Rocking the After-Party at a Chicago Wedding at Hilton Chicago
Spinning the Late-Night Vibe: My Experience as the After-Party DJ at an Epic Chicago Wedding
A behind the scenes view of this amazing Wedding After Party
As a DJ, there’s nothing like the rush of an after-party, and the one I spun at the Hilton Chicago was pure magic. Following the band, who had the wedding reception buzzing, I got to keep the party raging into the early hours for a couple who wanted their night to go out with a bang. Let me take you behind the decks and share what it was like to light up the after-party, as featured on PartySlate.
Stepping into the Hilton Chicago’s Grand Atmosphere
The Hilton Chicago is iconic, and walking into its elegant, sprawling event space felt like stepping into a piece of the city’s history. The grand chandeliers, lush decor, and vibrant energy from the wedding set the perfect stage for the after-party. The team from Engaging Events by Ali had every detail locked in, from the stunning floral arrangements, to the epic lighting, to the seamless flow of the night. Their precision gave me the freedom to focus on one thing: keeping the dance floor alive.
The orchestea had already set the crowd on fire with their live set, so my job was to take that energy and push it into overdrive for the late-night revelers. I set up my gear, checked the sound, and got ready to deliver the club-like vibe the couple wanted. Ali, the planner, shared a quick rundown of the couple’s vision: a high-energy, immersive party, with an EDM style!
Curating the After-Party Soundtrack
The couple wanted the after-party to feel like a Chicago nightclub—pulsing, eclectic, and a little wild. We’d worked together beforehand to build a playlist that mixed modern hits, throwback anthems, and personal touches that reflected their story. I transitioned from the band’s final song with a crowd-pleaser, dropping a remix of “I love it” by Icona Pop!
From there, I kept the tempo high, blending hip-hop classics like Dynamite to club anthems from Fisher, John Summit, Calvin Harris, Zedd and more!
The After Party Room Was Insane….
After-party crowds are my favorite—they’re the ones who are all-in, ready to dance until dawn. The decor and vibe was Phenomenal. The lighting was incredible, they literally built a nightclub in the side room of the Hilton Hotel. The guests were WOW’ed as soon as they entered. It was unforgettable.
Bringing It All Together
This after-party was a testament to teamwork. Engaging Events by Ali, and the Hilton Chicago staff created a flawless setting that let me focus on delivering a soundtrack to match the night’s magic. The Ron Bedal Orchestra created a perfect Wedding vibe, and I was honored to build on it, keeping the couple’s vision alive until the last guest left the floor.
As I packed up my gear, the energy of the night still hummed in my chest. Nights like this are why I’m a DJ—to create moments that linger long after the music stops. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own event, check out the full feature on PartySlate. Here’s to more nights of love, beats, and unforgettable vibes!
Until the next gig,
DJ Akib
Credits:
Photographer: @averyhouse Ceremony Venue: Holy Name Cathedral Reception Venue: @hilton_chicago_hotel Event Planner: @aliphillips Videographer: @poeticproductions Floral: @erinmcdonaldco Lighting: @frostchicago Entertainment: Ron Bedal Orchestra Entertainment: Opal Staples Orchestra After Party DJ: @djakib Entertainers/ Live Talent: @zzazzproductions Stationery and Paperie: @clementineink Hair: @hairbyjuanjose Makeup: Bridal by Aga Calligraphy: Stacey Shapiro Calligraphy Rentals: @tablescapeschgo Rentals: @nuagedesignsinc Rentals: @boweryandbash Rentals: @windycitylinen Transportation: VIP Valet Services Espresso Station: On The Go Joe Coffee Social Media Creator: WedLuxe Social Media Creator: Ange Desveaux First Dance Choreography: @windycityweddingdance