How to Find the Best Wedding Musicians and DJs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast

Planning a wedding in South East Queensland? The right music can transform your big day, setting the perfect mood for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Whether you’re dreaming of an acoustic duo strumming as you walk down the aisle or a DJ spinning tracks to keep the dance floor packed, finding top-tier wedding musicians and DJs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast is key. This local-focused guide will help you source the best talent in the region to make your wedding unforgettable.

1. Define Your Wedding Music Vision

Before you start searching, clarify the vibe you want for your wedding. South East QLD’s diverse venues—from Brisbane’s urban rooftops to Sunshine Coast’s hinterland barns and Gold Coast’s beachfront resorts—offer endless possibilities. Ask yourself:

• Ceremony: Do you want a live musician, like a solo guitarist or string quartet, for a romantic, intimate feel?

• Cocktail Hour: Would an acoustic duo or saxophonist create the perfect relaxed atmosphere?

• Reception: Are you after a high-energy DJ, a live band, or a combination to keep guests dancing?

• Budget: What’s your entertainment budget? Packages vary, with soloists often being more affordable than full bands.

Having a clear vision helps you narrow down talent that matches your style, whether it’s soulful folk, modern pop, or classic hits.

2. Start Your Search Locally

South East QLD is home to a vibrant music scene, with talented musicians and DJs catering to weddings across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Here’s where to look:

• Wedding Directories: Platforms like Easy Weddings or ABIA list local suppliers with reviews from real couples. For example, providers like NOVA DJs and RJ Unplugged are well-reviewed for their flexibility and professionalism.

• Local Venues: Many venues, such as Summergrove Estate (Gold Coast) or Sirromet Winery (Brisbane), recommend trusted entertainers who know their spaces. Check venue websites or ask your coordinator for suggestions.

• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook are goldmines for discovering local talent. Search hashtags like #BrisbaneWeddingDJ or #SunshineCoastWeddingMusic to find artists like The Famos & Co or Jake and Andy, who showcase their performances online.

• Wedding Expos: Events in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Noosa often feature live performances by musicians and DJs. Attending lets you see them in action and chat about your vision.

Tip: Look for providers who service all three areas (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast) for flexibility, especially if your venue is in a regional spot like Maleny or Byron Bay.

3. Check Experience and Reviews

Not all musicians and DJs are created equal. To ensure you’re booking reliable, high-quality talent:

• Experience Matters: Choose professionals with a proven track record at weddings. For instance, Explosive Entertainment boasts over 5,000 weddings and 22 years of experience, ensuring they can handle any crowd or situation.

• Read Reviews: Check testimonials on Google, wedding directories, or social media. Couples often praise entertainers like McGee Entertainment for their seamless live music and DJ packages, with over 200 glowing reviews.

• Watch Performances: Many artists, like Radio Club Band, share live footage on their websites or YouTube. This helps you gauge their energy and style.

• Awards and Recognition: Look for award-winners, such as PartySound’s Glenn Ritchie, voted #1 Wedding DJ & MC in 2021, 2023, and 2024, or Danny Dyson, a 2024 Brides Choice Awards finalist.

Tip: Prioritise entertainers who specialise in weddings, as they’ll understand the flow of a wedding day, from ceremony to reception, and can adapt to your timeline.

4. Meet or Chat with Potential Hires

Once you’ve shortlisted a few musicians or DJs, connect with them to ensure they’re the right fit:

• In-Person or Virtual Meeting: A chat via Zoom or at a local café lets you discuss your vision and vibe. Paul Collier from Colliers Entertainment emphasises meeting before booking to confirm a personal connection.

• Ask Key Questions:

  • Can you learn specific songs for our ceremony or first dance?

  • Do you provide MC services or coordinate with other vendors?

  • What’s included in your package (e.g., PA systems, lighting, travel fees)?

  • How do you handle song requests or read the crowd?

  • What’s your backup plan if you’re unavailable? (Explosive Entertainment, for example, has a team to cover emergencies.)

• Check Venue Familiarity: Local pros like DJ Corey, who’ve worked at venues like The Valley Estate or Coolibah Downs, know the logistics of South East QLD spaces, ensuring smooth setups.

Tip: Book early—top talent like The Famos & Co or BrisCity DJs often get reserved 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (spring and summer).

