Planning a wedding should be as fun and stress-free as possible, though that might be a bit unrealistic at times. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that everything flows with the theme you’ve decided on, is approved by the venue, you have all the décor you need, and that you’ve checked with everyone to make sure things were going to run as smoothly as possible.
One aspect you should be sure to vet vigorously is your wedding DJ. The music is one of the most important aspects of your wedding reception. A good DJ will make or break a wedding. In fact, wedding music is one of the things wedding guests care about most. To ensure you’re hiring the disc jockey of a life time, here are some questions to ask your wedding DJ:
Can you share your music library or song list that you draw from?
First things first: Make sure that the DJ has an array of music that aligns with you and your partner’s (and perhaps even your guests’) musical preferences. If you’re not a big fan of hip-hop music, then perhaps a DJ whose library features mostly hip-hop artists wouldn’t be the best fit for you. Regardless, make sure there is plenty of variety.
Do you book more than one wedding per day?
While your DJ makes a living off of his or her bookings, it’s important that your day won’t get pushed to the side. If your DJ does book more than one event on your wedding day, just ensure you provide a detailed timeline in advance. It’s also a good idea to outline your expectation to ensure you’re on the same page from day one.
What are your break and sick time policies?
Typically, DJs will only take one break per shift and will likely eat a meal off to the side. During that time—usually during dinner—they won’t have to find dance music and will just play something fun that people can eat to. If they get sick, they should have a plan in place for somebody reputable to replace them and with a taste that aligns with your intended DJ.
Do you have a video or tape of a previous wedding?
While it’s certainly important to read reviews and testimonials, viewing a previous wedding that the DJ worked at before or listening to a tape could help really paint the full picture. This will give you exact idea of what type of vibe you might expect, and it will guarantee that you get exactly what you want from your wedding DJ. If possible, view the DJ perform at a wedding or event before you book them for your wedding.
Do you use lighting, effects, or props?
If you’re venue has amazing wedding packages, but the ambience of the ball room is less impressive, your DJ might be able to help. Chances are, they can’t paint a room in one day, but many DJs have different ways of enhancing a space. Certain venues aren’t equipped for lighting or music equipment, so you should make sure your DJ has everything needed for a set. It’s also important that any up-lighting and sound enhancements are approved by your venue ahead of time. Various extras might also cost more, so keep that in mind - especially if you have a strict budget. Also, find out the set-up locations so the DJ knows what extension cords and other necessary equipment they need to bring.
How do you handle requests or a shy crowd?
It’s good to know what your DJ will do in specific situations, such as receiving requests from guests or encouraging a shy crowd to boogie down. Some DJs will encourage people to dance by walking them through the steps of a song. As for requests, if you don’t want there to be an endless line of guests dictating the direction of your music, you might want to let your DJ know that you’d like a cap on requests. Certain parts of the night are best for requests, and an experienced DJ will know how to handle those requests.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Even though it’s certainly not your intention to cancel on a vendor, some aspects of wedding planning are out of your control. If you do need to cancel, find out if there’s a cutoff point and if there’s a refund policy in place.
Do you have liability insurance?
Insurance is an important aspect because you’ll want to make sure you, your venue, and your guests are all protected in case something happens to go wrong. It’s a worst-case scenario, but it’s best to be prepared just in case.
If you’re prepared, you’ll have the best wedding possibly and undoubtedly the best wedding DJ. In the end, you’ll look back fondly on your fun wedding and all the dance-worthy moments that you had to some of your favorite tunes. Contact us today!
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