5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Alexander Ruwe Music & The Red Jackets
Recently updated
This vendor updated their storefront within the last 15 days.
St Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville, etc
Service area
The Red Jackets came so highly recommended to us by so many people, and now I completely understand why.
A live band was something I really, truly wanted for our wedding, it was one of those nonnegotiable pieces of the whole vision, and they delivered in every single way. From our very first conversation with them, it was clear they cared about making our day feel personal and special, not just about playing a set list. Every single member of the band was kind, outgoing, and brought this incredible energy that carried through the entire celebration, from the moment guests arrived to the very last song of the night. We added a saxophone for our cocktail hour along with live music for our ceremony, and it completely elevated the atmosphere in a way I didn't even know I needed until I experienced it.
Watching our guests get pulled onto the dance floor, seeing the pure joy on everyone's faces, that was all because of the energy this band brought with them. They read the room perfectly all night long, adjusting and keeping the momentum going without us ever having to think about it.
If you are even slightly on the fence about booking a live band for your wedding, let this be your sign. The Red Jackets are worth every bit of the hype, and then some.
Keely A.
5.0
Easily our most complimented vendor by guests. While your wedding should be totally about you, elevating the guest experience and fun truly elevates the fun and experience for the bride and groom, and The Red Jackets were really the main piece of that! We had the Red Jackets 7 piece band perform at our wedding and they were amazing- Nicole’s voice was a show stopper, Alex was so fun, and the horns out on the floor was simply a treat for everyone!! Alex was so easy communicate with, and we had SO much fun - we and our guests will be talking about and recommending The Red Jackets and Alex for some time to come!!!
Annie S.
5.0
AWARD WINNER (6X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Alex is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and band leader for "The Red Jackets," and he has been serving couples throughout the Midwest for over a decade.
The Red Jackets is a premier Special Events Band, proudly serving the Midwest with world class talent, high energy set lists and high definition production.
Find out more at: www.AlexanderRuwe.com -or- www.RedJacketsBand.com
"Alex is absolutely incredible. By far, the best decision I made during our wedding planning was hiring Alex to handle all of our music!" -Kiersten
“Alex exceeded our expectations in every way. From the acoustic set during our ceremony, the acoustic duo during cocktail hour, into the DJ set for a memorable dance party… 10/10!” -Lucy
From instrumental piano music at the rehearsal dinner, to solo acoustic guitar and vocals for the ceremony and cocktail hour, followed by a night of non-stop dancing with Alex as your DJ, or singing in front of "The Red Jackets," Alex creates the perfect musical backdrop to complement each and every stage of your event.
"Our dance floor was packed the entire time, and everyone complimented our incredible live band... Alexander Ruwe is the best of the best, and we would recommend him to anyone looking for a unique and fresh take on the Wedding Band/DJ." -Ellen
"Honestly, more than just incredible and talented musicians, [The Red Jackets] are truly some of the most wonderful human beings and it was such a pleasure to work with them." -Natalie
Our pricing ranges from $1,050 to $12,000, but every quote is customized to your event's needs. Don't hesitate to send us a message, and let's talk!
"The cost was perfectly in line with what we were expecting to pay, and the quality was top notch. Their song book range was impressive, and the band was willing to learn some songs by our request." -Ellen
"Having Alex and his crew part of our day was the best decision ever! They were amazing! He made the entire music selection process so easy and worked with us to find exactly what we wanted." - Cynthia
We looooooooooooove what we do, and would love to bring music to your celebration!
"You don’t want someone that shows up on the day of and says, "I’m here, where do I set up?" Alex showed up from day one, at the wedding show and continuously after that, all the way till our big day! BUT, the best part about ALL of this is that he’s not just the guy that played at our wedding, we can now say he’s a friend, a friend for life! We can’t thank you enough Alex!" -Emmy
"Not only was our experience with Alex seamless, but the professionalism displayed was the best of all our wedding day vendors. The whole experience was high quality, just like Alexander and his band. Working with Alex was a true joy, and I hope to use his services again!" -Ellen
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Details
Instruments
Guitar
Keyboard
Piano
Vocals
Music Genres
Country
Dance
EDM
Folk
Hip-Hop
Jazz
Pop
R&B
Rock
Music Services
Live Music
MC Services
Recorded Music
Sound Equipment
Wedding Activities
Rehearsals & Parties
After Party
Wedding
After Party
Ceremony
Reception
Awards and Affiliations
6-Time 'Best of Weddings'
2026.2025.2024.+3 more.
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Hall of Fame
Earned by winning 'Best of Weddings' four or more times.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0154 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Reviewers rave that the band delivered high-energy, professional, and versatile music from ceremony through after-party, keeping the dance floor packed all night. They handled AV and MC duties, learned custom songs, and engaged guests with standout horns and memorable moments. Responsive, easy to work with, and highly recommended.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Jordan and Eva S
Highlighted review.
