It’s interesting you didn’t bring a sub for a guest count of 200+. I’ve learned that the sound objectives are very different depending on your region. I’m in Jersey, I bring only 15in tops for anything under 80 people, 15’s plus a single 18 for 80-160. 15’s plus two 18 for 160+. That’s for any event wedding, graduation, birthday, etc.
Another winner another winner you have done the impossible most people wouldn't be able to do there was no room for you to do extra I'm proud of you and I am hoping for the best this summer for you so be able to find you an assistant soon because you going to need one you can't keep doing it by yourself
I think you found a great compromise on your setup. I'm a huge proponent of adjusting your setup to the music type, room type, and of course group size. I run a multi-op with 12 people on my team and we have 4 different configurations we use for events (JBL 15's on sticks, RCF column arrays, 18" Mackie subs, big Mackie 3 way tops, etc). Our events are mainly country weddings but every event is different and we get a ton of destination events that bring their own music tastes with them on their travels. We have some venues that can literally only take two 15's on sticks without a sub or it completely blows the whole room out regardless of how many people are there. We have other venues that need the column arrays plus an 18 sub just to get reasonable fill. We have lots of tent weddings as well that need a system that would normally go to a 1000 person street dance. It just comes down to knowing your craft. I always encourage everyone to learn your locations and your clients. Find out what they want and adjust your system to fit it. Not everyone likes subs simply because they take up more room and "look loud". Yes, I've had people complain that a system "looked loud" before I event turned anything on. As with everything, use the correct tool for the job. Brian I think your choice of setup and equipment worked just fine for what you were given. As DJs we are so often just shoved in the corner and have to make due. At the end of the day, just make it work to the best of your abilities and get better with each event.
Interesting narration... I'd like to know how you manage to document what you're doing while you're doing it. I do gigs with digital piano and keyboard and I'm too focused on the situation to document it. You're doing double time. Very much up my alley.
The venues I've worked at with RCF j8s, they complain about the bass. Lots of these venues are either hotels or are situated next to domestic dwellings, so you can't have subs reverting out into the streets in the late evening/night time.
Very nice touch on the mother/son dance. I must have a sub...I've tried without them, but I just miss them every time, regardless of the number of guest or size of the room. In my smallest venues I put a sub under my booth with tops on weighted uplit totems to minimize my footprint. I will be using a single LD Maui 28 G2 column array indoors in a couple weeks. It that convinces me, I may get another at some point. Right now I use it for ceremonies.
I used to always bring my ekx 18 with 2 ekx 12s. I’ve been lazy lately and tried not bringing it on a few weddings. I will say, I do miss it. The 12s CAN pull it off, even for 125 people, but it really depends on the acoustics of the hall. For what it’s worth I turned up the bass eq to like 4. Helps
as a DJ for 25 years I would like to tell you a story. i had a call asking " how much do you charge for a wedding"? That 1st call tells you normally all you need to know. I asked her ( always her) that I needed to know about venue...venue size...number of guests...times of disco and the suchlike. all she was interested in was the price. I explained I had 25 years experience and I sent her numerous clips of the shows I had done with all my gear going .. and believe me I have top quality audio and visual . she didnt even open the messages but kept fighting for a cheap price. Once I delved into it I found she had booked a massive posh hall with 250 guests with money no option and a reception meal costing ( UK ) £50 per head. I explained carefully that one of the most important things but most overlooked at a wedding is the dj. After a long and hectic day you need to finish off the night properly and as soon as the brides shoes come off its party time . I explained that a meal of £50 per head would be over in less than an hour . i quoted £2 per head totalling £500 ...for a 5 hour gig including some karaoke and organised song list . she haggled and haggled so I told her she would have to find somebody else as it's not for me and she said she could get it cheaper. I heard a few months later she allowed somebody to do it for less than half that and it ruined the whole night and she went to bed in tears. so all you brides to be out there remember ...YOUR DJ IS AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR VICAR!!
