1. How would you describe your style?
Are they high energy? Do they act as party motivators? Do they emcee the event or just play music? These simple yet important questions will reveal whether the prospective company fits the vision you have for your wedding.
2. Can you show us your music library or song list?
Most wedding DJs carry their music library on computers in MP3 format. Here are a few additional questions to ask: Are these songs legally owned and purchased? How many backups do you keep? Will you purchase songs that we want if they are not in your music collection? Most reputable companies will have a PDF of their entire archive or sometimes even an online viewing gallery.
3. How do you work with couples to develop a a playlist?
Ask your band or DJ how they can help you put together a great list of songs that will reflect your taste in music and get your guests out on that dance floor! Do they have a strategy for determining which songs will be best for your event? Will they allow you to choose some “must-play” songs and some “do-NOT-play” songs? Will they take requests from you or your guests on the day of?
4. Have you worked at my reception venue in the past?
While it’s certainly not a deal-breaker if the answer is “no,” experience with your venue is always a plus! If your band/DJ isn’t familiar with the space, we recommend scheduling a walk-through together. Even a quick site visit will help them get acquainted with the layout, acoustics and any idiosyncrasies they may want to be aware of ahead of time.
5. What type of equipment do you use?
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Just like there are designer shoes and handbags, there is also high-end audio, lighting and visual equipment. Ask for equipment name brands, and do some research. It is also important to know how often your potential wedding DJ turns over equipment and whether the company carries insurance.
6. What does setup and breakdown entail?
Is setup and breakdown part of the quoted price, or are these additional labor hours? It's important to know the approximate amount of time the prospective wedding DJ requires to both set up and tear down their equipment for your desired look. Most importantly, make sure your wedding venue allows for this time!
7. Do you have a demo or a recording of a past wedding that I can see?
When in doubt, watch them in action! Nothing will give you a better sense of whether a DJ is right for you than watching them perform. Note their energy, pacing, crowd interaction and level of professionalism.
8. Do I need to provide you with dinner at the reception?
Most wedding DJs appreciate a meal the evening of your wedding. In fact, some will contractually require it! If your DJ does not require a meal and you do not want to provide one, ask them about their game plan for dinner. Some companies pack a lunch, while others require a 45-minute break to grab dinner. That being said, providing your vendors with a meal alleviates the worry that something will go wrong while your DJ is out grabbing dinner.
9. Do you work with an assistant or second DJ?
Depending on the size of your wedding, having an extra set of hands can be well worth it. This will help everything from setup to song requests run a lot more smoothly.
