Best Wedding DJs in New York: DJ Dan Fudim Spotlight
Spotlight & Stories with DJ Dan Fudim
Meet DJ Dan Fudim, a New York-based wedding and corporate event DJ who brings deep care, sharp skill, and serious energy to every dance floor he touches. With over 12 years of experience and a start that reads like a movie scene, Dan has built a name as a DJ who goes beyond song requests—he builds a full-on musical experience.
We first met Dan at Kelly & Jesse’s wedding at Sea Cliff Manor and were immediately struck by his professionalism, setup, and the way he had every guest—from grandma to groomsmen—on the floor. I’m highlighting him not just because of his talent, but because he’s the kind of vendor who brings both professionalism and artistry to the table. Here’s a peek behind the booth.
From Webster Hall to Weddings
Dan’s journey into DJing is a New York story through and through. Years ago, while working lighting at iconic venue Webster Hall, fate—and a flaky headliner—threw him into the spotlight.
Dan shares, “I was working at Webster Hall doing lighting… when the DJ didn’t show up.”
Living just a couple blocks away at the time, he ran home to grab some CDs to fill in until the DJ arrived—but the DJ never did. So he played his CDs the entire night, which he admits was a blast, and soon he began befriending some of the resident DJs. They taught him what he knew, and he built on that foundation.
Fast forward a few years, and it was a mentor—now a close friend and DJ for the New York Knicks—who nudged him into the wedding world.
Dan shares, “He took me under his wing. I did a lot of shadowing with him for about two years at every wedding he did. And one day he tells me: You know you could do this, right? And since then, I haven't turned back at all.”.
Spotlight on Style & Approach
Dan describes himself as a DJ “for couples who care about music.” He’s meticulous about transitions, selections, and keeping the energy cohesive and high-quality from start to finish.
Once a couple books, they get access to a custom planning portal for inputting must-play songs, no-go tracks, and building their timeline. From there, it’s a collaborative process, often with Spotify playlist exchanges to shape the musical arc of the day.
“I’m not just going to show up and wing it,” Dan says. “I spend 12–16 hours prepping. If you give me one song, I build three or four around it. By the time I get there, I know what’s going to hit.”
His gear is equally dialed in. From intimate outdoor ceremonies to 500-person party setups. Dan adjusts with ease. He offers multiple sound systems, uplighting, moving head dance floor lights, spotlights for formalities, and even a DSLR photo booth.
Dan has been DJing for over 12 years, focusing exclusively on weddings and corporate events.
Pro Tips from a Bridal & Events DJ
Most overlooked moment?
“The importance of a small open dance set after formalities…I just find the energy is very different in the room when they're just waiting all night till the very end to dance.”
Best way to set the tone?
“It all starts with the entrance and how they interact throughout the night 100%. People follow the couple; they sort of lead the orchestra of the night, if you will. If a couple is on the dance floor having a good time, everybody will be on the dance floor having a good time. ”
Tip to keep guests dancing?
“Don't be afraid of switching genres in between.
You have to keep everybody entertained. So, you can't just focus on modern hip hop or top 40 only, whatever it may be. You may have to throw it back to September, Gimme, gimme, gimme, and stuff like that.
Photo: Henry Jiminez Planner/Coordinator: Gratzie Novia
Quickfire with DJ Dan
What songs always get people on the dance floor?
“If the crowd is mostly older people, you have to start with something recognizable instantly, right? For example, Dancing Queen. Everyone knows when that piano comes in the beginning.”
“Danza Kaduro also gets people going. Knowing the music that's going to get the couple and their bridesmaids and their wedding party up and moving first usually helps start the dance floor. Nine out of ten times.”
Weirdest request that worked?
“Someone asked for the Wicked theme song.” … “ I just started the dance floor with it. People were going all out, singing it, like screaming!
”
Trend you love:
“Private last dance.
You need a little help from the venue and the coordinator... But I, will say it's nice because it gives a couple one last chance to take everything in for the day.
And as you know, weddings, they're over in the blink of an eye, I kind of like that it allows the couple to slow down and really enjoy it more.
Trend you’d skip:
“Anything that breaks the dance floor flow. Anniversary dance.
Bouquet toss.”...“The overplayed line dances that everyone may think work, don’t work.”
If you weren’t DJing?
“Managing DJs or managing the business of it” … “My passion is DJing and music, but I'd like to give it back and help people... I learned by shadowing someone, and most people don't have that opportunity.”
Favorite Wedding Moments & Memories
Dan’s favorite moment of every wedding? That beat of silence before the first dance. “As I introduce couples … I always pause for a second and let it sink in before they go out. It's always my favorite part.”
Some of his standout events include a castle wedding at Bill Miller’s Castle in Connecticut and a high-energy wedding for his colleague Magalie & her husband Mike at Prospect Park Boathouse. “Magalie's a wedding photographer, and she selected me. I take that as an honor when someone in the industry selects me to DJ.
Why I Recommend Dan.
If you’re a couple that knows the power of a great playlist—or just wants to be on the dance floor all night—Dan Fudim is the kind of DJ you want behind the booth.
“I’m not a press-play DJ,” Dan says. “I care about the music, the energy, and creating a night that feels like the couple. I spend hours prepping so that every transition, every beat, is intentional and personal.”
My bride Kelley sang his praises during our planning sessions, and when we met in person, as a planner, I can definitely say he lived up to the hype. Dan is exactly who you want on your vendor team: prepared, intuitive, collaborative, and committed to the couple’s vibe from beginning to end. He doesn't just play music—he curates an experience. If you’re a couple who genuinely cares about your soundtrack, Dan is your guy. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in action, and trust me, you’re in good hands.
Client: Kelley Sullivan at Sea Cliff Manor
Dan Fudim’s Booking Info
Instagram:@djdanfudim
Website: Book the Best NYC DJ | DJ Dan Fudim - Unforgettable Events
Service Areas: Primarily New York & the Tri-State Area
When to Book: At least 6–12 months in advance for peak season dates
Written by April Anguiano, founder of Gratzie Novia.
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