150 Best Wedding DJ Questions You MUST Ask Before Booking

Your wedding playlist is the soundtrack to one of the most important days of your life, so choosing the right DJ is crucial. But how do you ensure you’re hiring the perfect DJ to keep your dance floor packed?

Don’t leave it to chance! Before you book, arm yourself with the right knowledge. Asking the right questions to a wedding DJ can be the difference between a night of unforgettable memories and a wedding reception that falls flat.

We’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask, covering everything from their experience and music style to their equipment and backup plans. Let’s dive in and make sure your wedding DJ is ready to rock your celebration!

Best Wedding DJ Questions You MUST Ask

• How long have you been a wedding DJ?
• How many weddings do you DJ each year?
• What’s your DJing style — more low-key or hype and interactive?
• Do you have experience with weddings similar in size and style to ours?
• Can we see videos or reviews from past weddings you’ve done?
• Can we give you a “do not play” list?
• Are you open to taking song requests from guests during the event?
• Will you help us create a playlist or suggest songs for key moments (like first dance, cake cutting)?
• Can you mix different genres and cultural music if needed?
• How do you read the crowd and adjust music accordingly?
• Will you also act as the emcee for announcements and intros?
• Can we customize how much or how little you interact with the crowd?
• Are you comfortable pronouncing tricky names or doing specific cultural traditions?
• Do you coordinate with the planner or other vendors on the timeline?
• Can you provide examples of how you keep the energy flowing during lulls?
• Do you provide all your own sound equipment and mics?
• Do you have wireless microphones for toasts and speeches?
• Do you bring backup equipment in case something goes wrong?
• How much time do you need for setup and breakdown?
• Do you require any special accommodations for your setup (power, space, etc.)?
• Are you available for our date and venue?
• Will you be the DJ on our wedding day, or someone else from your team?
• How early do you arrive before the event starts?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• How do you dress for weddings?
• What’s included in your base package?
• Are there additional fees for overtime, travel, lighting, or extra equipment?
• What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
• Do you require a deposit to hold our date?
• Can we get everything in writing with a contract?

Wedding DJ: Availability and Booking Questions

Before you get swept away by the music, let’s talk logistics! Confirm your potential DJ’s availability for your specific date and time. Inquire about their booking process, deposit requirements, and cancellation policies. Understanding these details ensures a smooth and stress-free experience leading up to your big day.

• Are you available on our wedding date and for the full duration of our reception?
• How far in advance do you typically book up for wedding dates, especially for peak season?
• Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your different wedding packages and what each includes?
• What is the total cost, including all fees and potential overtime charges, and what payment options do you offer?
• Do you require a deposit to secure our wedding date, and what is your refund policy should we need to cancel or reschedule?
• Will you be the DJ personally performing at our wedding, or might it be one of your associates?
• If it’s an associate, can we meet them beforehand to ensure a good fit?
• What is your policy on overtime, and how much advance notice do you need if we want to extend your services?
• Do you carry liability insurance, and can you provide proof of insurance if required by our venue?
• How much setup and teardown time do you typically need at the venue, and will this impact the event timeline?
• Do you have any restrictions on the type of venues you work in (e.g., outdoor venues, venues without power)?
• What are the terms of your contract, and can we review it before making a booking decision?
• What is your communication style leading up to the wedding, and how often will we be in contact?
• Can you provide references from previous wedding clients we can contact?

Wedding DJ: Music Style and Preferences Questions

Before the big day, chat with your DJ about music styles and preferences. Discuss the overall vibe you envision, preferred genres, and specific songs that are must-plays (or definite no-nos!). Understanding your musical tastes ensures your wedding soundtrack perfectly reflects your personality and keeps your guests dancing all night long.

• Can you describe your mixing style and how you transition between songs to maintain a seamless flow on the dance floor?
• How do you typically handle song requests from guests that don’t align with the couple’s stated musical preferences?
• What genres of music are you most comfortable and experienced playing at weddings? Are there any genres you typically avoid?
• Do you have a sample playlist or mix that showcases your range and ability to cater to different musical tastes?
• How do you incorporate instrumental versions of songs, or alternative styles, to create variety during cocktail hour or dinner?
• What is your approach to building the energy throughout the night, from the initial cocktail hour to the final dance set?
• How do you handle the “must-play” list if it is extensive, and how do you prioritize those songs throughout the reception?
• Can you offer suggestions for first dance songs, parent dance songs, or other special moments if we’re struggling to choose?
• How do you feel about incorporating cultural or ethnic music into the reception, and do you have experience with specific traditions?
• If we provide you with a general vibe or feeling we want to create, how would you translate that into a specific music selection?
• Do you offer any lighting or visual effects that can complement the music and enhance the overall atmosphere?
• How open are you to collaborating with us on the playlist, and what is your preferred method for receiving our song selections?
• How do you prepare for a wedding where the couple has very specific and potentially obscure musical tastes?
• What kind of music do you recommend for the “getting ready” portion of the day, if we wanted to set a specific mood?

