5 Tips to Book the Right Quinceañera DJ

You will be working with the DJ throughout your entire event, so it is important to consider a few things when booking a DJ in order to make the process easy and seamless. 

Versatility and Skill  

Quinces often require a DJ that can play a variety of music in both English and Spanish, as well as MC in both English and Spanish. Your Quinceañera DJ should also be familiar with the traditional aspects and ceremonies of the Quinceañera such as the changing of the shoes, the crown, the doll, the court, the waltz, surprise dances, etc. 

Experience

When selecting a potential DJ, be sure to ask them if they have any videos or recordings of them actually playing the music or style you are looking for. Don’t get excited about someone who says “we play it all” until you hear them and trust that they can actually play it all and play it well. There is a difference between just having a song list and actually understanding the genre or music style and how to play to that style throughout your event. It is important to know how your DJ will play before your Quinceañera.  

Music

You will need to work closely with your Quinceañera DJ to make sure they understand the kind of music you want played throughout the different parts of the night. Do you want something specific during dinner? Do you have special songs you want played during the traditional events? Do you have a certain kind of dance party in mind? Have a list of any specific songs or genres ready and make sure the DJ has them in their library, and they are comfortable playing or mixing them prior to your event. The great thing about a good DJ is that they can provide any kind of party or mood that you’re looking for, as long as you communicate this with them in advance. Sending a Spotify playlist to your DJ is a great way to help them curate a music selection that will be perfect for your event. 

Setup Options and Party Packages

Ask the DJ or DJ company you are considering what kinds of setup options or packages they have for your Quinceañera. Do they have standard packages that will fit your needs? Or, are there customizable options or an A-La-Carte option where you can pick and choose the things you want? You may wish to have things like uplighting, party favors, or even a custom edited mix for the ceremonies or dances, so make sure your DJ has these options available. 

Vendor Partners

Often, your DJ will have industry connections and can make recommendations for something you might not have yet for your Quinceañera. Having a DJ who works well with your other vendors will ensure a smooth and successful event. 

Booking

All of these are important factors when selecting the best DJ for your Quinceñera, and will affect the cost, but also the outcome of your event. DJ Drew is a top Latin DJ serving the Latin community all over Utah and more. With multiple options for packages and pricing, DJ Drew is the perfect partner to make your Quinceñera successful. Contact me and we will find the best option for you! 

About DJ Drew

DJ Drew is a Latin DJ that is regularly booked for various high profile corporate and private events throughout the Salt Lake City, Utah area as well as performances at several large clubs and venues where he has opened for Flor De Toloache, Las Cafeteras, La Santa Cecilia, De La Ghetto, Don Omar, Fulanito, 24 Horas, Sensato, El Chevo, Sito Rocks, David Rolas, Nayi, Luis Coronel and more. 

In addition to airing every weekend on the Ritmo Latino radio show on Salt Lake City's Latino 106.3 FM, you can find DJ Drew performing weekly throughout Salt Lake City nightclubs mixing the best in Latin and Top 40 music.

How to plan the perfect Quinceanera in 10 easy steps

What is a Quinceanera? What is a typical Quinceanera timeline?

A quinceanera is a birthday celebration for a girl’s 15th birthday marking her passage from a girl to a grown woman. This typically religious and social event is celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, as well as Latin communities across the United States. The overall Quinceanera is typically made up of two parts, the mass at a church followed by the Quinceanera celebration party.

After the religious church service, or mass, the reception typically begins with lots of food, drinks, and later with music, party and a latin DJ.

Here’s what a typical quinceanera reception celebration timeline looks like to help you plan your perfect event in 10 easy steps:

1. Introduction of the Court of Honor

   To begin the Quinceanera, the court of honor will enter first. Sometimes they will enter to individual songs in a particular order, wear funny glasses or extra accessories, and even announced by name. Help your DJ by providing an organized list of names and preplanned songs.

2. Formal Entry and Presentation of the Quinceanera

   This is the big moment! The Quinceanera will typically enter the hall to be formally introduced with a special song, and may even be accompanied by an escort or a parent.

3. Crowning of the Quinceanera

   When the Quinceanera is crowned, the headpiece worn is replaced with a tiara or a crown. The crowning is typically done by the mother of the Quinceanera, so a song that is special to them is played at that time.

4. Presentation of the Last Doll

   Symbolic of a new phase in life growing to maturity, the Quinceanera will be presented with her favorite doll by her father and pass this on to a younger sibling. A song special to the Quinceanera and father will be played at this time.

5. Changing of the Shoes

   This tradition is typically done with the father as well. He will change her shoes from low heels to high heels symbolizing her passage to womanhood.

6. Quinceanera Waltz

   This is one of the main events of a Quinceanera known as the Waltz, el bals, or el vals in some places. Months of practice will take place to make sure the dance is done well, usually first with her father, and then sometimes her court escort and remaining members of her court. This event usually begins with a special dance between the father and the Quinceanera and then goes into the Waltz (bals or vals).

7. Surprise Dance

   A totally optional event, but the surprise dance at a Quinceanera can be so fun! This is typically performed after the Waltz, the Quinceanera and court will quickly change and return with new outfits. This dance is usually well rehearsed and prepared for months The Quinceanera and her damas will change as well.

8. The Toast and Thank You

   In honor of the Quinceanera a toast is done in her name and is done usually by the father before or after dinner is served. The parents take time to thank all of the padrinos, attendees, and say a few words for the Quinceanera. The padrinos may also come up and say a few encouraging words to the Quinceanera. The special moment is when the Quinceanera decides to say a few words on her own as this is significant that it symbolizes her first words to her community as a young woman.

9. Cake Cutting

   The cake cutting is usually done after dinner, or halfway into dancing. This is a more flexible event and can really done whenever is best for the Quinceanera.

10. Celebration

    Finally, the party! Take time here to discuss with you band or DJ your must play songs (and do not play songs).

Looking for a DJ?

About DJ Drew

DJ Drew is a Latin DJ that is regularly booked for various high profile corporate and private events throughout the Salt Lake City, Utah area as well as performances at several large clubs and venues where he has opened for Flor De Toloache, Las Cafeteras, La Santa Cecilia, De La Ghetto, Don Omar, Fulanito, 24 Horas, Sensato, El Chevo, Sito Rocks, David Rolas, Nayi, Luis Coronel and more. 

In addition to airing every weekend on the Ritmo Latino radio show on Salt Lake City's Latino 106.3 FM, you can find DJ Drew performing weekly throughout Salt Lake City nightclubs mixing the best in Latin and Top 40 music.