10 Red Flags in Dating and hiring a DJ in the DMV

A Surprisingly Accurate Guide You Did Not Know You Needed

Dating in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia comes with its own… personality. If you have ever waited three hours for a “Hey, you up?” text from someone in Arlington or gone on a date with someone who “works on the Hill” but cannot explain their actual job, you know exactly what I mean.

Funny enough, hiring a DJ in the DMV works the same way. You want someone who shows up on time, communicates clearly, respects your taste, and does not ruin the best night of your life.

So here are the 10 Red Flags in Dating and hiring a DJ in the DMV. But don't worry, we have a Green Flag saved for you at the end of the list!

1. They Do Not Communicate Clearly

Dating: They take forever to respond because they are “in meetings.” For three days.  DJ’ing: You ask about ceremony audio and they disappear like traffic on the BW Parkway.

2. They Do Not Listen

Dating: You say you love Old Town Alexandria. They insist on meeting in Adams Morgan at 11 PM.  DJ’ing: You say no Pitbull. They play Pitbull on your wedding day at the Mayflower Hotel.

3. Their Actions Do Not Match Their Words

Dating: “I live in DC.” Lives in Gaithersburg.  DJ’ing: “Full wedding experience.” Shows up with one speaker and a Spotify playlist.

4. No Real Experience

Dating: Their longest relationship was a three month situationship in Foggy Bottom.  DJ’ing: One backyard graduation party in Prince George’s County and suddenly they are a “wedding expert.”

5. They Are Always Late

Dating: Perpetually “on the way.” Has not even left Silver Spring.  DJ’ing: Arrives 20 minutes before the ceremony at your vineyard in Leesburg.

6. They Never Take Accountability

Dating: “It’s not my fault, work has been crazy.”  DJ’ing: “The venue Wi-Fi messed up.” “Your guests did not dance.” “The outlets were weird.”

7. No Backup Plan

Dating: They lose their Metro card and their entire day falls apart.  DJ’ing: One cable fails and the entire wedding at the Watergate stops.

8. Not Compatible With Your Style

Dating: You love cultural events and lounges. They love frat bars in Clarendon.  DJ’ing: You want an upscale dance floor vibe. They hit you with the Cha Cha Slide four times.

9. Overly Controlling

Dating: They pick the restaurant, the activity, and your parking spot. DJ’ing: They refuse your playlist, deny requests, and “know the DMV crowd better than you.”

10. Cannot Handle Pressure

Dating: Freaks out on 495 rush hour drivers. Gets a ticket for road rage. DJ’ing: One small tech hiccup and they shut down like traffic on 495 after a single rain drop.

Green Flag at The Goat Audio: Cool, calm, professional problem solvers. We have handled packed ballrooms, rooftop receptions, waterfront ceremonies, and high pressure timelines all over the DMV. Ready to give you the best party of your life!

Why This Matters for DMV Couples

Booking a DJ in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia is a big decision. You want someone who listens, communicates, prepares, and brings real energy to your night.

That is exactly what The Goat Audio does for every wedding and event across the DMV.

If you want a DJ team full of green flags only, we would love to chat and help bring your night to life. Reach us here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How early should I book a wedding DJ in the DMV?

Most couples book between 9 and 15 months before the wedding, especially for peak DMV seasons like April through June and September through November. High quality DJs in DC, Maryland, and Virginia often book out quickly.

2. What is the average price for a wedding DJ in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia?

DMV wedding DJ pricing usually ranges from 1,800 to 4,500, depending on experience, equipment, multiple locations, lighting, and MC services. Beware of DJs priced too low, as they often trigger several red flags mentioned in this blog.

3. What are the biggest red flags when hiring a wedding DJ?

Top red flags include poor communication, lack of backup equipment, minimal wedding experience, no clear process, late arrivals, and DJs who ignore your music preferences. Any of these can seriously impact your wedding day. 4. Should my DJ handle ceremony audio as well as the reception?

Yes. Most DMV weddings require separate setups for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces. A professional DJ should be comfortable handling all three with dedicated equipment and timelines.

5. Do I need to provide the DJ with a playlist?

Not necessarily. A short must play and do not play list is enough. A great DJ reads the room, mixes live, and adapts to the crowd. You control the direction, the DJ handles the execution.

6. What does a backup plan look like for a professional DJ?

Backup laptops, extra cables, duplicate hard drives, emergency mics, and in some cases a standby DJ. In the DMV, where venues range from outdoor vineyards to downtown rooftop hotels, backup systems are essential.