Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ

When choosing a DJ for your wedding, you’re going to want to ask a handful of questions. This allows you to gauge the professionalism, experience, and reliability of the DJ – a crucial role of your wedding day and certainly one you cannot live without.

So, what questions should you ask a wedding DJ? Other than the obvious: will you be our wedding DJ?

Do you provide a written agreement or contract?

Not all DJs provide a written agreement; however, those that do are often considered more professional. If they provide a contract, this is an excellent sign of reliability, professionalism, and honesty – all key skills you need in a DJ.

In this agreement, the DJ generally outlines his/her set up, requirements, and what you can expect from working together. If you have any questions about the agreement, be sure to ask the DJ directly.

Are you able to hold a date for us?

An honest and reliable wedding DJ is essential. Asking a DJ whether or not they’re able to hold a date for you is a great question to ask. However, be wary of DJs that pressure you to decide on the spot. Classic vocabulary includes, “another couple is trying to book this date, so you’ll have to make a decision soon.” More often than not, this is a closing tactic used to pressure the bride and groom into making a decision.

A genuine, honest, and reliable wedding DJ will hold a date for you, allowing you to meet with them beforehand to sign the contract (more on this below).

Can we meet you to sign the contract (in-person)?

Would you buy a wedding cake without sampling it first? Or perhaps buy a wedding dress online the day before your wedding without trying it on? We didn’t think so. The same applies to your DJ; always sign the contract in-person, if possible.

Not only do you get to meet the DJ, but you also get to ask any last-minute questions. This is an excellent opportunity to hash out any last-minute details, requests, or general advice for your big day.

How much experience do you have?

Arguably one of the most important questions to ask a DJ: how much experience do you have? Your wedding is the most special and memorable day of your life; you don’t want a below-par DJ to ruin the atmosphere, make mistakes, or worse, mixing up your wedding song with U2s, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”

Alongside asking how many years they’ve been in the industry, you should also ask how many weddings and other events they’ve performed at. This is an excellent indication of their confidence, experience level, and whether or not they’re the right fit for the job.

Although not entirely necessary, you can also ask whether or not they have any formal training. This provides further peace of mind, but is not entirely necessary, especially if they have extensive experience as a wedding DJ.

How many weddings/events do you perform each year?

Alongside asking how much experience a wedding DJ has, you should also ask how many weddings and other events they perform each year.

You need a wedding DJ who is at the top of their game, who’s skills are sharp and knows exactly what they are doing. The more weddings they perform, the better. However, you can also judge this by other events as well, such as christenings, birthday parties, or even shows or concerts.

How many weddings do you perform in one day or weekend?

Some wedding DJs perform two weddings a day during peak wedding season, sometimes performing two to four weddings in a weekend.

Ideally, you want a wedding DJ who is only performing one wedding/event in the day. This guarantees complete attention is paid to the bride and groom and your big day, not other events, leaving the DJ completely exhausted, especially toward the latter half of the wedding reception.

Are you familiar with our chosen venue?

In an ideal world, your wedding DJ will have played at your chosen venue before, thus familiar with the wedding reception area. If not, this is not the end of the world. Instead, ask the wedding DJ if they’d be comfortable familiarizing themselves with the site before the event, perhaps arriving a little earlier to set up.

It takes little to no effort but shows enthusiasm and dedication to your wedding – two traits you can’t go without.

Do you make announcements?

Whether there’s a red peugeot in the parking lot that has been bumped by the limo driver or announcing the newlyweds into the reception area for the first time, it’s always good to have a wedding DJ who’s able to make announcements.

Not only does this save you both effort and money, but this provides further peace of mind – deligating multiple jobs to the man or woman spinning the records.

If the wedding DJ is not comfortable making these announcements, discuss beforehand whether the site manager or other staff member or individual is comfortable doing so. It’s best to make preparations beforehand to be best prepared.

How would you get a crowd out of their seats and dancing?

There comes a moment in every wedding, event, or party where the guests or attendees aren’t quite feeling it. Perhaps a little drained, lethargic, or not feeling the song, it’s always good to know the DJs got your back.

Some DJs may opt to jump on the microphone and encourage guests to make it to the dance floor while others may play more “well-known” songs to get them out of their seats.

A plan is a plan, but it’s best to know how the DJ will tackle this, providing further peace of mind.

What if something happens such as an emergency and you can’t make the wedding?

Although unlikely, it’s best to have a contingency plan in place. Many of the best and more professional DJs have a backup in place, with another DJ able to step in at the last minute should an emergency occur.

Discuss this with your DJ beforehand, preventing a worst-case scenario of drunk uncle Phil being delegated the role.

Find out more information about Questions to ask a Wedding DJ from elevated event design.