Wedding DJ: Equipment and Setup Questions

Before the big day, chat about equipment! Inquire about the DJ’s setup: sound system quality, backup plans, and lighting options. Will they need a table and power outlet? Knowing these details ensures a smooth flow, preventing any last-minute surprises and guaranteeing everyone hears the heartfelt speeches and dance-floor anthems clearly.

• What type of sound system do you use, and is it suitable for the size and layout of our venue?
• Do you provide wireless microphones for speeches and toasts, and how many?
• Can you provide uplighting or other decorative lighting as part of your setup, and what are the color options?
• Do you use a professional DJ booth or table, and what are its dimensions?
• What power requirements do you have, and will our venue be able to accommodate them?
• Do you have backup equipment on-site in case of technical malfunctions?
• How do you manage cables and wires to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing setup?
• Can you accommodate multiple setup locations, such as for the ceremony and reception?
• What is your policy on sound checks and testing the equipment before guests arrive?
• Do you offer video projection services for slideshows or other visual presentations?
• How do you protect your equipment from the elements if the wedding is outdoors?
• What is the range of your wireless microphone(s)?
• Do you offer a generator for outdoor venues without reliable power sources?
• Can you provide a stage or riser for the DJ setup if the venue doesn’t have one?

Wedding DJ: Experience and References Questions

Before you book, delve into your DJ’s past! Ask about their wedding experience: how many have they done? Request references from past couples. Hearing firsthand accounts of their performance, professionalism, and ability to read a crowd will give you confidence in their ability to create the perfect soundtrack for your…

• Can you walk us through a challenging wedding you DJ’d, and how you overcame the obstacles?
• What is your average number of weddings per year, and how many have you done in the past year?
• Have you ever worked at our venue before, and if so, what was your experience like?
• Can you describe your experience with different wedding formats, such as daytime weddings, themed weddings, or weddings with specific cultural elements?
• What types of events, besides weddings, do you regularly DJ?
• Are your online reviews and testimonials authentic and verifiable?
• How long have you been working as a professional wedding DJ?
• What do past clients say is your greatest strength as a wedding DJ?
• What professional DJ associations or organizations do you belong to, if any?
• What is your system for documenting and remembering the specific details and preferences discussed during our consultations?
• Can you share examples of how you’ve successfully incorporated a couple’s “story” into the wedding music and announcements?
• How do you handle communication with the venue staff and wedding planner on the wedding day?
• Have you ever had a negative review, and if so, what was the situation and how did you address it?
• Beyond music, what aspects of wedding celebrations do you enjoy being a part of?

Wedding DJ: Pricing and Packages Questions

Let’s talk budget! Understanding a wedding DJ’s pricing and packages is crucial. Ask about their hourly rates, overtime fees, and what’s included in each package. Inquire about travel costs, setup fees, and if they offer any discounts. Knowing these details upfront ensures transparency and avoids unexpected expenses down the road.

• Beyond the base package, what are the most common add-ons couples request, and what is their individual cost?
• Do your packages include travel fees, or are they calculated separately based on distance?
• What is the price difference between hiring you for a weekday versus a weekend wedding?
• Can you customize a package to fit our specific needs and budget, and what would that process look like?
• Do you offer any discounts for off-season weddings, military personnel, or other special circumstances?
• What is included in the cost for setup and teardown, and does that factor into the total hours we are booking you for?
• If our wedding runs ahead of schedule, is there a reduced rate if you end up playing for less time than initially contracted?
• What payment schedule do you require, and what forms of payment do you accept?
• If we need to make changes to the package or add services closer to the wedding date, how flexible are you with accommodating those requests?
• Are there any hidden fees or charges we should be aware of that aren’t explicitly stated in the package details?
• How does your pricing compare to other DJs in the area with similar experience and services?
• If we are on a tight budget, what are some areas where we could potentially cut costs without sacrificing the overall quality of the music and entertainment?
• Do you offer any options for live musicians to accompany your DJ set, and how does that impact the pricing?
• Can you provide a written quote outlining all the services and costs involved, so we can compare it to other vendors?

Wedding DJ: Coordination and Communication Questions

Beyond music, your DJ is a crucial wedding coordinator. Ask about their communication style: How do they handle announcements and requests? How will they coordinate with other vendors, like the photographer or caterer, to ensure seamless transitions throughout your special day? Clear communication is key to a stress-free reception!

