What questions should I ask a DJ for a wedding?

From the processional to the first dance to the bouquet toss and beyond, the mood of your wedding day will be greatly influenced by your choice of DJ or band.

These are the questions you must ask your potential wedding DJ if you want to know their level of experience, reliability, and honesty. This set of questions will be useful during interviews, but before you set up any appointments, you should do some background reading to figure out which DJs are worth meeting with.

For what length of time have you been working in this field?

For the following reason, you need to be aware of this: Obviously, amateur gigs don't pay nearly as well as paid ones. Hire the most seasoned experts to guarantee a problem-free special day.

A DJ's first gig should not be at your wedding. Some DJs may only play at a handful of events annually, but their experience levels tend to rise in tandem with their length of service . An essential enquiry to make of the DJ is how many weddings they have played for in total. Inquire as to whether or not the DJ has received formal training from a DJ company or DJ school.

About how many nuptials do you perform annually?

Perform at a wedding to the same high standards as you would for any other viewing public. There's a chance that your DJ won't be "at the best of their ability if they only play at a handful of weddings annually. A good measure of a vendor's dedication to weddings as well as other similar events is the number of ceremonies they perform each year.

In a typical year, how many other kinds of gatherings do you host?

When advertising their services, some DJs claim to be "jacks of all trades," able to perform at any event, while others specialise in a specific musical style or genre. Finding out what proportion of a DJ's gigs are weddings rather than other events is one method to assess their focus. If the DJ you're interviewing has only done elementary school dances in the past, and you're hoping for a more sophisticated performance at your wedding, you may want to keep looking.

Ask how often they perform at weddings and for how long they have been doing so. How well they do on your dance floor depends on both of these factors. Reach out to the other husbands and wives who have stayed there; they will be a wealth of information. Rather than reading reviews written by strangers, it is best to speak with actual couples who have worked with the band as well as DJ in question to get a more accurate picture of what it is like to work with them.

Have you ever had a day where you performed for more than one event?

Numerous disc jockeys prefer to get as much done on the weekends as they can. If your DJ has another event in the afternoon, they will not be at full strength for your reception. There are often "weekend warriors" at large agencies who attend four to six events in three days. One DJ would have a tough time meeting the needs of so many weddings on the same day.

How are you unique in comparison to your rivals?

A credible DJ for a wedding will be confident in their abilities and will be able to confidently and honestly answer this question, outlining exactly what they offer that is superior to the alternatives. The problem is that some DJs will use this as an excuse to criticise their peers and the companies that book them. This is the kind of behaviour that makes us question their professionalism and character. Dishonest DJs will often speak ill of rival DJs who they fear will be booked instead of themselves, so it's important to meet any DJ they say anything negative about.

The wedding wouldn't be complete without a DJ, right?

There's a chance that the DJ you talk to on the phone won't be the one who plays at your reception. That's the standard procedure at most multinational corporations. You should be able to meet and speak with the DJ in person before committing to working with them. If you have a DJ booked for your wedding, it is crucial that their name appears on the invite.

A written agreement, if any, is available?

Obviously, not every DJ for weddings will be as professional as others. A DJ who is competent and trustworthy will have no problem signing a legally binding contract. In addition, the DJ's obligations to the client are spelt out in an agreement. All of the DJ's setup needs are specified in this document to guarantee a smooth performance. For this reason, we strongly advise using a written agreement with your wedding reception's DJ.

Are we able to meet the DJ before signing a contract?

Before even meeting the DJ they send to your wedding, many DJ services will have you sign an agreement and put your faith in them. It seems like a bad plan. Discuss your needs with the DJ for your wedding before signing a contract. If you have a bad feeling about your DJ and don't want to find out a week before the wedding, trust your instincts and find someone else.

How long can we expect you to hold our date for us?

If you contact a professional DJ in advance, they should be willing to hold your date for you for an appropriate amount of time. After the meeting, you should be given enough time to consider your options and consult with the other DJs. When meeting with a DJ, be wary of those who try to "hard close" you by offering you a deal that expires the day of your consultation or telling you that they have another couple meeting with them for the same date. Any DJ who tries to stop you from connecting with other DJs is almost certainly doing so for their own benefit (because they are afraid that you will end up liking the other DJs more than you like them). I think it's fair to ask a potential date to spend at least a week with you after the first meeting.

How often do you perform at our venue?

Knowledge of both wedding planning and the location of the reception is required. There are a wide variety of issues that can arise at any given venue, including load-in and security procedures, room dimensions, layout, sound, and even electrical outlets that must be grounded by hand. Your special day will go off without a hitch if you hire a DJ who is already familiar with the venue. Even the most popular DJs can't say they've played at every club in town (since there are hundreds available in any area). Even if he has never been to the location before, he should be prepared to put in the time and effort to research it by going there, contacting the appropriate person there, and studying a floor plan.

