Parent's Guide: What You Should Know About MixLux

The Essentials: What MixLux Actually Provides

What specific services does MixLux include in the wedding package?

Our wedding experience includes way more than just showing up with speakers and pressing play. We provide:

• Comprehensive music design and curation for your entire celebration

• Professional sound system customized to your venue's acoustics

• Elegant lighting design that transforms throughout the evening

• Dedicated planning sessions (typically 3-4 meetings)

• On-site setup and technical management

• Backup options for everything (because Plan B shouldn't be "panic")

What makes us different is our design-focused approach. We're not just playing songs – we're crafting an atmosphere that evolves thoughtfully throughout the evening.

Will the same DJ who meets with us be the one performing at the wedding?

Absolutely. At MixLux, you'll always work directly with the person behind the booth on the wedding day. We don't do the bait-and-switch that larger companies pull where you meet the charismatic owner and then get whoever's available on your date.

Our approach is built on relationships and understanding your vision. That can't happen if you're meeting one person and getting another on your wedding day.

Does MixLux provide both ceremony and reception music services?

Yes, we handle music for every part of the celebration. That includes ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing – all with designed equipment for each phase.

We use discrete speaker systems and wireless microphones for ceremonies that capture vows clearly without creating an eyesore in your photos. For cocktails and dinner, we design separate audio zones with volume levels perfect for conversation while maintaining the atmosphere.

How long has MixLux been providing DJ services for weddings in the Boston area?

MixLux is the evolution of EventSmith Entertainment, which was founded in 2017. We've been creating celebrations throughout New England for seven years, with over hundreds of events under our belt.

In Winter 2024, we refined our brand to MixLux to better reflect our design-focused approach to music and lighting. Same expertise, heightened creativity, clearer vision.

Additionally, Brian is a recognized industry leader and educator, speaking and hosting workshops at industry conferences across the US.

Have you worked at our venue before? Are you familiar with their setup requirements?

We've worked at many premium venues throughout New England, including the Four Seasons, Raffles Boston, State Room, OceanCliff Newport, Mandarin Oriental, Chatham Bars Inn, Cliff House Maine, and more.

If we haven't worked at your specific venue, we often will do a detailed site visit to understand the space's acoustics, power availability, load-in logistics, and architectural features that will influence our lighting design. This isn't our first rodeo – we know exactly what questions to ask venue managers.

What is your contingency plan if equipment fails or if the assigned DJ becomes ill?

BUYER BEWARE: This question separates professionals from amateurs. Any DJ without multiple layers of backup isn't a professional – they're a liability.

Our contingency planning includes:

• Redundant sound systems (complete duplicate systems on-site)

• Backup lighting controllers and fixtures

• Multiple copies of music libraries on separate devices

• Emergency replacement DJs on call (though this has never been needed)

• Comprehensive insurance that covers not just our equipment but any disruption to your event

In seven years, we've never missed an event or had a system failure that affected a celebration – because we obsessively prepare for worst-case scenarios.

Do you carry liability insurance for your equipment and services?

Absolutely. We maintain a $2 million liability policy that covers all our events. We're happy to provide a certificate naming your venue as an additional insured – most premium venues require this anyway.

Don't trust any vendor who doesn't have proper insurance. It's a fundamental mark of professionalism in this industry.

Seeing is Believing

Can we see videos of your previous performances or attend an event where you're performing?

We maintain an extensive portfolio of event highlights on our website and social media channels. These aren't just pretty pictures – they show real celebrations with real energy.

While we can't invite observers to private events like weddings, we occasionally participate in showcases at venues where you can experience our approach firsthand. Our owner, lead DJ, and Designer, Brian Smith, has listed open-to-the-public events here.

Investment Details

What is the complete cost breakdown, and are there any potential additional fees?

Our wedding experiences begin at $3,000, with most couples investing between $4,500-$6,000 depending on their specific needs. This includes:

• Complete music design and curation

• Professional sound system

• Elegant lighting design

• Dedicated planning meetings

• On-site setup and technical management

Some couples choose to enhance their experience with:

• Enhanced lighting design ($1000-$5,000)

• Dance Floor Selfie Station ($500)

We'll provide a complete proposal after our initial consultation that outlines exactly what's included. No hidden fees, no surprises – just clear communication about your investment.

What is your payment schedule, and what methods of payment do you accept?

Our standard payment schedule includes:

• 50% retainer to secure our services

• 25% mid-planning payment (3 months before your event)

• 25% final payment (due 1 month before your celebration)

We accept checks, bank transfers, Venmo, cash, and all major credit cards.

Are there additional travel, setup, or overtime charges if the reception runs longer than expected?

There are no additional travel fees for venues within 2 hours of Boston. Beyond that, we charge a flat rate to cover transportation, accommodations if necessary, staff, and per diems for meals.

Our standard coverage is based on a 12-hour window during the day of service (typically noon to midnight), not hourly, with setup completed before your guests arrive. In rare instances, a venue may heavily limit setup or breakdown time; in those cases, we may have to charge for additional labor if we are not made aware of these cases prior to contract generation.

Most venues and local governments have strict rules regarding end times, so overtime rarely comes into play.

Is a deposit required to secure the date, and is it refundable?

Yes, we require a 50% retainer to secure your date. This covers 2/3s of our creative fee. This creative fee covers the skills and knowledge we bring to the wedding and the hours of work that we put in in advance (on average 40-50 hours). Once paid, this retainer is non-refundable, as we are turning away other opportunities for your date.