5.0
10/30/2023
There are bands that play at weddings, and then there's Alexander Ruwe and The Red Jackets. Alex and his team were, without a doubt, the highlight of our evening. From the very beg...
inning, their commitment to making our day special was evident. Alex took the time to genuinely get to know us, our musical tastes, and even our quirks - and the result was a collaboration and performance to remember. The band’s magic touched every part of our wedding - from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, and of course, the reception. If you were to ask any of our guests about the highlight of the evening, without hesitation, they'd mention The Red Jackets.
The energy they brought was infectious - so much so that both my wife and I found ourselves crowd-surfing by the end of the night! But beyond the incredible music and the palpable energy, what sets Alex and The Red Jackets apart is their genuine investment in your event. They made us feel as if our wedding was the most important one they'd ever played at. Every moment of our wedding was made even more special with their presence, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Special shout out to their ability to do custom renditions of classic songs if you are thinking about making your first dance extra special. My wife and I met and live in San Francisco, and The Red Jackets did a live performance of Tony Bennet’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” which I think still has both sets of our parents crying.
If you're looking for a band that will not only play music but elevate your entire wedding experience, look no further than The Red Jackets. They truly are in a league of their own.
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Ohhhhhhh, Jordan and Eva. Your celebration from start to finish was just a masterpiece. So...
thoughtful and stunning and just full of love and fun. Thank you for the mega kind review. Hope our paths cross again soon ❤️
Keely A
5.0
8/05/2026
The Red Jackets came so highly recommended to us by so many people, and now I completely understand why.
A live band was something I really, truly wanted for our wedding, it was ...
one of those nonnegotiable pieces of the whole vision, and they delivered in every single way. From our very first conversation with them, it was clear they cared about making our day feel personal and special, not just about playing a set list. Every single member of the band was kind, outgoing, and brought this incredible energy that carried through the entire celebration, from the moment guests arrived to the very last song of the night. We added a saxophone for our cocktail hour along with live music for our ceremony, and it completely elevated the atmosphere in a way I didn't even know I needed until I experienced it.
Watching our guests get pulled onto the dance floor, seeing the pure joy on everyone's faces, that was all because of the energy this band brought with them. They read the room perfectly all night long, adjusting and keeping the momentum going without us ever having to think about it.
If you are even slightly on the fence about booking a live band for your wedding, let this be your sign. The Red Jackets are worth every bit of the hype, and then some.
Any questions?
Annie S
5.0
7/13/2026
Easily our most complimented vendor by guests. While your wedding should be totally about you, elevating the guest experience and fun truly elevates the fun and experience for the ...
bride and groom, and The Red Jackets were really the main piece of that! We had the Red Jackets 7 piece band perform at our wedding and they were amazing- Nicole’s voice was a show stopper, Alex was so fun, and the horns out on the floor was simply a treat for everyone!! Alex was so easy communicate with, and we had SO much fun - we and our guests will be talking about and recommending The Red Jackets and Alex for some time to come!!!
Ryan V
5.0
6/26/2026
While planning our event we were asked who the band was going to be, and upon hearing that we'd booked the Red Jackets, everyone to a person said they're fantastic. I have to say,...
they exceeded even those high expectations! Alex was a breeze to work with throughout the process. The performance was excellent, each band member was engaging, courteous, and energetic. They tackled a wide range of music, from classics to contemporary so there was a little bit of something for all ages and tastes. We're so happy we picked the Red Jackets and will recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, energetic, and versatile band.
Catherine G
5.0
6/25/2026
Alex and the RJ3 band (DJ and 2 horns) were truly the best decision for our wedding day!
Alex and his team are true professionals, both as a musicians and as an MC (master of cerem...
ony for the reception). Alex played the acoustic guitar for our ceremony, then he and the horns played as our 1st line band for our Second line after the ceremony (New Orleans tradition!). All three then played acoustic music during the cocktail hour. They set the tone for both ceremony and cocktail hour and added beautiful atmosphere.
For the reception, they were the true life of the party! They brought an incredible sound system, a cool DJ table, and all the lights and pizazz you could want! Alex carefully curated the playlist to our favorite dance songs with a little extra fun and the horns made the party. They were full of enthusiasm and life, both instrumentally and engaging with us and our guests (there was even a conga line, limbo, and a beach ball flying around!). We could not have asked for more!
Alex was very responsive, easily understood our requests, and made the day go off with out a hitch!
Thank you Alex, RJ3, and the most fabulous horns!
Emma J
5.0
6/10/2026
It's hard to describe what phenomenal work Alex and his team did for our wedding. We hosted a 200 guest wedding in the heart of Chicago. We chose Alex because we heard him perfor...
m in St. Louis and knew there would be no one better. He did EVERYTHING. Handled the AV for our outdoor ceremony, performed a live acoustic set during cocktail hour, MCd the reception and DJ'd a 4.5 hour dance set. The dance floor was packed from start until they turned the lights up at midnight. Alex didn't take a single break because the dance floor was entirely packed the entire time.
Our guests are still talking about the music more than anything else about our event. I can't say enough about what a great job Alex and his team did throughout the process. He was easy to work with, extremely responsive, very professional, punctual, flexible, you name it. Our planner described him as a "dream" to work with. Most importantly, this guy is TALENTED. He could sing the phone book. I have zero hesitations recommending him for any event.
