Finding the right wedding DJ in Zurich is one of the most important decisions you'll make while planning your big day. I say this not because I'm a DJ myself – but because across 80+ weddings I've seen first-hand how music makes the difference between "nice party" and "the night everyone still talks about years later".
Last summer I played a wedding by Lake Zurich. The couple had chosen Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" for their first dance – but when the moment came, the atmosphere was so emotional that I spontaneously started with an acoustic version and crossfaded into the studio version after 30 seconds. The bride was in tears, and so were the guests. No Spotify playlist can create moments like that.
Here are my 10 tips from the field – honest, concrete and immediately actionable.
Tip 1: Plan the playlist together – but leave room
Send your DJ 15–20 must-play songs and 5–10 no-go tracks. That gives clear direction without locking the DJ into a rigid setlist. An experienced DJ reads the room in real time and knows whether the floor needs Bruno Mars or an ABBA classic. That instinct can't be planned – it happens in the moment.
Tip 2: The music timeline is your secret weapon
Most couples underestimate how much the music timing across the entire evening matters. My proven flow:
- Apéro (60–90 min): Light lounge music, jazz, acoustic covers – conversations come first. Around 95–105 BPM.
- Dinner (60–120 min): Soulful house, instrumentals, subtle vocals. Volume set for easy conversation.
- First dance: The emotional peak. Whether it's Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud", Etta James' "At Last" or a personal song – everything needs to be perfect here.
- Party (120–180 min): From 80s classics via 2000s hits to current floor-fillers. Energy builds from 110 to 128 BPM.
- Last dance: A song that brings everyone together one more time. Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" or Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" almost always work.
Tip 3: Check the venue before the big day
Not every wedding location in Zurich is the same. A ballroom at The Dolder Grand sounds completely different from a tent by the lake. I visit every venue beforehand and check: power connections, room acoustics, volume restrictions (some venues have decibel limits until 10 PM), and where the dance floor works best. This pre-check prevents 90% of all problems.
Tip 4: Bridge generations instead of dividing them
At a wedding, grandparents sit next to college friends. The trick isn't making everyone equally happy – it's building strategic bridges. Example: Michael Jackson ("Billie Jean") gets the older crowd moving, then I seamlessly crossfade into Bruno Mars ("Uptown Funk") for the younger guests. Whitney Houston → Dua Lipa. Queen → Kygo edits. That keeps the floor packed across generations.
Tip 5: Why Spotify isn't an alternative
I understand that a DJ budget is an investment. But a pre-made playlist can't react. It doesn't notice when the floor empties. It can't spontaneously drop the mother of the bride's favourite song when she finally wants to dance. It has no mic for the bouquet toss announcement. Weddings are full of unpredictable moments – and that's exactly where you need a human who thinks on their feet.
Tip 6: Emotional moments need the right soundtrack
Bridal entrance, vows, cake cutting, bouquet toss, last dance – each of these moments deserves its own musical frame. I discuss these "cue points" with every couple beforehand and prepare a fitting song for each, including a backup option. The result is a thread of music that runs through the entire evening like a film score.
Tip 7: The pre-event conversation makes all the difference
A 30-minute call or meeting before the wedding clarifies everything: favourite songs, absolute no-gos, cultural specifics (should there be a hora or a special family dance?), speech schedule, and how formal or casual the party should be. The more I know about you, the more personal the night becomes.
Tip 8: Leave room for spontaneity
The most beautiful moments at weddings are often unplanned. A guest picks up a guitar. Grandma suddenly owns the dance floor. The groom dedicates a spontaneous song. An overly rigid timeline kills this magic. My advice: plan the big milestones (dinner, speeches, first dance) but leave buffers in between. 30 minutes of flexibility makes the evening worlds better.
Tip 9: Use guest requests smartly
Guest song requests are gold – when used correctly. Some couples set up a request box or share a QR code beforehand. I collect these requests, filter them and play them at the right moment. Not every request fits the flow, but most can be woven in cleverly. When Uncle Peter hears "Sweet Caroline", he'll dance for the rest of the night.
Tip 10: Book early – popular dates go fast
Wedding season in Zurich (May to September) is extremely popular. The best Saturdays are often booked 12–18 months in advance. My tip: once you have your venue and date, secure your DJ. Early booking gives you not only peace of mind but also more time for collaborative planning.
Bottom line: Music is the heart of your wedding
A wedding celebration without the right music is like a film without a soundtrack – the emotion is missing. With the right preparation, honest communication and a DJ who gets you, your evening becomes the highlight your guests will talk about for years to come.
How much does a wedding DJ in Zurich cost?
Prices vary depending on duration, equipment and travel. For a full wedding package (apéro to party, 6–8 hours) you should budget CHF 1,500 to 3,500 in Zurich. This typically includes a planning meeting, song curation, equipment and setup/breakdown.
How far in advance should I book my wedding DJ?
Ideally 12–18 months before your date, especially for Saturdays during peak season (May–September). For weekday dates or off-season, 6–9 months is often enough.
Will the DJ play guest requests?
Yes – guest requests are an important part of wedding music. Whether via a request box, QR code or direct ask: an experienced DJ filters the requests and weaves them in so the flow stays smooth and the dance floor stays full.
Learn more about my DJ services in Zurich.