Q&A With a Wedding DJ
Thinking about hiring a DJ for your wedding but not sure if it’s worth the investment? Or maybe you're debating whether to book one for the entire day or just for the reception?
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredible DJs, and I wanted to share a Q&A with one of my favorites to give you some helpful insights into wedding DJ services.
Meet Justin Babbitt, the founder of Paradox Productions—one of the most organized, professional, and fun DJs I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He truly knows how to bring energy to any event! You’ll find his bio and contact info at the end of the page if you're looking to book an amazing DJ for your big day.
Let’s dive in! 🎧
Today, we’re chatting with Justin from Paradox Productions, one of the top wedding DJs in the industry! From setting dance floors on fire to ensuring a seamless wedding experience, Justin shares why investing in a professional DJ is a game-changer for your big day.
🎧 What do you love most about being a wedding DJ?
Justin: "Celebrating love, life, and happiness! It’s pretty darn cool to play music for a living—especially when my job is to create an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. But if I had to choose a favorite part? It’s setting the dance floor on fire!"
💍 Why should couples invest in professional DJ services?
Your DJ is the voice, face, and vibe of your wedding—they can make or break the atmosphere. Here’s why hiring a pro is crucial:
✔ Guest Experience: People remember how much fun they had (or didn’t have). A DJ keeps the energy high and the moments flowing.
✔ Seamless Coordination: A great DJ works with your photographer, caterer, and bartender to keep the timeline smooth.
✔ Personalized Experience: Your DJ creates the mood, ensuring guests connect, dance, and make memories.
✔ More Than Just Music: Anyone can stream a playlist, but a DJ crafts the entire experience, making sure every moment feels special.
👉 Fun fact: After their wedding, 80% of couples say they wish they had invested more in their DJ!
🌟 A Time You Went Above & Beyond for a Couple?
Justin: "Honestly, I rarely perform a wedding where I don’t go above and beyond—it’s all about flexibility! Couples aren’t audio professionals, so I bring a trailer full of backup equipment to customize the setup for each event."
Example:
🎤 At a recent wedding, a wireless speaker was blocking the photographer and videographer’s shot right before the grand entrance. Thanks to my battery-powered setup, I instantly moved it—without the couple ever knowing. Their photos and video turned out flawless!
A DJ’s ability to go the extra mile depends on planning, experience, and the right equipment!
💰 How Much Should Couples Budget for a Wedding DJ?
Think of your DJ as wedding investment insurance—they impact 80% of your wedding’s success, yet their cost is typically 7% of the total budget.
💵 Average Pricing in Oregon:
$800–$1,200: Focus on equipment & basic labor.
$1,600–$2,000: High-value experience + personalized entertainment.
$2,000+: Industry-leading DJ with a proven track record and peace of mind that your wedding is in expert hands.
📝 Pro Tip: Since you can’t "taste" a DJ like you can a cake, their reviews, experience, and pricing are key indicators of quality!
🎶 How Much Input Should Couples Have on the Playlist?
The best approach? Collaboration.
💡 Here’s how we do it:
✅ Clients use our online planning tool to share 10-20 favorite songs.
✅ Give general direction (ex: “We love ‘90s hip hop” or “Throw in some Johnny Cash for my dad”).
✅ Leave room for the DJ to read the crowd and adjust the vibe in real time.
Need help picking songs? Check out our top wedding playlists here! 🎵
🎤 What’s Included in Your Most Popular DJ Package?
Our $1,600–$2,000 package covers everything needed for a seamless, professional wedding experience:
✔ Sound System
✔ Wireless Microphones
✔ Ceremony Audio with Lapel Mics
✔ Dance Floor Lighting
✔ Set-Up & Break-Down
✔ Pre-Wedding Planning Meetings
✔ Early Arrival for a Smooth Start
✨ Add-ons Available:
Uplighting
Custom Monogram/Gobo
Photo Booth
🎧 What Should Couples Look for When Choosing a Wedding DJ?
Finding the right DJ can be overwhelming, so here’s a quick checklist:
✔ Experience & Reviews: Look for DJs with videos, testimonials, and awards.
✔ Quality Equipment: Do they have backup gear & multi-location setups?
✔ Charismatic Personality: A DJ sets the tone—they should be engaging and professional.
✔ Communication & Responsiveness: Are they easy to reach and work with?
✔ Full-Time vs. Part-Time DJ: Full-time DJs bring more expertise and reliability.
✔ 5-Star Reviews Across Platforms: Check Google, WeddingWire, The Knot, Facebook, Yelp.
✔ Modern Online Planning Tools: Makes song selection and timeline planning a breeze.
✔ Business Credentials: Liability insurance & a business license (not a big deal… until it is!).
🎵 What Inspired You to Become a Wedding DJ?
Justin: "Celebrating life, love, and happiness through music is the best job in the world. But my journey to DJing was unexpected!"
💡 How It All Started:
🎶 I grew up loving ‘90s hip hop and house music.
🎖 In 2003, I was stationed on the Kuwait-Iraq border as a U.S. Marine.
⏳ While waiting for deployment orders, I had a life-changing realization: If I make it home, I don’t want a boring 9-to-5 life.
🎚 After returning, I bought DJ equipment, got my first paid nightclub gig, and spent nearly a decade in the nightlife industry.
💍 In 2007, I DJed my first wedding—reluctantly. The photographer loved my mix of Frank Sinatra into Tupac, started referring clients, and suddenly… I was a wedding DJ.
🔥 Why I Love Weddings Now:
I realized a great DJ can make or break the most important celebration of someone’s life.
Thinking on the fly, reading the room, coordinating with vendors, setting the perfect tone—it all comes together to create once-in-a-lifetime memories.
👉 And that’s why I do what I do!
Final Thoughts: Your Wedding Deserves an Unforgettable Experience
Hiring a professional wedding DJ isn’t just about playing music—it’s about creating an incredible experience that your guests will talk about for years to come.
Looking for a DJ who will keep your wedding stress-free, energetic, and unforgettable? 🎉
📩 Let’s chat! Click here to inquire about booking.
Justin is a well-rounded professional. With his background as a US Marine Corps Sergeant and holding a business degree from Washington State University, his company Paradox Productions has developed a prestigious and formidable reputation. As a multi-talented DJ / MC whose musical arsenal and hosting ability has no boundaries, he continues to shatter the "DJ stigma," while impressing across styles, genres and demographics.
His motto is "Any crowd. Any format. Any time."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradox_productions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradoxpros
https://djpdx.com/ / 505-263-8211
Contact us today if you are looking for a photographer.