However, if you need to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances (like a venue change or major emergency), we will apply your retainer to a new date within 12 months of your original date, subject to our availability.

Day-of Details

How early will you arrive to set up the wedding day?

We typically arrive three hours before your event begins, and setup is completed before guests arrive. This allows us time for sound checks, lighting programming, and vendor coordination.

We may arrive even earlier for more complex setups or venues with challenging load-in logistics. This timeline ensures we're completely ready and allows us to handle unexpected challenges without creating stress for you or your children.

What attire will your DJ wear to complement the formality of our event?

We wear tailored black attire for most weddings that blends professionally with your event's formality. Think modern professional—not the dated tuxedo with a shiny vest that screams "wedding DJ from 2005."

We'll adapt our attire to match specific dress codes or themes. The key is looking appropriate for the occasion while allowing us to work comfortably through a physically demanding day.

Music Selection & Planning

How do you balance the couple's music preferences with selections that will appeal to guests of all ages?

This is exactly where our expertise comes in. We create a music journey that respects the couple's taste while ensuring everyone feels included:

• Cocktail hour and dinner music typically aligns closely with the couple's preferences since it's background music

• During dancing, we build a progression that starts with cross-generational classics that bring everyone together

• As the night progresses, we gradually shift toward more contemporary selections as older guests naturally depart

• Throughout the night, we read the room and adjust – because a great DJ responds to energy, not just follows a list

The goal isn't pleasing everyone all the time (impossible) – it's creating moments where everyone feels connected to the celebration, while honoring the couple's musical identity.

What experience do you have with cultural or traditional music if our family has specific heritage we want to incorporate?

We've worked with numerous cultural traditions, from Jewish hora sets to Greek line dances, Irish céilis to Bollywood sequences to Cuban Salsa.

For traditions we're less familiar with, we collaborate directly with you to understand the significance of specific songs and proper sequencing. We'll research, prepare, and if necessary, consult with cultural experts to ensure we're respecting important traditions.

This approach has allowed us to create seamless celebrations that honor heritage while creating a cohesive musical experience.

How do you handle the generational gap in music preferences between the couple and older guests?

BUYER BEWARE: Any DJ who claims they'll "play something for everyone" throughout the night is setting you up for a fragmented, awkward dance floor.

Our approach is more strategic:

1. We identify specific connection points – songs that bridge generational gaps (think Motown classics, certain 70s/80s hits, singalongs everyone knows)

2. We structure the timeline to create different energy phases throughout the night

3. We sequence music to build natural progression rather than jumping between decades

4. We read the room continuously, watching how guests respond and adjusting accordingly

The magic happens when grandparents and college friends are dancing together – and we're experts at creating those moments without resorting to cheesy gimmicks.

Planning Process

Will you coordinate directly with the couple, or can we as parents be involved in the planning process?

While we primarily work with the couple directly, we welcome parents' involvement based on everyone's preferences. Typically, couples handle their music selections and timeline details, while parents are welcome to join planning meetings or provide input on particular aspects.

We do believe that the couple should have final say however, and we will always defer to the needs and desires of the couple. This is a celebration of them and their love after all.

How many planning meetings do you typically have before the wedding day?

Our process typically includes:

• Initial consultation to understand your vision

• Music foundations meeting to explore your preferences

• Creative details meeting to finalize timeline and special moments

• Final review meeting to confirm all elements

These meetings are mostly hosted on Zoom, though we can do occasionally have in person meetings. Throughout the planning process, you'll also have access to our online planning system where you can add songs, note special moments, and communicate with our team.

The MixLux Difference

What makes your DJ services different from others in the Boston area?

Three things separate us from other options:

1. Design-focused approach: We think about music and lighting as design elements that shape experience, not just services to check off a vendor list. This means thoughtful progression throughout the night, not just playing songs.

2. Technical excellence without distraction: We use professional-grade equipment that delivers exceptional sound and lighting without becoming the center of attention. No tacky DJ booths, no cheesy MC antics, no equipment eyesores in your photos.

3. Music-forward philosophy: We believe in letting the music create the energy – not relying on gimmicks, props, or forced audience participation. Your celebration should feel authentic, not like a produced show.

Many DJs focus on being entertainers. We focus on creating environments where people naturally connect and celebrate.

Professional Standards

What is your policy on alcohol consumption while working at our event?

Absolutely zero alcohol consumption while working – period. This is non-negotiable for us. Your celebration deserves our complete focus and professionalism.

We maintain clear heads to make good decisions about music, manage complex technical equipment, and respond appropriately to any situations that arise.

What volume levels do you maintain, and can these be adjusted for different portions of the event to allow for conversation?

Volume management is a critical element of our work. We design distinct audio environments for different phases of your celebration:

• Ceremony: Crystal clear speech for vows without overwhelming the intimate setting

• Cocktails/Dinner: Background music that enhances atmosphere while allowing comfortable conversation (typically 75-85dB)

• Dancing: Energy-appropriate volume that creates immersion without causing discomfort (typically 90-100dB)

We work closely with venue staff to respect their sound policies and have sophisticated equipment that allows us to control volume and frequency distribution precisely throughout the space.

Still Have Questions?

We believe in transparent communication. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please reach out directly. We're happy to schedule a phone call or meeting to discuss your specific concerns about your child's celebration.

Contact us at hi@mixlux.net to start the conversation.