Can you imagine the horror if something happened to you and you couldn't attend the wedding?

Despite your best efforts, accidents may still occur. Is there a plan B in case the DJ is unable to perform because of illness or an accident? The vast majority of professionals in the field of ethics have fallback strategies prepared. If a DJ is a member of a DJ association, he or she is likely to know other DJs in the area, a fact that could prove useful in an emergency. Some people prefer to use the same DJ for every event, while others have a back-up on hand in case something happens to the main DJ. If you know the answer to this question, you can relax knowing that a competent DJ will be handling the music for your wedding.

Can we get together again before the wedding?

Even though some DJs may try to convince you otherwise, there is more to DJing than simply showing up. A professional DJ will want to speak with you at least briefly to go over the plan to ensure they know what you want and when you want it, as well as what music you want played. Be wary of any disc jockey who assures you otherwise, no matter how convincing they may seem.

Any respectable DJ will have no problem at all with you contacting some of their previous clients to find out more about their experience working with them as your wedding DJ. To ensure he has permission to give you references' information and that you feel comfortable calling them, he should be open to a quick phone call or two before handing over a list of references.

How do you ensure that your music library is always current?

Most mobile DJs use music update services to play the most recent versions of songs that have been played on the radio. DJs can get radio edits of the newest songs from these services, often before they are played on the radio. Simply asking the DJ if he or she is a member of such groups is a good way to find out. There are a few promotional only magazines that get a lot of circulation.

How much say do we get in choosing the tunes for the party?

Make sure you know if the DJ will be making the majority of the song choices or if they will only play a small number of songs that you request. DJs often let clients pick the bulk of the event's music, then use their skills to compile a setlist that the crowd will enjoy. Prior to hiring a DJ for your event, make sure you are familiar with their process and how much input you will have into the playlist.

What is the deadline for sending in our event information and music requests?

If you hire a DJ, they will either provide you with a link to an online planning system or a printed song list and planning worksheet to discuss the specifics of your event. Allot yourself plenty of time to choose the playlist and organise the event's schedule. However, the DJ will need this information in advance to set up for your event. Your DJ may not be able to play the songs you want if you don't give them the list early enough. The DJ should also be flexible and open to your input regarding the first dance song and the order of toasts.

Can guests make special requests?

A DJ will not play a song they know you don't like unless you specifically request it.

A list of forbidden music would be ideal.

You can never be sure what your guests will require, no matter how well you know them. You and your new spouse can save yourselves some unnecessary tension by creating a list of songs that neither of you wants to hear ever again.

To ensure that the music at your event is exactly what you want it to be, hire a professional DJ. You should give the DJ at your reception a "Do Not Play" list specifying the songs that are off limits to ensure they adhere to your musical preferences.

Do you play the role of "emcee" and make all the necessary announcements?

The DJ at a wedding often acts as the host of the reception and makes announcements to the guests. There are, however, DJs who would rather have an assistant or site manager handle the mic duties.

The bandleader or DJ need not introduce the speakers, call for the first dance, or declare the start of service for the meal. Sometimes this duty falls on the shoulders of the planner or the best man/maid of honour. Get educated on this data before making any hiring decisions.

Exactly how would you characterise your "style" when making declarations?

If you know the answer to this, you can evaluate whether or not the DJ you've hired is appropriate for your event's intended audience and vibe. Hiring a "party motivator" or "entertainer DJ" may not be the best choice if you're going for a sophisticated, low-key vibe at your wedding. Avoid hiring someone who categorically rejects making announcements if you think your guests will need frequent encouragement to join you on the dance floor.

How do you get the crowd going if nobody's dancing?

Not all DJs use the microphone to "energise" the crowd; some prefer a more low-key approach. Alternatively, there are those who would rather use song selection as a strategy and never resort to such an effective solution to guarantee their success on the dance floor. Gather information about the DJ's contingency plan in case something goes wrong while you're out there.

Some DJs just play songs that make people want to dance, but others will go out of their way to teach the latest and greatest dances or encourage people to get up and move. Get in touch with a musician whose style fits well with yours.

When will you get here to begin preparing for our wedding?

Unreliable DJs can cause issues for the host by arriving late and unprepared to the party. Professional DJs always show up at the reception location at least one hour before they are scheduled to play. DJs should show up at least 1.5 hours before the show is set to begin.

So, tell me, what do you normally dress in?

Professional attire, such as tuxedos and black shirts and pants, will likely be provided by prospective musicians and disc jockeys.

Some DJs choose to dress to the nines in tuxedos complete with sequinned or patterned vests and bowties, while others prefer a more traditional, understated look. The DJ should dress appropriately for the event. So that we don't stand out too much in your wedding photos, we're all dressed in black suits and ties.

