Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life and the music sets the tone for the entire celebration. Choosing the right wedding DJ is a crucial task that sets you up for a smooth, your guests are entertained and the dance floor stays lively. Before signing a contract, here are essential questions to ask your potential wedding DJ:
1. Check for the DJs availability
The first question to ask your potential Wedding DJ is to confirm availability for the required date. It can be really easy to get caught up in the excitement of booking your DJ and waste a lot of time asking questions before you’re even sure the DJ or DJ agency you want is available to work with you on your preferred date. Popular DJs often book months in advance, so it’s essential to get on their schedule early. A deposit payment is common for securing the date.
2. Find out if the DJ has any experience with weddings
Experience matters. Weddings aren’t rocket science but a DJ with no experience with weddings can make it harder for your wedding to run smoothly. A DJ with a solid track record will be better equipped to handle the flow of events and unexpected situations.
3. Ask where you can read reviews from past clients
Feedback from previous couples can provide insight into the DJ’s professionalism and performance quality. Many DJs and DJ agencies use Google Reviews, Yelp, and other event booking services like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola to showcase their positive reviews. A quick peek at the general tone of their reviews can help you decide if a DJ could be a good fit for your big day.
4. Ask about their musical style or specialty
Any good DJ will tell you that they play a range of genres and styles, but your wedding theme or personal tastes may call for a very specific type of music. Some DJs have genre-specific audio reels or samples of the kinds of music they play that will give you a better idea of what they might play at your wedding. Asking about their musical style well enough in advance will ensure that the DJ’s style aligns with your musical preferences and the ambiance you envision for your wedding.
5. Ask if the DJ is willing to take requests from your guests
Some couples have very strong feelings about allowing their guests to request songs during their wedding reception. It’s important to set your expectations ahead of time to avoid any friction on the day of your wedding. If you do not want to allow requests, be sure to make this clear to your DJ so that they can communicate the restriction clearly and politely to your guests in a way that doesn’t make anyone uncomfortable. If you welcome the idea of your guests making song requests, clarify this with your DJ to be sure that they are prepared to pivot in the middle of their planned set. Always keep in mind, when a DJ takes requests, the vibe and ambience of your event can abruptly change, so be prepared for a wide range of dance floor dynamics!
6. Provide your ‘do not play’ list if you have strong feelings about certain genres, artists, or subject matter
If there are songs you dislike or find inappropriate, ensure the DJ respects your wishes by communicating this well in advance. Any good DJ will use good judgement in determining which songs are inappropriate for any specific event, but clear communication is always helpful. Tell your DJ if you want to avoid song selections with explicit lyrics or anything else you find inappropriate for your wedding. It’s your day, so don’t be afraid to get specific about your playlist.
7. Ask about the equipment the DJ will use.
Inquire about sound systems, microphones, lighting, and backup equipment to avoid any surprises. When you share your vision for your wedding with your DJ, they should be able to tell you about the kinds of equipment they’ll use to bring your vision to life. Your DJ may want to collaborate with your wedding planner to ensure that their equipment can accommodate for any location changes, special presentations, or other event elements.
8. Ask your DJ if they’re covered by liability insurance
If so, ask for a copy of the DJ or the DJ agency’s policy. Many venues require vendors to have insurance and it’s important to know your DJ is covered to prevent potential issues. There’s nothing worse than having your big day ruined because of a technicality or an unfortunate accident.
9. Get a clear picture of their rates and cancellation policy
Understand the financial commitments and policies in case plans change. Ask clarifying questions to help you understand the pricing structure, how to pay the deposit, what’s included in the package, and any additional fees for overtime or special requests. Make a note of the DJ’s overtime rates so you’re not surprised by any extra fees when you want the party to keep going past the original end time.
10. Ask how they handle breaks during the day
Discuss if and when the DJ takes breaks and how music will be managed during those times. A great wedding DJ knows how to stagger their breaks at the right times and how to avoid disruptions when they step away.
11. Find out if they’ve ever worked at your venue
Familiarity with the venue can help with setup logistics and understanding the acoustics of the space. It helps to be sure your DJ knows where to park, where to load-in, where to find power outlets, etc. If your DJ knows your venue, they’ll have some insight on the logistics for the day. Many wedding venues have an onsite manager that can collaborate with your wedding planner and your DJ to make transitions seamless.
12. Identify if your DJ will also serve as an emcee
Some DJs offer emcee services, making announcements and guiding guests through the evening’s events. There are also some DJs that prefer not to talk to the crowd when they’re working. A great wedding DJ understands that the flow of your wedding day is a priority and will work with you to maintain that flow. If your DJ doesn’t offer emcee services, ask if they can recommend someone.
13. Find out if they have a backup plan for if they can’t attend
Ensure there’s a contingency plan in place in case of emergencies. Make sure your DJ has a back up plan in case of illness, transportation issues, or anything else unexpected that would prevent them from performing the agreed services.
14. Determine the best time for them to arrive
Confirm setup times to coordinate with the venue and other vendors. It’s good practice to give your wedding DJ 2 -3 hours before the ceremony begins for setup, especially if they’ll be working in multiple locations on the premises. A great wedding DJ is set up and prepared for every transition of your event.
15. Find out if they offer any additional services like special effects, lighting or photo booths
Some DJs provide extra services that can enhance your wedding experience like uplighting, additional dancing lights, LED Floors, CO2 Blasters, Bubbles, Fog machines and more.
16. Ask how they plan to personalize their song selection?
A great DJ will tailor the playlist to reflect your unique tastes and love story. A great DJ also works to understand their client and the event audience. This will help your wedding DJ play to the majority of your guests, while also representing each niche group of people in attendance.
17. Ask what sets them apart from other wedding DJs
This isn’t a gotcha moment, but it definitely helps to really listen to the DJ’s answer. Listen for an indication that the DJ knows the day is about you and not about showing off their favorite nightclub set.
18. Ask to meet again
Additional face-to-face meetings or virtual consultations can help build rapport and ensure you’re comfortable with your choice leading up to your big day. Some agencies book your wedding date, assign a random DJ to you, and then never check back in to make sure you both are still on the same page. A great agency will hold your hand through the process and offer support leading up to the day of your wedding.