That was the smallest stage I have ever seen. Now, I see why your speakers were placed behind you, it was crazy they put the gift table there. Looks like everyone had a great time. 👍👍
I see you use the EKX 12p Frequently, what is your opinion on two EKX 12p and one EKX 15p Sub for live music instead of EKX 18p Sub ? Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge
I’ve used the Evolve 50s for 250 people with no problem it sounded great as you said in the past they create a hotspot on the dance floor which is what’s needed versus drowning out the entire room
I guess the big reason why I havent switch to column array speakers is that the punch from the sub is missing. You get more of the punchier bass from the traditional 15" subwoofer than the woofers on the arrays. Definitely arrays have a tighter sound, but missing that umphh on the lows. Even with Bose. What are your thoughts?
you know what? The Evolve 50 would have provided all the sound that you needed. They have a dedicated low frequency driver on the floor that would have produced bass more easily instead of pushing those woofers in the top cabs. With that being said, as many already told, a sub would have helped a lot in your configuration, your sound objectives are not to get a boomy wedding. Mine are kinda different, as I think the fuller sound you have, the most dancing and enjoyment you’re gonna get. You have way more experience than me so you’re not wrong either :)
Been a while since I last saw one of your vids. Always learn something new. I've had a can stolen on a band lighting gig. Luckily, it was one of those cheap, 30 dollar ones, but still. Sucks to have that happen. That really looked like a challenge to setup that mini stage. I'd imagine the speakers behind you played havoc on the mic, too. Thanks for sharing.
I can see why you missed your column arrays! I just picked up a couple evolve 50s in white. I was wondering if you still use the same sound settings from your video a few years ago? Btw...Happy father's day!
Great Job Brian!!! A thought, could you have used or have you used collapsible totems for speaker stands. They take up less room, white skim with uplighting looks cool, and fairly easy to raise and lower. I know they have a speaker mount option on top for speaker pockets. They are a bit clunky to haul around if they are not broken down. Just wanted to hear your thoughts. Keep up the good work, posting your videos and great ideas.
hello brother! I'm from Ukraine, I've been doing weddings for a long time. Now is not the best time for this, but I'm asking because I saw your video and remembered. I wonder how the wedding goes: the classic scheme of what follows: the beginning, the first dance, contests... are there any? Our DJ and presenter are different people. If it's not difficult, tell me how the wedding takes place in the USA?
hello brian, it's always good to see the videos you produce in practice. i always do it that way, and explore what fits into the room at weddings, without the different age groups that are given at such events on the wall to blow with the bass. there are many would-be djs who want to blow everything away at every event, no matter which one. these are just people who have no idea about such things. you are doing it exactly right and with feeling. you have to be able to fit into the different companies in order to do a top job. i always do it that way.
It seems to me that music ought to play in the background while they're coming in at 6:44. No? Tribute dance great idea. What song was it? Too much light coming in the windows which I would have blocked off. Natural light not great. Impressive though. I discovered light blocking curtains are great. I'd like to see your playlist. How do you get away with doing video of the event?
Too bad the venue had that table so close to you and that stage. How high did you raise your speakers? I see they're angled away from you which is good. Was it too loud for you?
The only thing you'll be needing subwoofers is if you're outside.. In my case I have a coming gig and it is already worst that I'm outside gig, they even want me to set my gears on top of a trailer truck because they set it as a stage.. I have two Sub woofers on my JBL Arrays though but all of my speakers, the JBL line arrays and the Tops are on top of the truck. This is going to be tricky but I see lot's of sound system that still boomy even they're on top of the truck like those campaign truck that they use. BTW I use Two portable JBL Line arrays and two tops on every gig. I don't use Big subs or Like to bring one because I Just hate lifting those big thing. I'm aiming for portable speakers that can do the job and easy to pull it out after the event.
Brian release the tables. There goes your tip for the night. Not a good idear! If you dont know what your doing ask them or do your best. Its typically wedding party B&G , Them parents and such on the tables. If they still get mad who cares atleast you tried!
2:08 .... You can't stay on one road to quickly get where you're going. Ah, yes. Therein lies the paradox of the road system in Wisconsin. I hear that theoretical physicists and road construction union representatives are working day and night to try to untangle these mysteries!
That cablemanagement doesn't seem professional especially for a wedding. Should tape cables to the back of stands. Wiggly cable to the wall... I don't get how you can put so little effort into a simple setup. I don't get the boomy argument for the sub, there is volume on it to balance.
If you were making a brochure, I'd agree with you - but I'd bet that not a single guest noticed or cared. In real life, those kinds of things are far less important, at least to most guests - sure, you have your occasional picky diva, but this crowd certainly seemed to be having a great time and weren't spending any of their energy worrying about Brian's cables. Brian had a stroke a few years ago and only has one working arm, so picture perfect cable management would be a serious challenge for him - but he's a great DJ with many years of experience and can still bring the party vibes, so he's still working, and still pleasing his crowds. That's what matters at the end of the day.