Charlie B
5.0
6/10/2026
From the moment the band started playing until the final song of the night, the energy never stopped. They absolutely packed the dance floor and created the kind of party every cou...
ple hopes for.
The music was outstanding, but what truly set them apart was their professionalism and ability to keep the entire evening flowing seamlessly. The emceeing was perfect, the timing of every event was spot on, and Reagan made everything feel effortless. We never had to worry about a thing.
We've received countless compliments from our guests, and many have told us it was one of the most fun wedding receptions they've ever attended. The band didn't just provide music—they helped create an experience that people will be talking about for years.
If you're looking for a band that combines incredible musicianship, great energy, outstanding emceeing, and true professionalism, look no further. They were a huge part of making our wedding day the best day ever.
Highly recommend!
-The Father of the Bride
Rachel Z
5.0
4/15/2026
We LOVED the Red Jackets!! The dance floor was packed all night, which was exactly what we hoped for! They did a great job of reading the vibe of the room and keeping everyone enga...
ged, while also taking consideration of our song requests. Alex himself was not available for our date, which we were a little concerned about at first, but the band he assembled was AWESOME and it was not an issue at all. Overall he was very easy to work with - always friendly and positive.
Emily H
5.0
3/28/2026
This was hands down one of the highlights of our wedding! Alex was incredible from the original booking to the big day. The band rehearsed a custom blend of songs for our father/da...
ughter dance, which was so kind and special. The dance floor energy was incredible, with the saxophonist at one point racing up the stairs to solo in the middle of a bunch of guests (who happened to be professional dancers) on the balcony. Truly one of our favorite parts of our wedding, and we're so happy we booked them!
Rebecca P
5.0
12/27/2025
Alex was incredible about making us feel like we were their top priority. He was very responsive to emails and meetings. The dance floor was incredible, and the band members were s...
o kind and go with the flow of the night. We had made an intermission playlist, but the band ended up not playing it. This would be my only con as there were some songs we wished we would have heard. Everything else made up for this as the night was still a blast.
Julianna C
5.0
12/20/2025
Alex was hands down the best DJ for our wedding ceremony and reception! Our wedding was in April of this year and we still have friends and family coming up to us talking about how...
perfect the music was and how we had the dance floor filled up the entire night!
We highly recommend booking Alex to sing and play the guitar for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and special dances. It really adds to the atmosphere of an already special day. He is such a talented performer and our friends and family continue to compliment the addition of live music.
Outside of getting the chance to have Alex DJ our wedding, my wife and I have seen his Red Jackets Band live multiple times and they know how to put on a show! Whether you have Alex DJ your wedding or you get the Red Jackets Band, all of your guests will be on their feet dancing. He made our day extremely special and we couldn’t recommend Alex any more.
Greta R
5.0
10/29/2025
From start to finish, we had a blast working with Alex. My husband and I are both professional musicians, so it was especially important to us to have a musician and DJ who knew wh...
at they were doing from before the ceremony even began to the very end of the party. Alex was very intentional about planning every moment of the day with us. He was able to provide us all of our sound needs for our (somewhat complicated) live performances during the ceremony, he performed a beautiful acoustic set of music during cocktail hour, and then kept people on the dance floor all night long as DJ. It was especially meaningful to us that he took the time to prepare our first dance songs and closing song as well, and performed them acoustically and beautifully. Alex is easy to work with and a joy to be around - would highly recommend Alex for any and all wedding needs!
Amanda P
5.0
10/23/2025
Saying The Red Jackets band were phenomenal is the understatement of the year. Alexander was great to work with and coordinate the event , and the band themselves were truly talk o...
f the day. It has been about 6 months since our wedding and we still have people commenting on how great the band was! The music choice was 10/10 all night and the energy was electric. I couldn't recommend Alexander and The Red Jackets enough!
Michael K
5.0
10/02/2025
Little did I know that my daughter’s choice of a live band would become the pinnacle of their wedding reception. Alex, and The Red Jackets, designed an evening full of music that m...
ade the newlyweds feel as if they were nothing less than stars.
Working with Alex was an absolute pleasure. His enthusiasm was genuine, and his eagerness to learn the songs that were meaningful to my daughter and son-in-law immediately put her at ease. He encouraged questions and ideas. At one point, Alex said something akin to, “I’m a musician…this is what I do,” as if to say he welcomed whatever dream she could challenge him with. He even offered thoughtful suggestions, such as abbreviated versions of certain songs, e.g., parent’s dances, to keep the momentum of the evening flowing—advice that made the reception seamless.
It is now days later and our guests are still raving about them, specifically at how engaged they were with everyone. The horn section in the middle of the dance floor, really?! Off-the-charts fun!
The Red Jackets are more than a band—they are an experience. We wholeheartedly recommend them!