Is there a deposit amount needed to book our romantic evening together?

Typically, a retainer or deposit is required when working with a professional DJ. This is all being done to ensure your safety. Usually, a 50% down payment is required up front. It depends on the DJ, but sometimes less money is better. If the contract language does not stipulate a specific guarantee of services and clearly outline a cancellation policy, then the DJ is under no obligation to return your deposit (sometimes as little as $25). If the DJ only owed you a small amount of money, he wouldn't have much of a financial motive to cancel on you, despite the fact that doing so would be highly unprofessional.

I was wondering how much you charged.

You should know the daily rate and the maximum number of hours you can rent for that rate if they differ. If the price is still reasonable, it's fine if it's a little higher than expected. If the potential DJ or wedding band turns out to be the best option, you may want to increase your budget or try to negotiate a lower price with them.

The price of my event seems high; what exactly am I paying for?

When determining a price for their services, DJs use a wide variety of methods. The cost of hiring a DJ is typically determined by the number of hours they are needed, with additional charges for any special equipment they must transport. Some businesses prefer to provide all-inclusive quotes for the sake of convenience. Ask the DJ what services are included in the price they've quoted before moving forwards with the interview process.

When they take the stage, some performers—especially DJs—expect at least a certain amount of time from their audience. However, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of how many breaks they will require, how long each break will be, and what will happen if the breaks don't work. Plan breaks and provide food for the band so that they don't get too tired to play before the last dance.

What would be the overtime rate?

You shouldn't underestimate the importance of your wedding's DJ. If there is going to be overtime at the end of the night, it's important to negotiate a flat rate or even a percentage of the total cost with the DJ.

Give us the specifics of your request so we can help.

The DJ will need the following things from you in order to do their job. Essentials include a safe place to sleep, a power source for charging electronics, and a level working surface for building equipment. Before settling on the reception's location and menu, think about the DJ's needs.

When did you last eat?

Some DJs will only perform at your reception if they are fed, and some of them may have specific dietary restrictions or prefer to dine on the same food as you and your guests. But there are always people who will accept food no matter how hungry they are. Again, it's crucial to foresee the DJ's requirements.

Do you have insurance?

Your wedding's music provider, be it a DJ or band, should be fully covered in case of any accidents. It prevents damage to the performers and their gear. Many venues will not allow a DJ or band to perform without proof of liability insurance.

Any potential DJ hire must, therefore, have comprehensive insurance. Insurance policies are so cheap (in some cases less than $250 yearly) that going uninsured is unconscionable. Some banquet halls may request that all wedding vendors provide proof of insurance before they are allowed to set up shop on the premises. In case your DJ injures a guest or damages someone else's property during the reception, you'll want to make sure he or she is covered by liability insurance.

If anything were to happen during the event, it would be disastrous if neither you nor the venue had adequate insurance. One who is truly qualified will be pleased to present their credentials.

How often do you stop what you're doing?

During an intersong break, a band may need to replace a singer or an instrument, but a DJ may just want to use the restroom. The DJ's job is to keep a party jumping and exciting.

What do you use for tools?

Any DJ worth his or her salt would be proud to demonstrate his or her superior sound equipment. Even though he probably knows you don't know plenty about DJ equipment, a good DJ should still be able to walk you through his sound setup. Home audio brand names are unlikely to make an appearance in his description unless he clearly mentions them. Pioneer, Denon, PCDJ, Traktor, Serato, Electro-Voice (EV), JBL, Bose, Mackie, RANE, QSC, and Shure are among the most widely used DJ equipment manufacturers.

Do you plan on bringing any spare parts or equipment to the wedding?

Even well-maintained machinery can fail suddenly and without warning. The DJ at your wedding should be prepared for this. Your special day cannot go off without a hitch, so make sure the DJ brings a full backup sound system. Having backup materials in a warehouse 50 miles from the reception venue won't help if there's no music for an hour at your wedding due to a technical glitch.

I was wondering if you had a wireless microphone.

The speeches, toasts, and blessings that will occur during the reception necessitate a wireless microphone, which your DJ should provide. Today, virtually all professional disc jockeys use wireless microphones, and Shure is universally acknowledged as the industry standard.

A "light show"? Do you have one?

As an extra or standard service, some DJs also offer "party lights" to their clients in addition to their musical selections. Inquire of the DJ as to whether or not there will be dance floor lighting, and whether or not it will be to your liking if there is to be any. Inquire about how a light show will affect the aesthetics of your reception space and the reliability of your wedding video and photographs if you're interested in having one. Light shows are not necessary for weddings, and in fact, very few of our clients have ever requested one.