@@briansredd Yes, I may I underestimate that. I wrote a comment to your follow up video, think it will give you some perspective to what I wrote. Let me know if you think it's fair.
Im curious how much you charge for such simple set up? Only 6 uplights around the room is kind of lazy if I’m being honest. And no moving head? It would have helped by adding a little splash of color on the dancefloor. If you charge high end wedding fees, I’m really surprised you get away with such basic (and sloppy) wedding set up. There was nowhere near 250 guests on the dancefloor. You’d have been totally fine with your EV50 in front of the at stage.
We all have our own lighting design theories. However, there were 16 wireless battery operated lights, not 6. It's interesting you say no movers or color on the dance floor. There was wash reflecting off the walls & ceiling that went onto the dance floor. Go to 10:28 in the video & you can see the wash on dancers, especially on white dresses. As far as movers go, this particular client has seen DJs use things like movers & hated it. They wanted a more subtle lighting scheme that wasn't hitting anyone in the face. Have a look at 10:08 in the video. The guests & dancers see lighting that's creating ambience from their perspective, moving to the music in "Musikmode", yet are not seeing a light source that could cause discomfort. You can't see it from the DJ's perspective, but I don't design light shows for my personal entertainment. Ideally I would have had placement against a wall with a dance floor in front of me, but unfortunately sometimes we are at the mercy of a less than ideal floor plan.
Brian is absolutely right: you need to be flexible enough to deliver what the CLIENT is looking for. Brian has plenty of moving heads - so do I - and could have easily brought them if they were needed or wanted. But I've also had customers who specifically didn't want that for their event. That's perfectly fine. Brian has great alternatives that still add color and excitement without going against the desires of the customer. Every gig is different, and a great DJ is going to be flexible. The guests aren't coming to the event to see the DJ perform, they're coming to the event to have a good time with their friends/loved ones, and the DJ is only incidental to them. Obviously some gigs are full-fledged dance parties, and you want LOTS of lighting and lots of interesting, exciting lighting - but many weddings aren't looking for that. What a DJ charges all depends on the market they serve and how well they can meet the needs of their customer - as well as their overall reputation in the market. I charge more than a lot of DJs in my area, but less than a few. Many people who call me can't afford me, which is fine. The people who can afford me are happy to pay my rate and I get lots of repeat business and referrals from them. Most of them couldn't tell you what kind of lights I have or what kind of speakers - they just know it sounds good, looks good, and they have a great time. As DJs, it's our job to have good gear, and to know how to use it properly, so that our customers don't have to think about it.
Appreciate you sharing the setup and also your thought process, thank you!
It’s interesting you didn’t bring a sub for a guest count of 200+. I’ve learned that the sound objectives are very different depending on your region. I’m in Jersey, I bring only 15in tops for anything under 80 people, 15’s plus a single 18 for 80-160. 15’s plus two 18 for 160+. That’s for any event wedding, graduation, birthday, etc.
What a strange little stage. Kudos to you for overcoming the challenge, but wow... speakers behind you all night had to be brutal.
That block party was probably for Juneteenth. That was celebrated this weekend.
Another winner another winner you have done the impossible most people wouldn't be able to do there was no room for you to do extra I'm proud of you and I am hoping for the best this summer for you so be able to find you an assistant soon because you going to need one you can't keep doing it by yourself
I think you found a great compromise on your setup. I'm a huge proponent of adjusting your setup to the music type, room type, and of course group size. I run a multi-op with 12 people on my team and we have 4 different configurations we use for events (JBL 15's on sticks, RCF column arrays, 18" Mackie subs, big Mackie 3 way tops, etc). Our events are mainly country weddings but every event is different and we get a ton of destination events that bring their own music tastes with them on their travels. We have some venues that can literally only take two 15's on sticks without a sub or it completely blows the whole room out regardless of how many people are there. We have other venues that need the column arrays plus an 18 sub just to get reasonable fill. We have lots of tent weddings as well that need a system that would normally go to a 1000 person street dance. It just comes down to knowing your craft. I always encourage everyone to learn your locations and your clients. Find out what they want and adjust your system to fit it. Not everyone likes subs simply because they take up more room and "look loud". Yes, I've had people complain that a system "looked loud" before I event turned anything on. As with everything, use the correct tool for the job. Brian I think your choice of setup and equipment worked just fine for what you were given. As DJs we are so often just shoved in the corner and have to make due. At the end of the day, just make it work to the best of your abilities and get better with each event.
