What to Ask Your Wedding DJ (or Band)
Once you start deciding on different factors it’s good to know what to ask your wedding DJ so that you can ensure you are hiring a professional who does great work. When it comes to wedding DJ’s (and bands), there are great companies and there are not-so-great companies.
Feel free to use these questions below to help yourself make the best possible decision when it comes to booking your entertainment.
For your Wedding DJ
Are you available on our wedding day?
If they’re not, be sure to ask if they recommend anyone who might be available and worth checking out.
Have you worked at our venue before?
This is often helpful so they know about any setup, acoustical, or environmental concerns.
How much will you work with us (and our coordinator) on creating a smooth-flowing event?
Some DJs are more hands-on, whereas others just show up, set up and play what you want. I recommend going with a wedding DJ who’ll give suggestions based on their experience, but not over-rule you on major decisions (like your First Dance song). I also love working with DJs who are open to collaborating with ALL of the vendors involved to create an amazing event.
What items are we responsible for providing you?
Depending on the DJ and your venue, you may need to provide a table, linen, chair, extension cords, etc. for each setup they’ll have (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception).
If we need a separate sound system and microphone for our ceremony, is that an option?
If your ceremony and reception are all in one spot, DJs can often provide you and your officiant with a microphone and sound system for the ceremony, if needed, for an additional cost. There may also be an additional setup fee for the cocktail hour if they have to set up a separate sound system than the reception area.
How many pros will need to be fed a meal?
While you may think it’ll just be your DJ, they may have assistants or partners who’ll also need to be fed during the reception.
If our event lasts longer than scheduled, can we make a decision for you to stay later?
Most DJs work off of packages that include a certain number of hours. Many offer the option to extend their services on the wedding for an additional fee. Just keep in mind that extending their services may result in charges from other vendors who’ll potentially need to stay later, too.
Do you have a wireless microphone for toasts?
Whomever is going to be giving a toast at your wedding should have a reliable, wireless microphone so they can comfortably stand near you to give their toast. To me, this isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s very helpful.
Do you bring backup equipment?
As with anything, sh*t happens. A great wedding DJ will have backups to their backups, because technology breaks and you never know. If a DJ only has one setup and NO backup equipment, RUN. No matter how many times they tell you they’ve “never” had an issue. Nothing is foolproof.
How do you handle song requests?
You may want to allow guests to suggest songs throughout the night, or you might not. If you don’t, how will your DJ handle guests that keep asking?
What happens if you get sick on our wedding day?
While this is a “worst-case scenario”, it’s important to know their plan should they be physically unable to DJ on your wedding day.
If a DJ is assigned to us, what happens if they leave the company?
If you’re talking with a company who has multiple DJs (vs. someone who owns the company and is also the DJ), be sure to ask what happens IF the DJ you’ve selected based on their style and experience leaves the company. How is a replacement handled and are you entitled to any refund/cancelation if you aren’t happy with said replacement. Ultimately, you don’t want a situation where you reserve the company’s BEST DJ and then end up with someone who’s completely new to the industry.
For a Wedding Band
In addition the relevant questions above, you may also want to ask your band:
How long is each set that you play and how long is each break?
Once your party “gets going”, your band will likely play a set, followed by a break, and so on as the night goes on. For example, it’s common for a band to play a 40-50 minute set followed by a 10-20 minute break. Very few bands play ALL night non-stop.
What happens during your breaks?
Ideally, you want guests to stay entertained throughout the evening, even when the band isn’t playing. Many bands have a sound technician that will play party songs during the breaks, or songs from a playlist that you create. Or they may have just one or two musicians play some light music while the others break. With other bands, there’s just NO MUSIC which can often kill the vibe of the party or make guests think the party is over and leave early.
Can you learn a song for us if it isn’t in your repertoire?
Some bands offer to learn a song without any charge, others charge extra, and others will just say “no”. If you have a song that is very important to you, find out early if it’s something they can play and, if not, if it’s something they can learn for you. If the answer is “no” to both, you can also consider playing it from a iPod/USB.
Of course, there are more questions that can be asked and should be asked. These are just some key questions to help you on your way.