5. Explore Combined Live Music and DJ Packages

Many South East QLD entertainers offer hybrid packages that blend live music and DJ services, perfect for covering your entire day. For example:

• Danny Dyson: A Gold Coast-based duo that performs live acoustic sets for ceremonies and transitions to DJ mode for dancing, offering solo or duo options with tailored song requests.

• McGee Entertainment: Provides all-inclusive packages with live bands, acoustic soloists, and DJs, covering Brisbane to Sunshine Coast. Their Malibu Crew, featuring vocals, saxophone, and DJ, is a hit for vibrant receptions.

• Janda Events: Jake and Andy offer live acoustic performances and DJ sets, creating a “wedding soundtrack” that adapts to your run sheet, from chilled ceremony vibes to high-energy dance floors.

These packages are cost-effective, as you avoid hiring separate suppliers, and ensure seamless transitions between live and DJ sets.

6. Consider Venue and Logistics

South East QLD’s varied venues require entertainers who can adapt to different setups:

• Outdoor Venues: For beachside spots like Noosa or hinterland locations like Maleny, ensure your musician or DJ has portable, high-quality equipment. Rockin U Wild, for instance, uses professional-grade speakers for outdoor ceremonies.

• Noise Restrictions: Some venues, like Sunshine Coast’s hinterland retreats, have strict noise limits. Confirm your entertainer can comply.

• Space Constraints: Bands need more room than DJs. If your venue is compact, like a Brisbane rooftop, a soloist or DJ (e.g., Call Me Will) might be ideal.

• Travel Fees: Venues outside metro areas (e.g., Toowoomba or Byron Bay) may incur travel costs. Clarify this upfront, as Radio Club Band notes additional fees for events over an hour from Brisbane.

Tip: Ask your venue for power and setup details, and share these with your entertainer to avoid last-minute hiccups.

7. Personalise Your Music Experience

The best wedding musicians and DJs in South East QLD offer customisation to reflect your love story:

• Song Requests: Most providers, like BrisCity DJs, let you build playlists from vast libraries or learn special songs. Their mixcloud showcases diverse genres, from R&B to rock.

• Cultural Touches: For multicultural weddings, artists like Tarkan Entertainment can incorporate Middle Eastern drummers or global hits.

• Extras: Many DJs, like G&M Event Group, offer lighting, dry ice effects, or photo booths to elevate the vibe.

• Live Interaction: Bands like Rhythm Road or soloists like Kahlia engage crowds with dynamic performances, ensuring everyone’s on the dance floor.

Tip: Share your must-play and do-not-play lists to ensure the music aligns with your taste and keeps guests happy.

8. Finalise and Book with Confidence

Once you’ve found your perfect match:

• Secure Your Date: Pay a deposit to lock in your musician or DJ. Danny Dyson recommends booking 12 months out to secure peak dates.

• Review Contracts: Ensure the agreement covers package details, timing, equipment, and cancellation policies. Providers like PartySound guarantee the booked DJ (e.g., Glenn) will perform, avoiding subcontractors.

• Stay in Touch: Use online portals (offered by G&M or Explosive Entertainment) to manage playlists and timelines, keeping planning stress-free.

Local Gems to Explore

Here are a few standout South East QLD entertainers to kickstart your search:

• Danny Dyson (Gold Coast): Voted a 2024 Brides Choice Awards finalist, offering acoustic duos and DJ services for a seamless day.

• The Famos & Co (Noosa to Gold Coast): A premier agency with soloists, duos, and DJs, known for tailored packages and live showcases.

• McGee Entertainment (Brisbane to Sunshine Coast): Award-winning for their versatile live music and DJ combos, perfect for vibrant receptions.

• Rockin U Wild (Sunshine Coast): Multi-award-winning DJ service with ceremony music and photo booth add-ons, servicing Brisbane and Gold Coast.

• Jake and Andy (Gold Coast to Brisbane): A dynamic duo with live music and DJ sets, praised for their crowd-reading skills and chilled-to-party vibes.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best wedding musicians and DJs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast is about aligning talent with your vision, venue, and budget. Start early, explore local directories and social media, and meet with providers to ensure they vibe with your style. South East QLD’s music scene is bursting with professionals who can craft the perfect soundtrack for your day, from heartfelt ceremony melodies to epic dance floor anthems.

Ready to find your dream entertainer? Visit dannydyson.com to explore our award-winning acoustic duo and DJ services, or browse top local talent to make your wedding music unforgettable.