Great Vid. Doing my first wedding tomorrow. I always go with a sub. Need the bass!
Brian Awsome job . Regarding the standing up on the stage I bought a cushioned floor matt it Helps when you stand for hours
Great job!! I like what you did with the tribute dance. That's thinking on your feet and it looks like it worked extremely well.
Interesting narration... I'd like to know how you manage to document what you're doing while you're doing it. I do gigs with digital piano and keyboard and I'm too focused on the situation to document it. You're doing double time. Very much up my alley.
The venues I've worked at with RCF j8s, they complain about the bass. Lots of these venues are either hotels or are situated next to domestic dwellings, so you can't have subs reverting out into the streets in the late evening/night time.
Great job. I was supposed to dj a wedding renewal last night and came down with covid the night before. What a mess.
Very nice touch on the mother/son dance. I must have a sub...I've tried without them, but I just miss them every time, regardless of the number of guest or size of the room. In my smallest venues I put a sub under my booth with tops on weighted uplit totems to minimize my footprint. I will be using a single LD Maui 28 G2 column array indoors in a couple weeks. It that convinces me, I may get another at some point. Right now I use it for ceremonies.
That was beautiful tribute to his Mom.. You never stop to amaze me!!
I used to always bring my ekx 18 with 2 ekx 12s. I’ve been lazy lately and tried not bringing it on a few weddings. I will say, I do miss it. The 12s CAN pull it off, even for 125 people, but it really depends on the acoustics of the hall. For what it’s worth I turned up the bass eq to like 4. Helps
Your look was nice. No subs, so what? It’s your show. You’re still my hero. Thanks again.
The uplighting makes such a big difference..keep up the great work brother 👍🎵🎶
as a DJ for 25 years I would like to tell you a story. i had a call asking " how much do you charge for a wedding"? That 1st call tells you normally all you need to know. I asked her ( always her) that I needed to know about venue...venue size...number of guests...times of disco and the suchlike. all she was interested in was the price. I explained I had 25 years experience and I sent her numerous clips of the shows I had done with all my gear going .. and believe me I have top quality audio and visual . she didnt even open the messages but kept fighting for a cheap price. Once I delved into it I found she had booked a massive posh hall with 250 guests with money no option and a reception meal costing ( UK ) £50 per head. I explained carefully that one of the most important things but most overlooked at a wedding is the dj. After a long and hectic day you need to finish off the night properly and as soon as the brides shoes come off its party time . I explained that a meal of £50 per head would be over in less than an hour . i quoted £2 per head totalling £500 ...for a 5 hour gig including some karaoke and organised song list . she haggled and haggled so I told her she would have to find somebody else as it's not for me and she said she could get it cheaper. I heard a few months later she allowed somebody to do it for less than half that and it ruined the whole night and she went to bed in tears. so all you brides to be out there remember ...YOUR DJ IS AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR VICAR!!
Also, if someone steals a light, in your contract do you hold the client responsible?
That was the smallest stage I have ever seen. Now, I see why your speakers were placed behind you, it was crazy they put the gift table there. Looks like everyone had a great time. 👍👍
One of my favorite guys to watch on TH-cam!
I see you use the EKX 12p Frequently, what is your opinion on two EKX 12p and one EKX 15p Sub for live music instead of EKX 18p Sub ? Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge
I’ve used the Evolve 50s for 250 people with no problem it sounded great as you said in the past they create a hotspot on the dance floor which is what’s needed versus drowning out the entire room
The Ideal of tribute dance was pretty cool, how much did you charged for that wedding? If you don't mind me asking
I guess the big reason why I havent switch to column array speakers is that the punch from the sub is missing. You get more of the punchier bass from the traditional 15" subwoofer than the woofers on the arrays. Definitely arrays have a tighter sound, but missing that umphh on the lows. Even with Bose. What are your thoughts?
Do they make the playlists
you know what? The Evolve 50 would have provided all the sound that you needed.
They have a dedicated low frequency driver on the floor that would have produced bass more easily instead of pushing those woofers in the top cabs.
With that being said, as many already told, a sub would have helped a lot in your configuration, your sound objectives are not to get a boomy wedding. Mine are kinda different, as I think the fuller sound you have, the most dancing and enjoyment you’re gonna get.
