Wedding DJ

11 Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ

11 qUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING DJ (1).jpg

1. How far in advance should we book entertainment?

 
  • First and foremost make sure they have your date available!
  • Most couples start booking 9-12 months before their wedding. Obviously your venue should be the first on your list, but quality DJs tend to book up, so give yourself enough time to research.

2. How many weddings have you done?

 
  • You'll want someone with quite a bit experience.  While working with a friend of a friend might seem more cost effective, it could end up costing you more in the long run. It's probably not a great idea to use Uncle Joe and his Ipod playlist for your special day.
  • Going with a larger entertainment company could really save you some stress. We've heard horror stories of friends-of-friends DJ's canceling within days of a wedding and the bride and groom must frantically search for a replacement. 

3. Do you offer other services such as lighting design & decor, videography, or photo booth?

 
  • The average wedding couple deals with 12 vendors. What if one company could be your Event Planner and handle everything from your Venue, DJ, Band, Caterer, Decor & Design, Photographer, Videographer, Photo Booth, Florists, Dessert Options, Bar Services, etc? Those are the type of organizations you'll want to work with for a stress-free wedding day. If you aren't already on the knot it's a great resource for planning. 

4. Have you done parties at my ceremony/reception location before? If not, will you check out the power and best location to set up beforehand?

 
  • Your vendors should always plan a site visit with you. While most venues have ample power, making sure your floor plan is thoughtfully planned out will ensure vendors have the access to power they need. Don't leave anything to chance on your wedding day. 

5. How do you motivate a shy crowd to get on the dance floor?

 
  • There's nothing that motivates a shy crowd to get on the dance floor more than the bride and groom themselves getting on the dance floor. If the guests are there to celebrate you, they will feed off your energy. If you have high energy entertainment, great music, and a bride and groom on the dance floor, your wedding will be an energy packed, fun experience for kids and adults alike. 
  • Consider having an MC at your event in addition to your DJ. This allows your DJ the ability to focus on music and read your crowd while your MC  makes announcements, engages and interacts with your guests. When interviewing MC's always ask about their dancing ability. A fun crowd always loves an emcee that can spin on their head!

6. Do you have liability insurance?

 
  • Accidents happen. Make sure you cover your a$$.

7. How extensive is your music library? Are you able to offer the genre we're looking for?

 

Music changes very rapidly. Your entertainment company should meet with you months prior to your wedding and then again before your wedding to make sure your music taste, timeline, and structure of your event hasn't changed. 

8. How do you handle song requests?

 
  • An option is to submit a poll to your guests on songs they'd like to hear on the dance floor prior to your wedding. The last thing you want is for your DJ to get distracted with guests constantly going up to the booth.

9. What sets you apart from your competition?

 
  • Make sure the company you go with makes your event feel special and not just another number. Ask how their company differs from others.

10. If we choose to have a "surprise choreographed wedding dance" are you able to assist us with music ideas and/or dance routine?

 
  • Entertainment companies may have dancers that help choreograph a fun dance for those brides and grooms wanting to show off some skills!
  • Work with a company that is able to help you plan your wedding from beginning to perfect ending.

11. What are your payment options?

 
  • Work with an organization that is conducive to your budget, whether that be a payment plan or quarterly installments. Find out when deposits are due and don't forget to budget in tips for certain vendors.