Where can I find out if you are a member of any relevant trade or professional organisations?

If a DJ is serious about their craft, they will join a local DJ collective or other industry group to make connections and hone their skills. DJs can connect with one another, share experiences, and forge a community of people they can turn to in times of crisis in these gatherings. Membership in these groups does not guarantee any particular level of DJ skill, but it does show a motivation to improve those skills.

Is there anything we should know about your services that we haven't talked about?

Why it's important to know this: You probably already covered everything, but it never hurts to double check. Check to see if anything has been forgotten from the perspective of the wedding DJ or band and make sure everything is in order.

Do you have any questions for us?

The reason you should care: once you've learned everything you were hoping to, see if there's anything else the wedding DJ or band will need to know to do their job properly.

The band or DJ is one of the most crucial elements of your reception because music has the power to either make or break a party.

Conclusion

Do not hire a DJ and have them perform at your wedding as their first job. Asking a DJ how many weddings they have played for in total is a crucial question to ask. Even if a DJ only performs at a handful of events annually, their level of experience usually increases as their tenure grows. Find out how often and for how long they perform at weddings. They won't be able to give their full attention to your reception if your DJ has another gig that afternoon.

"Weekend warriors" are not uncommon in large agencies, where employees regularly attend four to six events over the course of three days. It's important to remember that not all wedding DJs are created equal. A competent and reliable DJ will have no problem entering into a legally binding agreement. If someone tries to "hard close" you by offering you a deal that expires the same day as your consultation, run away. It is essential that you are familiar with both the logistics of wedding preparations and the venue hosting the reception.

Not even the most well-known DJs have played at every club in town. A DJ's chances of knowing other DJs in the area increase if he or she is a member of a DJ organisation. Just how much input do we get into the party's soundtrack? Many mobile disc jockeys use online music-update services to play the latest radio-ready versions of popular songs. The DJ needs to take requests for the first dance and the order of the toasts in stride.

The wedding DJ frequently takes on the role of host, introducing guests and providing necessary announcements. Some disc jockeys would rather delegate mic duties to an assistant or site manager. It's not necessary for a DJ to "energise" the crowd with a microphone; some just play music quietly. It is standard practise for a professional DJ to arrive at the reception site one hour before they are scheduled to begin playing. Some DJs go all out, dressing in tuxedoes with sequinned or patterned vests and bowties.

Some people favour a classic, understated style. A DJ can be hired for any number of hours, and their rate will increase proportionally. Having a firm grasp on how many breaks they will need is crucial. Make sure the band gets enough rest and food before the last dance that they can't play for the crowd. Therefore, it is imperative that any prospective DJ hire has full coverage.

It's unconscionable to go without insurance in this day and age when policies can be had for less than $250 annually. Wireless microphones are used by professional DJs, and Shure is the brand most commonly used. It is not uncommon for DJs to provide "party lights" as an optional or standard service for their patrons. Make sure you ask how a light show will change the look of your lobby. Wedding light shows are unnecessary, and we have never had a client specifically request one.

Content Summary

• Finding out what proportion of a DJ's gigs are weddings rather than other events is one method to assess their focus.
• You should be able to meet and speak with the DJ in person before committing to working with them.
• If you have a DJ booked for your wedding, it is crucial that their name appears on the invite.
• For this reason, we strongly advise using a written agreement with your wedding reception's DJ.Are we able to meet the DJ before signing a contract?Before even meeting the DJ they send to your wedding, many DJ services will have you sign an agreement and put your faith in them.
• Discuss your needs with the DJ for your wedding before signing a contract.
• Knowledge of both wedding planning and the location of the reception is required.
• Your special day will go off without a hitch if you hire a DJ who is already familiar with the venue.
• If you know the answer to this question, you can relax knowing that a competent DJ will be handling the music for your wedding.
• Prior to hiring a DJ for your event, make sure you are familiar with their process and how much input you will have into the playlist.
• Allot yourself plenty of time to choose the playlist and organise the event's schedule.
• However, the DJ will need this information in advance to set up for your event.
• To ensure that the music at your event is exactly what you want it to be, hire a professional DJ.
• Unreliable DJs can cause issues for the host by arriving late and unprepared to the party.
• The DJ should dress appropriately for the event.
• Before settling on the reception's location and menu, think about the DJ's needs.
• Again, it's crucial to foresee the DJ's requirements.
• Any potential DJ hire must, therefore, have comprehensive insurance.
• Inquire of the DJ as to whether or not there will be dance floor lighting, and whether or not it will be to your liking if there is to be any.
• Inquire about how a light show will affect the aesthetics of your reception space and the reliability of your wedding video and photographs if you're interested in having one.
• Check to see if anything has been forgotten from the perspective of the wedding DJ or band and make sure everything is in order.