You have way more experience than me so you’re not wrong either :)
Been a while since I last saw one of your vids. Always learn something new. I've had a can stolen on a band lighting gig. Luckily, it was one of those cheap, 30 dollar ones, but still. Sucks to have that happen. That really looked like a challenge to setup that mini stage. I'd imagine the speakers behind you played havoc on the mic, too. Thanks for sharing.
Happy Father's Day Brian. Setup did look good. As long as fun was had by all. 👍
You need to get a set of gravity stands. Would have been able set them up you would have place those column arrays.
These are Frankenstands. They were the first to do what Gravity & Ultimate started doing with their powered stands a few years later
I can see why you missed your column arrays! I just picked up a couple evolve 50s in white. I was wondering if you still use the same sound settings from your video a few years ago? Btw...Happy father's day!
Great Job Brian!!! A thought, could you have used or have you used collapsible totems for speaker stands. They take up less room, white skim with uplighting looks cool, and fairly easy to raise and lower. I know they have a speaker mount option on top for speaker pockets. They are a bit clunky to haul around if they are not broken down. Just wanted to hear your thoughts. Keep up the good work, posting your videos and great ideas.
hello brother! I'm from Ukraine, I've been doing weddings for a long time. Now is not the best time for this, but I'm asking because I saw your video and remembered. I wonder how the wedding goes: the classic scheme of what follows: the beginning, the first dance, contests... are there any? Our DJ and presenter are different people. If it's not difficult, tell me how the wedding takes place in the USA?
hello brian, it's always good to see the videos you produce in practice. i always do it that way, and explore what fits into the room at weddings, without the different age groups that are given at such events on the wall to blow with the bass. there are many would-be djs who want to blow everything away at every event, no matter which one. these are just people who have no idea about such things. you are doing it exactly right and with feeling. you have to be able to fit into the different companies in order to do a top job. i always do it that way.
Thanks for the inspiration over the years sir good video on this one
It seems to me that music ought to play in the background while they're coming in at 6:44. No? Tribute dance great idea. What song was it? Too much light coming in the windows which I would have blocked off. Natural light not great. Impressive though. I discovered light blocking curtains are great. I'd like to see your playlist. How do you get away with doing video of the event?
I waited until the "painting" was done. Over all it looks great, I would have done the same with the speakers 😎👍
Congrats! Well done service. Line dances and swings are the best
*worst
Kenosha is only famous because of the Kenosha Kickers 😂. Anyway, good stuff man. We always have to adjust on the fly and you did it well here.
Hi, What is the name of the lights you have on the ground ?
Maybe do a video blog about DSP settings and which is suited for what. Get some rest and hope have the best time with your family on Father's day.
I have a few on my channel for the specific speakers I use
Good morning @@briansredd
With a small riser the dj booth should be all the way in the back and speakers in the front. Over 200 people you need a sub
Awesome video Brian
Bravo Brian! good idea.
Too bad the venue had that table so close to you and that stage. How high did you raise your speakers? I see they're angled away from you which is good. Was it too loud for you?
You are an “OG” in this field, do what works for you Brian, you could of brought the goRack for your speakers to give them good sound
The only thing you'll be needing subwoofers is if you're outside.. In my case I have a coming gig and it is already worst that I'm outside gig, they even want me to set my gears on top of a trailer truck because they set it as a stage.. I have two Sub woofers on my JBL Arrays though but all of my speakers, the JBL line arrays and the Tops are on top of the truck. This is going to be tricky but I see lot's of sound system that still boomy even they're on top of the truck like those campaign truck that they use. BTW I use Two portable JBL Line arrays and two tops on every gig. I don't use Big subs or Like to bring one because I Just hate lifting those big thing. I'm aiming for portable speakers that can do the job and easy to pull it out after the event.
What up lights are you using exactly? Trying find them.
Great job😎
Hey, man. I like that. 🤗😍👍
Did you get mic feedback with the speakers behind you?
Muy buen trabajo! Great job!
goooood job mr. im like you work
No subwoofers ?
Brian release the tables. There goes your tip for the night. Not a good idear! If you dont know what your doing ask them or do your best. Its typically wedding party B&G , Them parents and such on the tables. If they still get mad who cares atleast you tried!
WOW you almost live right next to me, I live in kenosha :)
Did my first gig Saturday night for five hours I got a little bit over 500 bucks. Not bad.
How much did you charge? $350?