• What’s your preferred method of communication leading up to the wedding (phone, email, video call), and how responsive are you typically?
• How many pre-wedding consultations do you offer to discuss our preferences and finalize the timeline?
• How do you ensure you have all the correct pronunciations for names in the bridal party introductions and announcements?
• Can you provide a detailed timeline for the music during the reception, including cues for specific events like cake cutting or bouquet toss?
• Who will be our point of contact on the wedding day to address any last-minute requests or changes?
• How do you handle unexpected changes to the schedule on the wedding day, such as speeches running longer than planned?
• Do you provide a questionnaire or form to gather information about our musical tastes, preferences, and “must-play” and “do-not-play” lists?
• How involved are you in coordinating with other vendors (photographer, caterer, etc.) to ensure a smooth flow of events?
• How do you ensure that you are aware of all the formalities and traditions we want to incorporate into our wedding?
• How do you handle requests from guests that may conflict with the couple’s stated preferences, and what is your protocol for addressing them?
• How do you ensure that the music volume is appropriate for different parts of the reception, such as dinner versus dancing?
• What is your process for reviewing the venue layout and understanding the acoustics to optimize the sound quality?
• How do you handle situations where there are multiple generations of guests with different musical tastes to cater to?
• Can you share examples of how you’ve successfully mediated musical disagreements between the couple and their families?

Wedding DJ: Backup Plans and Contingency Questions

What happens if the DJ’s equipment fails or they’re suddenly ill? A good wedding DJ has backup plans. Ask about their contingency protocols. Do they have spare gear? A network of DJs for emergencies? Knowing their “Plan B” ensures the music keeps playing, keeping your celebration on track, no matter…

• In the event of equipment failure on-site, what specific backup equipment do you have readily available, and how quickly can you deploy it?
• What are your policies regarding refunds or compensation if you are unable to perform a significant portion of your contracted services due to unforeseen circumstances?
• If a key piece of equipment malfunctions and you don’t have an immediate replacement, what alternative solutions can you offer to maintain the music and atmosphere?
• Do you have a network of fellow DJs you can call upon in a genuine emergency, and what is the procedure for seamlessly transitioning to a substitute DJ?
• What happens if the venue experiences a power outage? Do you have a generator, and how long can you operate solely on backup power?
• How do you adjust your performance if the dance floor area becomes unexpectedly crowded or constrained, impacting your setup or movement?
• Have you ever experienced a situation where you needed to drastically alter the music plan on the fly due to unexpected guest reactions or logistical issues? Can you describe it?
• What is your protocol for handling situations where external noise (e.g., construction, traffic) significantly interferes with the music quality?
• If the couple requests a song at the last minute that is not readily available in your library, what steps do you take to obtain and play it?
• In the event of a sudden illness or personal emergency preventing you from performing, how will you ensure a qualified replacement DJ is briefed on our wedding details and preferences?
• How do you handle situations where the venue’s acoustics are significantly worse than anticipated, requiring adjustments to your sound system setup?
• What is your plan for dealing with unexpected weather conditions at an outdoor wedding, particularly regarding equipment protection and power supply?
• What is your backup plan for accessing your music library if your primary device fails or becomes corrupted?
• If a guest makes an inappropriate or offensive song request, what is your policy for declining it while maintaining a professional demeanor?

Wedding DJ: Do-Not-Play List and Requests Questions

Let’s ensure your wedding DJ crafts the perfect soundtrack! Discussing your “do-not-play” list is crucial – nobody wants an unwanted song ruining the vibe. Also, ask about their approach to guest requests. Will they take them? How do they balance requests with your preferences? Clear communication prevents dance-floor disasters and…

• How do you handle guest requests that directly contradict items on our “do-not-play” list?
• What is your process for communicating the existence of the “do-not-play” list to guests who make requests?
• If a guest is persistent about a song on the “do-not-play” list, what strategies do you use to diplomatically decline their request?
• How do you manage requests for songs that are similar in style or theme to items on the “do-not-play” list, ensuring you don’t inadvertently play something we dislike?
• Do you have any suggestions for alternatives if we have a large “do-not-play” list, to ensure there’s still plenty of music to choose from?
• What is your policy on taking requests for dedications or shout-outs, and how do you ensure they remain appropriate and respectful?
• How do you handle song requests that are technically difficult to play due to poor audio quality or limited availability?
• If we provide a “vibe” or general feeling we want to avoid, how will you interpret that when considering guest requests?
• What is your plan for handling requests from intoxicated guests, and how do you ensure their requests don’t negatively impact the atmosphere?
• How will you confirm with us that the final playlist (including accepted requests) is aligned with our vision before the wedding day?
• Do you have a system for discreetly indicating that a request is on the “do-not-play” list, so you don’t have to publicly embarrass the guest?
• What is your approach to balancing our preferences with the overall energy and flow of the reception, even if it means declining some requests?
• How do you ensure that all DJs working with your company are aware of and adhere to our “do-not-play” list?
• If we are unsure about including a song on the “do-not-play” list, can we discuss its potential impact with you beforehand?