Here are the questions to ask when choosing a DJ, so you’ll have an epic reception!
Image courtesy of High Voltage Entertainment
You’ve just said “I do,” and now it’s time to start the party! But a packed dance floor requires a lot more than your favorite Spotify playlist and some bluetooth speakers. To get (and keep) the celebration going, you’ll want to find a great DJ and MC. Hire a team that fits your vibe, your schedule, and (most importantly) your budget! Here are 39 questions to ask when choosing a DJ:
History and Background:
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you always done weddings, or do you do other events as well?
- How many weddings have you done?
- Have you done other weddings at my venue?
- How many events do you do per day? Per weekend?
Schedule and Availability:
- Are you available on my date?
- Will you be DJing/MCing for my wedding, or will it be someone else with the company?
- Can I request a specific DJ/MC?
- Is there a back-up DJ/MC in cases of emergency or illness?
- Do you have back-up equipment in case something doesn’t work the day of the wedding?
- When will you need to arrive to begin set-up? How long will you need to break everything down after the reception?
Image courtesy of High Voltage Entertainment
Price and packages:
- What kind of packages do you offer?
- Do you offer any lighting upgrades?
- Do you offer any speaker upgrades?
- Do you offer any screen upgrades?
- Do your packages include ceremony and/or cocktail hour music?
- Do you have any live musicians for hire? What is the cost?
- Do you have any additional services that can be added to packages? (Marquee letters, photobooths, etc)
Style and personality:
- What are the hosting styles of your MCs? Do they promote a huge party atmosphere? Or do they stay back and go with the vibe of the guests?
- Do your DJs take requests? Is there a system set up for guests to make requests if they want?
- Do the DJs keep up with current music trends?
- How do the DJs access their music? How do they keep their music collection up to date?
- Do the DJ and MC take breaks? When do they usually happen?
- Do you have a DJ/MC that specializes in specific cultural music?
- Are any of your DJs/MCs bilingual? Can I request a bilingual DJ/MC?
Paperwork and Planning:
- Do you require a deposit to hold my date? How much is the deposit?
- Do you offer payment plans? What is the payment schedule?
- When will I receive a copy of my contract?
- Do you offer any discounts (military, first responder, law enforcement, etc)
- What is your refund or cancellation policy?
- Do you carry your own liability insurance?
- Can I provide a “must play” and “do not play” list?
- Do you help couples choose songs for the playlist?
- Do you help couples choose songs for their procession/entrance/dances?
- When do I need to have all my song selections submitted to you?
- When will I receive a copy of my contract?
Image courtesy of High Voltage Entertainment
COVID Concerns:
- What is your company’s policy on masks? Will the DJ or MC be required to wear masks during the ceremony/cocktail hour/reception?
- What is your company’s policy on vaccination? *It is legal to ask this question, if it is a concern of yours. The DJ/MC has the right to decline answering it.
- What is your company’s policy on testing? Are your DJs/MCs required to be tested regularly?