Happy Father's day
Awesome Amen
That’s the only problem the ape lab lights are nice but someone can easily steal them
Why did the venue even have the stage??
That's a great question. Wondered the same myself
cool , thx for sharing
Those tripods can be just on the sides
What are the uplighters called that you use please?
I'd liked to know what those small green "can" lights were behind the stage. ?
@@cange30 yes, its ape lights lightcans. not cheap but excellent lights...
Behind me, I was using Ape Cans
Thanks Brian, a bit pricey but nice effects!
What’s the name of those up lights?
ape labs lightcan
Ape Cans behind me
If play country and rock music 2 12 should be good
2:08 .... You can't stay on one road to quickly get where you're going. Ah, yes. Therein lies the paradox of the road system in Wisconsin. I hear that theoretical physicists and road construction union representatives are working day and night to try to untangle these mysteries!
Great Video!! I have to invest in rays!!
Brian is the 350 & 250 the price you charged??
He was referring to crowd size.. 350 to 250
There is no way to Dj whitout a subwoofer...
Happy Father’s Day!!!
That cablemanagement doesn't seem professional especially for a wedding. Should tape cables to the back of stands. Wiggly cable to the wall... I don't get how you can put so little effort into a simple setup. I don't get the boomy argument for the sub, there is volume on it to balance.
You know I'm 1 handed, right?
If you were making a brochure, I'd agree with you - but I'd bet that not a single guest noticed or cared. In real life, those kinds of things are far less important, at least to most guests - sure, you have your occasional picky diva, but this crowd certainly seemed to be having a great time and weren't spending any of their energy worrying about Brian's cables. Brian had a stroke a few years ago and only has one working arm, so picture perfect cable management would be a serious challenge for him - but he's a great DJ with many years of experience and can still bring the party vibes, so he's still working, and still pleasing his crowds. That's what matters at the end of the day.
@@briansredd Yes, I may I underestimate that. I wrote a comment to your follow up video, think it will give you some perspective to what I wrote. Let me know if you think it's fair.
Im curious how much you charge for such simple set up? Only 6 uplights around the room is kind of lazy if I’m being honest. And no moving head? It would have helped by adding a little splash of color on the dancefloor. If you charge high end wedding fees, I’m really surprised you get away with such basic (and sloppy) wedding set up. There was nowhere near 250 guests on the dancefloor. You’d have been totally fine with your EV50 in front of the at stage.
We all have our own lighting design theories. However, there were 16 wireless battery operated lights, not 6. It's interesting you say no movers or color on the dance floor. There was wash reflecting off the walls & ceiling that went onto the dance floor. Go to 10:28 in the video & you can see the wash on dancers, especially on white dresses. As far as movers go, this particular client has seen DJs use things like movers & hated it. They wanted a more subtle lighting scheme that wasn't hitting anyone in the face. Have a look at 10:08 in the video. The guests & dancers see lighting that's creating ambience from their perspective, moving to the music in "Musikmode", yet are not seeing a light source that could cause discomfort. You can't see it from the DJ's perspective, but I don't design light shows for my personal entertainment. Ideally I would have had placement against a wall with a dance floor in front of me, but unfortunately sometimes we are at the mercy of a less than ideal floor plan.
Brian is absolutely right: you need to be flexible enough to deliver what the CLIENT is looking for. Brian has plenty of moving heads - so do I - and could have easily brought them if they were needed or wanted. But I've also had customers who specifically didn't want that for their event. That's perfectly fine. Brian has great alternatives that still add color and excitement without going against the desires of the customer.
Every gig is different, and a great DJ is going to be flexible. The guests aren't coming to the event to see the DJ perform, they're coming to the event to have a good time with their friends/loved ones, and the DJ is only incidental to them. Obviously some gigs are full-fledged dance parties, and you want LOTS of lighting and lots of interesting, exciting lighting - but many weddings aren't looking for that.
What a DJ charges all depends on the market they serve and how well they can meet the needs of their customer - as well as their overall reputation in the market. I charge more than a lot of DJs in my area, but less than a few. Many people who call me can't afford me, which is fine. The people who can afford me are happy to pay my rate and I get lots of repeat business and referrals from them. Most of them couldn't tell you what kind of lights I have or what kind of speakers - they just know it sounds good, looks good, and they have a great time. As DJs, it's our job to have good gear, and to know how to use it properly, so that our customers don't have to think about it.
No subs cause it's a wedding?