Availability and the basics
Start with the essentials to make sure the DJ can do your date and your venue.
- Are you available on our date, and is it held for us once we pay a deposit?
- Have you played at our venue before?
- What time do you need to arrive, and how long does setup take?
- How many hours are included in the price?
- Is travel included, or charged separately?
Safety and paperwork
Venues will often ask for these, so make sure your DJ has them ready.
- Do you provide a written contract?
- What is your cancellation policy, for both sides?
- What happens if you are ill on the day?
Music and style
These questions show you how the DJ approaches the music.
- How do you handle a mixed-age crowd?
- Will you play our must-play list and respect our do-not-play list?
- Do you take requests from guests on the night?
- Do you mix songs together or play them one by one?
- Can you edit our first dance song to a shorter length?
Equipment and setup
Make sure the setup suits your space and the look you want.
- What does your setup look like? Can we see photos?
- Do you bring backup equipment?
- Is dance floor lighting included? What about uplighting?
- Do you provide a wireless microphone for speeches?
- Can you work with our venue’s sound limiter?
On the day
Finally, understand how the DJ will behave and communicate on the night.
- Will you act as MC and make announcements?
- How do you coordinate timings with the venue?
- What will you wear?
- Do you need a meal and a break during the evening?
- Can we have a planning meeting before the day?
FAQs
What is the most important question to ask a DJ?
Ask how they read a crowd and what they do if the dance floor goes quiet. It reveals experience better than anything else.
Should a DJ provide a contract?
Yes. A written agreement protects both of you and should set out times, fees, deposit and cancellation terms.
Do DJs need a meal at a wedding?
It is common courtesy to offer a hot meal or a plate from the buffet for anyone working a full evening. Many venues can provide a supplier meal.