J C
5.0
9/26/2025
We had a great night celebrating our wedding with Alex and the Red Jackets! The music was incredible and the lead up to the event was super smooth. We didn’t have a planner, and I ...
was nervous about that, but they are so experienced and professional, none was needed and everything went without a hitch. Alex played keyboard at the ceremony and the full band played the reception. They offered to learn songs for us which was so nice and did a stellar job using the Spotify list I sent over as the framework for a nonstop party
Jenna W
5.0
9/26/2025
wow I am struggling to find words to accurately convey how wonderful Alex is. We envisioned a whimsical indie/folk solo acoustic cocktail hour with an absolute PARTY dj style recep...
tion. Alex exceeded any expectations. I didn’t leave the dance floor once and that is EXACTLY what we wanted. Whether you have the same vision or not Alex takes the time to get to know you both as a couple and learn exactly what YOU want on your day.
Elle M
5.0
9/25/2025
Alex and the Red Jackets were one of the best parts of my wedding! Alex sang for my ceremony, the Red Jackets played my reception, and Alex even DJ-ed my wedding after party!
Ever...
yone loved the band and they played a great mix of wedding favorites but also songs that were important to my husband and me. People were on the dance floor all night. If they're available on your big day, BOOK THEM!
Caroline M
5.0
9/22/2025
We are so thankful for Alex playing music at our wedding ceremony!! He is so talented and truly made our ceremony so special. We asked him to learn new songs with just a couple wee...
ks in advance and he was AMAZING!! Alex had an amazing voice and is also gifted at piano. We got so many compliments from our guests after the ceremony saying it was the most beautiful music at a wedding ceremony that they have ever heard. On top of that, he is a joy to work with! Book Alex for your next event and I promise you will be so thankful you did! Thanks again, Alex, for making our wedding day so memorable!
Paige L
5.0
9/20/2025
We absolutely loved working with Alexander throughout the whole process. We hired Alexander to DJ along with two horn musicians at our wedding reception a few weeks ago. The dance ...
floor was packed the whole night, and we are still receiving compliments on the music choices.
Before the big day, Alexander answered every question or worry I had quickly and with many ideas. My husband and I felt like we were in the best hands throughout the whole night. I would recommend them to all of my friends.
Reid J
5.0
9/18/2025
I can’t say enough great things about this team!! Alex was amazing to work with - always available and made sure my vision came to life. He pulled some major strings with his crew ...
and it meant so much to my husband and I - he truly went above and beyond. All the musicians are talented, personable and FUN!! I had no doubts they would knock it out of the park and so many guests raved about the band. Highly recommend!!
Ryan L
5.0
9/18/2025
My wife and I were married on 8.16.2025 at a large outdoor venue in Southern Illinois. After contacting Alexander Ruwe and his team, we knew we found something special. From the fi...
rst connection, we felt like family and that we were at the center of his universe. We had multiple conversations about our vision as music was very important to our special day. Alex has the mentality of YES as we had some wild requests, seeing as we had three different locations on the property that would require different music styles. From the ceremony site where we cut songs for each member of the bride and groom wedding party for introductions to cocktail hour by the pool with a live band and then to the crescendo of it all, the saxophone and trumpet combo for the all night dance party, they never missed a beat.
From start to finish, they carried themselves with a level of professionalism that is unrivaled to anyone I have seen or worked with before. Should I ever be in the market for more live music, I will not hesitate to spend my hard earned money with these absolutely stunning individuals.
George P
5.0
9/18/2025
My wife and I got married 4/26/2025 and we could not be happier that we met / had Alex and The Red Jackets provide the entertainment for the evening.
Alex himself is an incredibl...
e guy. He worked with me directly to understand the kind of music we liked and the vibe we were looking for. He not only helped with our reception, but he played ant our ceremony and found string musicians for our cocktail hour. On top of that he came up with the idea and planned the main event, an Elton John medley for the finale at the reception. More on that later, but seriously Alex could not have been more accommodating and more passionate! I think he was as excited for the day as we were. He really is a one stop shop for everything you need when it comes to music / entertainment at your event. He made it so seamless, so easy, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
The Red Jackets were absolutely electric. They killed it. They covered all genres of music, did my wife’s first dance song with her father, and they did an Elton John medley at the end of the night for us. This medley included a wardrobe change where they all dressed in some of Elton’s most iconic outfits, and then they played Elton’s greatest hits. It could not have been better. I don’t think the dance floor was remotely empty the entire night, and people are still talking about it.
If you are looking for a band to make your night and keep people on the dance floor, hire Alex and the Red Jackets.
Justin D
5.0
9/16/2025
We had Alex DJ and perform live for our wedding. We asked him to play piano for our ceremony, lead a jazz trio during our cocktail hour, and then DJ and MC the rest of the night. U...
sually I’m skeptical when people say they can do it all, but Alex really can. Not only did he perform great music, but he showed up prepared, was flexible when we needed to change up the rotation last minute because of an impending snow storm, and was incredibly responsive and collaborative during the planning process. We wish we could get married again just for the pleasure of getting the chance to work with him!
Madison H
5.0
8/12/2025
The Red Jackets were hands-down one of the highlights of our wedding - for both us and our guests! From the first conversation, Alex was a joy to coordinate with. He is responsive,...
accommodating, and genuinely invested in making our night unforgettable.
