By Mike Ouellette, Let Us Entertain You Inc. My father, Bill, started the business in Ozone Park, Queens, in 1976 and moved it to Massapequa in 1994; we’ve been part of more than 3,000 events. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: A Long Island Sweet 16 usually needs a DJ who is also a strong MC (for the grand entrance, candle-lighting ceremony and dances), plus something guests remember, most often a 360 video booth or an open-air photo booth. Plan the timeline first, then the music, then the extras.
A typical Sweet 16 timeline
| Moment | What the DJ/MC does |
|---|---|
| Guests arrive | Background music, photo booth opens. |
| Grand entrance | Introduces the court and the birthday girl or boy with their chosen songs. |
| Candle-lighting ceremony | Calls each family member or friend up, with a song for each candle. |
| Special dances | Parent dance, court dance or a surprise dance. |
| Dance sets | Keeps the floor full with music the guests actually know. |
| Cake and toasts | Gets everyone’s attention and keeps things on time. |
What to ask a Sweet 16 DJ
- Will you MC the candle-lighting and entrance, and help us plan them?
- How do you handle clean versions and a do-not-play list?
- Can the booth prints and 360 videos show the birthday name and theme?
- How early can you set up, and how much space do the booths need?
- Do you carry the insurance our venue requires?
Photo booth or 360 booth for a Sweet 16?
The 360 video booth is the most-requested extra at teen parties because guests share the slow-motion videos. An open-air photo booth gives everyone a printed keepsake with a custom template. Many families do both. See the side-by-side comparison.
What it costs with us
Private parties, including Sweet 16s, start at $950. The total depends on hours and which booths or screens you add. Send your date for exact pricing.
More: our Sweet 16 DJ page and party entertainment.
Want answers for your date? Send your date and venue and we’ll reply with availability and pricing.