I can’t say how honored (and nervous) I was to be asked to DJ our Bunn DJ Company Charleston branch owners wedding along with the mighty Joe Bunn. David is a great DJ and Rachel is the sweetest! The pressure was on to make this beyond perfect for them. Invitation accepted and here we go… Of course, it was the day after I got back from a week in Vegas. LOL.

The Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony and reception were both held in Charleston SC’s historic Society Hall. A beautiful 200 year old building right downtown. I can’t even begin to imagine the history in this building. The ceremony was held on the first floor for 100 guests.  I provided music for that. The parents and groomsmen walked down the aisle to “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by Sleeping At Last, the bridesmaids to “Bright” by Echosmith and Rachel & her father to “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles. After the short ceremony the wedding party exited to “Ho Hey”. The guests made their way to the second floor with help from planner Aly Howard from Palmetto Weddings for cocktails while photographer Julie Livingston and videographer Daniel Foster got some pics. During the cocktail hour I had a mix of standards, classic soul and soft rock playing. They even had an awesome champagne skirt girl by Elevate walking around.

The Introductions

After the cocktail hour the wedding party was introduced by Joe Bunn to “Stole The Show” by Kygo and Rachel & David to “GDFT” by Flo Rida. They came in to thunderous applause and then had their first dance to “You Are The Best Thing”. A welcome by Rachel’s father and blessing by their officiant followed. The food stations opened and I continued the same mix of music during dinner.

The Dinner

After dinner Rachel and David had a private cake cutting with their parents and the donut station opened. They came to the dance floor for the parents dances with Rachel dancing with her father to “In My Life” by The Beatles and David and his mother to “Child Of Mine” by Carole King. I invited all the married couples to join David and Rachel for a dance before opening it to everyone. We had a “longest married couple” dance to “What A Wonderful World” with the winning couple at 51 years! I then played a set of motown, current top 40 and 80’s that filled the floor within minutes.

The Dancing

For the next 2 ½ hours I played everything from oldies, 70’s thru current and even a couple country songs. It was inevitable, but Joe Bunn and even David the groom got on the tables for sets! The guests were treated to 3 great DJ’s at this wedding….and huge glowsticks. We ended the night with ‘Stole The Show” again by Kygo and Rachel & David had a bubbles exit from the front of the building.

The Exit

It was one of my favorite weddings and one the guests and myself will never forget! Thank you Rachel, David and Aly and congratulations.