My husband, Jack, is a huge music lover with a taste spanning millions of genres, Alex and the band seamlessly blended it all into a setlist that felt perfectly “us.” They read the crowd beautifully, kept the dance floor packed all night, and even surprised us with a fantastic encore that had everyone cheering.
So many of our guests told us it was the best wedding band they’d ever heard. We couldn’t agree more—if you want a wedding your guests will talk about for years, book the Red Jackets Band!
Ellison H
5.0
7/19/2025
Alexander was the BEST!
He did our ceremony music, cocktail hour piano instrumentals, live music/guitar during reception dinner AND DJ'd for us!!! He is extremely talented and cre...
ated the best vibes for each portion of our wedding day. Would recommend him for any and all of the above. Thank you, Alexander!!!
Peter
5.0
4/23/2025
Wow!! The Red Jackets elevated our daughter's reception to the next level! Alex was so easy and great to work with. He went above and beyond to make sure we were happy. Everyon...
e danced the whole evening and we received so many compliments from our guests. Some said they forgot a band was playing because they sounded like the original artist! If you're thinking about a band for your wedding - book The Red Jackets! You won't be disappointed!! Thanks again Alex - you're the best!
Anna
5.0
4/13/2025
I can’t say enough good things about Alex and the Red Jackets. They were seriously incredible, and I still get compliments about how awesome our wedding band was. Most importantly,...
the music was absolutely fantastic and the dance floor was full all night long. Wedding planning can be stressful, but Alex made things stress free. He was always a delight, easy to communicate with, accommodating and flexible. We had multiple zoom calls prior to the event, so he could get a gauge of what we were looking for, and they made it happen without a hitch. We knew we were in good hands. One of the best parts of our experience with the Red Jackets is that they seem to do what they do because they truly enjoy it. We felt nothing but love that entire day/night, and it felt amazing to have the Red Jackets smiling, dancing, and celebrating right alongside us. I would choose them again in a heartbeat. 10/10 would recommend!!!
Anne T
5.0
3/27/2025
After having Alex sing and DJ for our wedding, I totally understand how he has over 100 all 5-star reviews. HE IS AMAZING!
From the moment the first song started to the final son...
g, Alex was absolutely phenomenal at our wedding! His ability to read the crowd and keep the energy high was nothing short of impressive. It's rare to see a wedding DJ who can manage such a diverse range of music tastes and seamlessly blend them into one amazing party, but Alex did just that.
He worked closely with us beforehand, making sure he knew the vibe we wanted, and he was spot on. Every moment, from our first dance (which he sang live!) to the last song, felt perfectly curated. And let’s talk about how he seamlessly handled the transitions—there was no awkward silence, no weird pauses between songs. It felt like one big, uninterrupted celebration. He didn’t just play music; he created an unforgettable experience that truly made our wedding feel like a celebration, not just a formal event.
Our guests LOVED Alex! I received several messages the week after our wedding asking who our DJ was and if they could get his information to pass on to friends who are getting married soon.
If you want a wedding DJ who can keep your guests dancing until the very end, I wholeheartedly recommend Alex. Our guests were even chanting "one more song!" because they didn't want it to end. We can't thank him enough!
Carra
5.0
3/21/2025
Absolutely phenomenal! The Red Jackets were the life of the party at our wedding—fun, energetic, and incredibly talented. They had the dance floor packed all night, they interacted...
with our guests and their sound was absolutely amazing. They knew exactly how to keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. Everyone is still RAVING about them! If you’re looking for a band that will make your wedding unforgettable, The Red Jackets are the band for you!! Highly recommend!
Caitlin B
5.0
2/11/2025
Alex was AMAZING!!! He is so freaking talented and brought our vision to life through music. He played guitar, sang, and DJ’d. People were crying over his voice and then partying o...
n the dance floor the rest of the night. I am still getting compliments about Alex’s talents 6 months after my wedding. He is truly a triple threat and made our wedding day even more special.
Also, his vibes are immaculate. Some vendors were intimidating to talk to during the planning process but Alex was always so cool and chill.
Our wedding would not have been what it was without Alex. If you want emotion during the ceremony and the best vibes on your dance floor, you need Alex. If you want people to be talking about your wedding music for months to come, Alex is your guy. You will not regret booking him for your wedding!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Woooooooo what an incredibly kind and thoughtful review, Caitlin -- I have no words! Thank...
you, thank you, thank you ❤️
Hope our paths cross again sometime soon! 😊
Hannah P
5.0
1/07/2025
Alex was AMAZING! Super attentive and did everything exactly as we wanted. First set up a meeting to go over our vision for the wedding and what we wanted for the night. Then on th...
e night of the wedding, he read the room perfectly during the dance party and changed songs seamlessly to keep the energy up! Also appropriately kept the night going with reminders and directions. The best part was when he did an acoustic set during dinner which was a super nice personal touch and something our guests are still raving about 6 months later- not a typical package for a DJ! Would choose to have Alex as part of our day 10 out of 10 times again!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Amaaaaaaazing, Hannah -- I love every word of your review! I had the best time with you al...
