You have a shortlist of wedding DJs and a consultation on the calendar. Great. Here is what to ask, what good answers sound like, and what should make you nervous. Most of these questions take one sentence to answer. Answers that ramble or dodge are useful information too.
About their experience
1. How many weddings have you done, and how long have you been DJing? You are looking for real numbers and a track record with rooms like yours. We have hosted more than a hundred music events and worked in music for thirty years, and that shows up when something goes sideways.
2. Have you worked at my venue? If yes, they know the load-in, the power and the acoustics. If no, ask how they will scout it.
3. Will you be the DJ at my wedding, or will you send someone? Get the answer in writing. Some companies book the salesperson and staff another DJ.
4. Do you also MC? Most couples want a DJ who can announce the entrances, toasts and cake cut clearly and warmly. Ask for an example of how they do it.
About the sound
5. What sound system do you bring, and how many guests does it cover? This is the question that separates pros from hobbyists. Ask how it changes for outdoors, big rooms or a tent. If the answer is “two speakers on stands,” and your guest list is 200, keep looking.
6. Do you bring subwoofers? Real low end is what makes a dance floor feel alive. It is also what a small system cannot fake. Ours are horn-loaded and paired with Turbosound Floodlight tops.
7. Do you provide wireless microphones for toasts and the ceremony? Ask how many, and whether the ceremony mic is a lavalier or handheld.
8. Will you do a soundcheck before guests arrive? The answer should be yes, and the DJ should tell you when they plan to arrive.
9. What is your backup plan if equipment fails? Backup speakers, a spare mixer and a spare laptop or controller are the minimum. A pro has answered this one a hundred times.
About the timeline
10. Do you help plan the timeline? A good DJ has a template for entrances, dances, toasts, cake and send-off, and adapts it to your photographer and caterer.
11. Will you coordinate with the photographer, planner and venue? They should.
12. How many hours does the price include, and what happens if we run late? Ask about overtime rate before you sign, not at 10:45 p.m.
13. Can you cover the ceremony and the reception? If the ceremony is on-site, ask about a second setup or a single, well-placed system.
About the music
14. How do you build the music plan? Look for a questionnaire, a consultation, and room for the couple to weigh in on must-plays.
15. Will you follow my do-not-play list? The answer should be an immediate yes.
16. Can you handle multiple genres, languages or cultural traditions? Austin weddings are wonderfully mixed. Ask whether the DJ has worked with the songs and traditions that matter to your families.
17. How do you handle requests from guests? Some couples want the DJ to say yes to everyone, others want the DJ to filter. Tell them which.
18. What do you do if the floor is empty? A good DJ has three or four tricks and will happily explain them.
About the contract
19. What is the deposit, and what is the cancellation policy? Get both in writing. Ask what happens if you need to change the date.
20. Do you have liability insurance? Some venues require proof of insurance from every vendor.
21. Is everything in the quote itemized? The DJ, sound system, ceremony coverage, lighting and travel should each appear.
The gut checks
22. Can I see or hear a recent wedding? A video clip or a reference is a good sign.
23. How responsive are you to email and phone? How they treat you before you pay is how they will treat you after.
24. What is your dress code and setup style? Ask about the footprint of the DJ table and whether it can look clean and tidy in photos.
25. Is there anything about my day that makes you nervous? Great DJs will tell you honestly. If the answer is “no, it is going to be great,” ask a follow-up about the venue.
Red flags
- Vague answers about the sound system
- No written contract, or a contract that lacks the hours, the date and the price
- Pressure to book on the spot
- Refusing to commit to the do-not-play list
- No backup plan
Book the DJ and the rig from one crew
If you want to skip the back-and-forth between a DJ and a separate speaker company, we do both. Read about our wedding DJ service, or send the date, venue and guest count for a quote.
Great DJs love good questions.
Quick
answers.
Should I meet the DJ before booking?
Yes, at least a call or video chat. You are hiring one person to run the most important night of your life. Make sure the person you meet is the person who will show up.
Should I give my DJ a do-not-play list?
Absolutely. A do-not-play list is just as important as a must-play list. A good DJ will ask for both.