l, and feel mega fortunate to have been invited to be a part of it all ❤️
Allison H
5.0
12/30/2024
Alex was the absolute BEST throughout the entire process! He was organized, always open to meetings, and had great ideas to share. When the music started at the reception, everyone...
immediately hit the dance floor, and he kept them there all night! I received so many compliments on the music and everyone was amazed with his work. It was incredible how he was able to cater the music to all the guests. Not only was he a fabulous DJ, he also sang and played acoustic during cocktail hour which was beautiful. He also formulated and performed with our collaboration a very special mashup song for the father/daughter dance. It was outstanding! His music helped make our reception all the more special. I highly recommend him for wedding entertainment! He was fantastic to have on our team!!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
You are too, too, TOO cool, Allison -- thank you so much for the mega kind and thoughtful ...
review. Appreciate you so, SO much ❤️
Shannon K
5.0
12/19/2024
I recently had the pleasure of hiring Alex and the Red Jackets for our wedding, and they absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the moment they started playing, the energy in t...
he room skyrocketed, and our guests couldn't resist hitting the dance floor. Their diverse song selection catered to all ages, ensuring everyone had a fantastic time. The band's professionalism and enthusiasm were infectious, making it clear they genuinely love what they do. We also used the DJ sax trumpet combo after party and it was the most FUN EVER. We received countless compliments from our friends and family about how amazing the music was. If you're looking for a wedding band that will keep the party going all night, I wholeheartedly recommend them!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Yesssssss, yes, yes, yes, yes, Shannon -- our team is still recovering from that After Par...
ty. haha Appreciate you SO much! ❤️
Jessica F
5.0
12/19/2024
Alex absolutely made my wedding. He communicated so well beforehand. His energy, optimism and kindness absolutely radiated and I received SO many comments from guests about how he ...
was the best live performer they’d ever experienced at a wedding.
Alex did our processional music, played live music during cocktail hour, performed a live first dance, a live last dance and DJ’d for us in addition to bringing a sax player which brought the energy to such an amazing level. Two of my favorite memories I’ll carry with me forever are the live dances he performed for us. They were better than I could have imagined and I know he put so much time into learning the songs and practicing to make them perfect.
We appreciate him more than he knows and will be recommending him to everyone who needs a live musician or DJ for an event. No need to look anywhere else.
BOOK ALEX! It will be the best decision and vendor that you book, hands down.
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Ohhhhhhhh I love this so much, Jess -- what a heartfelt and thoughtful review. "Thank you"...
just doesn't quite cut it, but thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️
Alyssa T
5.0
12/19/2024
Alex was hands-down the BEST choice for our wedding! He was so easy to work with and so helpful every step of the way. He played live during our cocktail hour and our guests were b...
lown away by his voice and acoustic skills!! He was also our DJ & MC and just absolutely killed it! I would recommend him 1000x over for any wedding or event!! Thank you Alex 💕
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Thank youuuuuuuu, Alyssa -- let's throw another celebration together sometime, yes? 😍
Missy G
5.0
12/18/2024
We had so much fun with The Red Jackets and Alexander is amazing and so easy to work with. They kept all of our guests entertained and engaged. We have gotten so many compliments o...
n The Red Jackets and how fun they were. Alexander sung acoustic music for our cocktail hour and everyone loved it!! He also sung the mother-son dance as well as our last private dance and it couldn't have been more perfect. Can not recommend Alexander and his group enough! Thank you guys for an unforgettable night!!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Hollaaaaaaaaa -- appreciate your kind words SO much, Missy! We had the best time with you ...
all, and it was a mega pleasure to be a part of it all! ❤️
Jennifer P
5.0
12/18/2024
Alex is a dream musician and DJ to have for your wedding. He is so enthusiastic and made the music portion of wedding planning so easy and stress-free. He also checked in multiple ...
times throughout the process and answered any questions we had very promptly. When we gave him a list of our favorite artists, he helped provide ideas for ceremony songs when we asked for help. We chose Alex to do acoustic for our wedding ceremony, happy hour, and first dances, and then DJ for the rest of the reception and we couldn’t have asked for a better mix and vibe to accomplish what we were looking for. For the DJ portion of the night, he combined a perfect amount of the songs we were wanting with additional songs that matched the crowd, and most everyone was on the dance floor all night. 1000000/10 recommend Alex if you’re looking to have the best time at your wedding!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Hahaaaaaaaa I couldn't love this more, Jennifer -- you're the best! Thank you for inviting...
me to be a part of all the fun! ❤️
Julia J
5.0
12/18/2024
Alex was absolutely incredible to work with throughout the whole wedding process! He was the absolute total package - crushing it playing live music during cocktail hour and dinner...
and then really knowing how to get the dance floor going as he was our DJ at the reception! I cannot recommend him enough! He listened to all of our requests, was incredibly professional, and really put us at ease! My family and friends raved about him for weeks to come!!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Woohoooooooo -- we did that, Julia! Thank you, thank you thank you for the mega kind and t...
houghtful review. Appreciate you more than you know! ❤️
Bergen J
5.0
10/19/2024
The Red Jackets absolutely killed it at our wedding! Then pulled out all the stops to make sure my husband and I, and our guests, had the best night ever! I can’t even count the nu...
mber of guests who said how much they loved the band, and continue to compliment our wedding entertain! Alex and the group brings the best combination of stellar music and engagement with the crowd. Plus Alex is so friendly and a great communicator. They have truly raised the bar when it comes to wedding entertainment!!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
YES! What a mega sweet review, Bergen -- the band loves what they do and we work hard to o...
ver deliver for those that invite us to celebrations. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️
Lindsey F
5.0
10/17/2024
Alex is the best! Whether it be his original music or The Red Jackets band he is always on it! He played our wedding ceremony and The Red Jackets played the reception. It was perfe...
ct and our friends and family ravvvveeeed about them and so do we ❤️
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Tooooooo, too, too much fun, Lindsey -- I adore you and Logan so much. Thanks for includin...
g us in all the fun! ❤️
Abby K
5.0
10/10/2024
We got married in June 2024 and knew from the start we wanted live music. After exploring several bands in St. Louis, The Red Jackets stood out the most! Alex was incredible to wor...
k with—he was responsive, took the time to get to know us, and made us feel completely confident in his team. One of the highlights was that Alex learned all of our first dance songs and performed them live, which was amazing! The dance floor was packed all night, and they even did an encore! If you’re looking for a talented band with a wide range of songs, a great person to work with, and a guaranteed good time, The Red Jackets are the perfect choice. I highly recommend them!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
You are too, too, tooooooo kind, Abby -- thank you for such a mega thoughtful review for m...
yself and the team. We love what we do, and are thrilled when are able to have such a positive impact on the celebrations we are invited to! ❤️
Lara H
5.0
10/09/2024
Could not say enough good things! They were super helpful leading up to the wedding and all the music was great! Party was great thanks to them!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Success! Thanks so much for including us to be a part of all the fun, Lara! ❤️
Tanner C
5.0
10/09/2024
Alex went above and beyond like he always does. He did the best DJ set I could have asked for, it was so creative and nonstop fun, very well paced, and truly a set that made you wa...
nt to dance all night! He played absolutely beautifully for our ceremony and ran sound so professionally for it, it was flawless. He is an incredible MC, his voice is so well suited for being the glue of a wedding reception. And finally, our Matron of Honor wanted to sing a song especially for us, and he rehearsed with her beforehand and performed it with her like they had been playing together forever, to create one of thee top moments of our wedding day. Thank you Alex! We love you so much! You were perfect for us, and I know you are perfect for everybody because you connect, you give, you care, and you go the extra mile always.
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Myyyyyyy man -- what an honor and privilege to be invited to bring music to such an intima...
te and beautiful celebration. Love you and Kelsey BIG time! ❤️
Sarah W
5.0
6/09/2024
We wanted a combination of live music during our ceremony & first dance/father daughter/mother son dances, then a DJ set for dancing after dinner. We are sooooo happy we hired Alex...
ander! He was so nice and helpful and the entire event went so smoothly. He is extremely talented and did an amazing job playing acoustic guitar and singing for our ceremony & first dance. He provided all the microphones we needed for ceremony and speeches, then transitioned to an amazing DJ set after dinner. The dance floor was packed all night and everyone was obsessed with the music! All of our guests said the live music and his voice were amazing and we all had the BEST time on the dance floor - cannot recommend him enough!!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Sarahhhhhhh -- thank you, thank you, thank you! Your kind words mean more than you could p...
ossibly know! ❤️
Sara B
5.0
6/02/2024
During the search for our band, my husband I were struggling to nail down a band because it was incredibly important to us who we picked! After getting to know us, our venue coordi...
nator HIGHLY recommended Alex & the Red Jackets, explaining that they are very experienced and know how to throw a party - no matter what the party looks like! We wanted a band that could set the tone for the night, keeping high energy, interaction with the crowd, a variety of music, etc. Alex was an absolute JOY to work with & made everything very easy on us. My little brother is a professional drummer so during our first conversation, I asked Alex if it would be possible for my brother to hop on the drums for a song or two. Alex went a step further and reached out to my brother (without any of my assistance) and together they picked a song for the band to learn that was meaningful to my brother & I so he could play it during the wedding. It was so insanely special to my husband and I - the Red Jackets went above and beyond.
When it comes to the music/band, most of the final details get settled about a month prior to the wedding (aka when stress is high) and we couldn't have asked for a more chill, easy-going and understanding guy. We rattled off artists and songs that are important to us throughout the meeting with Alex and during the wedding, ALL of the artists/songs we discussed were played. Alex genuinely cared to get to know us as a couple so that way he could curate the perfect "playlist" for us.
We had endless compliments after the wedding about how great the band was. The dance floor was packed all night and I am so grateful to the Red Jackets for that. One of the best choices we made for the entire wedding was hiring Alex & The Red Jackets.
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
You are beyond kind, Sara -- truly! Our team works mega hard to over deliver for the coupl...
es that invite us to their celebrations, so when we hit a home run like this, it means the world to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️
Tory L
5.0
6/01/2024
Alex is truly one of the best decisions we made throughout our wedding process!! From our initial meeting, to the check-ins before the big day and on our actual wedding day, his ch...
arisma and confidence/seasoned professionalism were infectious! We hired Alex to sing acoustically during our ceremony, cocktail hour, first dances and then transition into DJing for the reception. This was a perfect offering for us as we really wanted a full band but it wasn’t in the budget and would be a little overkill for our venue so we are beyond grateful Alex was able to bring our live music dream to life in this way. He was even kind enough to record our first dance song in advance so we could practice in our dance classes to the actual rhythm/cadence he would be singing at vs the original song. His voice and vibe performing made for our ceremony and cocktail hour feel very romantic and intimate. Now in regard to his DJing — we have been to countless weddings and so often a bad song throws off the vibe or something doesn’t land and it kills the dance floor, this was NEVER the case with Alex. He is an EXPERT at reading the room! Our dance floor never stopped for the entire reception and it was one hit after another. You should 100% hire Alex to bring your wedding dreams to life!!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Hollaaaaaaaaaa, Tory -- thank you, thank you, thank you! I love every single word of this....
You're the best! ❤️
Cindy B
5.0
5/28/2024
We had the Red Jackets for our wedding in March 2024, and man did they kill it. We asked for a few specific instrumental songs for the ceremony and then turned them loose for the r...
eception and they crushed it on every single song! Very few left the dance floor and there were so many compliments and comments from guests as well. The only thing that rivals their skill is their kindness. Perhaps the most kind, patient, and fun group of humans around. The only thing left is to dream up and convince my husband of another fun event we need them for :) BOOK THEM!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Hahaaaaaaa love this so much, Cindy -- you already know we are just waiting for the call f...
or Round II! Thank YOU! ❤️
Victoria R
5.0
5/24/2024
My husband and I got married May 2024 and had the pleasure of working with Alex and The Red Jackets Band. We had a flawless experience start to finish! Alex was a dream to work wit...
h, very kind, timely communication and a willingness to accommodate any request we had. We had seen the band perform a couple previous times and knew how fantastic they were. When Alex asked us what kind of music we wanted them to play, my husband said “just do what you do!” And man, they killed it. We would highly recommend Alex and his crew and plan to see them play again!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
You are so kind, Victoria -- thank you, thank you, thank you! We'll be looking forward to ...
seeing you on the dance floor some time soon! ❤️
Kailin L
5.0
5/21/2024
Our wedding would absolutely not have been the same without Alex Ruwe and the Red Jackets. At the beginning of the wedding planning process, my parents both made it very, very clea...
r that a band and music was a top priority. After some quick research, I reached out to Alex on his website.... and the rest is history!!! Prior to booking, my family and I went to listen to the Red Jackets at a Pep Rally for the St. Louis City at Union Station. We were totally sold. We decided to have Alex for a solo acoustic cocktail hour and the Red Jackets band for our dance floor portion of the evening.
Alex is patient, an amazing communicator, great listener and planner... on top of being a rockstar vocalist and musician. I was concerned about the acoustics in our venue (the St. Louis Art Museum) and Alex went to the venue himself to scope it out, and talked with his team. He then provided us with quick reassurance they could handle it without a problem.
Alex talked with me, my now husband (!) and my parents several times via phone, email, and Zoom to plan beforehand. He took our 1 million song requests with ease, even learning how to sing and play our first dance song live, like he wrote it himself. He kept us on time the whole night, was so professional with introductions, and did the whole thing with the biggest smile and calming demeanor.
Now, the dance floor portion..... I don't even really have the words. Our guests have NOT stopped talking about how they were definitely the best band ever and most fun music at a wedding they had ever been to. Needless to say my husband (!!) and I did not leave the dance floor. The rendition they did of Beyonce's new "Texas Hold 'Em" and Edward Sharpe's "Home" deserves a Grammy Award. I wish nothing more than to be able to add that to my Apple Music/Spotify playlist.
To top it all off, my dad got up on stage with the band to sing us a song. I will never forget that moment, ever. AND THEN to end the night Alex and the band did a private last song with just us two that we requested.
I truly could not have envisioned it better. If you are wedding planning and in the market for not only a cocktail hour artist or band, but also interested in coming out of the wedding process with a new family friend..... don't even think twice. You NEED Alex and the Red Jackets!!! I'm an Alex Ruwe and Red Jackets fan for life!
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Gonna make me tear up, Kailin! ❤️ You two and your family became super special people to u...
s throughout the planning process and wedding. We won't soon forget your just brilliant celebration. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 😊
Lauren S
5.0
5/21/2024
The Red Jackets and Alex Ruwe were amazing! They did a great job throughout the wedding-from Alex on guitar during the ceremony, to the cocktail hour playlist, to the amazing band ...
that kept everyone on the dance floor all night! They interacted with the crowd really well. Many of our guests specifically singled out the band as their favorite part of the wedding. Could not recommend them enough.
Response from Alexander Ruwe Entertainment on 02/18/2025
Amaaaaaazing, Lauren -- thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️
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