Questions to Ask Your Vendors Part 2: The DJ

So you now know what you ask when booking your venue, here's how to navigate booking your DJ.  The DJ is one of the MOST important vendors you will book for you wedding!  This person is responsible for the party atmosphere and keeping your guests entertained throughout the evening so you want to make sure you get ALL your questions asked before you make your final decision.

Keep in mind before meeting with your potential DJ you should consider what kind of service you want them to provide.  My fiance and I are hosting our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception at the same location, and therefore had a few uncommon questions to get answered. Some questions you might what to answer with your significant other before you set up an appointment with a DJ might be:
-Do we want a DJ for the ceremony?/Do we want music at the ceremony?
-Do we want music at cocktail hour? (How will this work?)
-Will it be difficult to hear what is being said without a mic? (think outdoor/large scale wedding)
-If we don't want a DJ for these events, who will be in charge of the music? (if applicable)

Once you've established how you want your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception to go, you can move on to the more important questions.

Here are our top five questions to ask your potential DJ:

1. What is included in the DJ package?- Almost all DJs have a special package that they offer to wedding couples to get the "most bang for your buck." These packages will vary from vendor to vendor and possibly from season to season (if you book a DJ for an off season date, they may give you a discount etc.). It is important to know exactly what you are getting in this "deal."  We noticed that some vendors would only send 1 DJ to an event while others would send 2.  It is important to note these details and the price range for both options. Although having 2 DJs might seem excessive  it could also mean, less headaches on your big day. (Who's going to man the music if that one DJ has to run to the bathroom?!)  Having 2 DJs makes running the "party" a little easier as well. 1 mans the music while the other takes care of announcements, and toasts.

Some DJs include special additions as well such as up-lighting, dance floor lighting, glow sticks, noise makers, and other party favorites.  Keep track of these things and compare them when you have time to sit down and look over each contender.  You may also be able to customize your package to meet your needs, so be sure to take note of what you do and do not want!

2. Will you travel?- If you're planning on have your ceremony and cocktail hour/reception at different locations and would like to have professional music at both, be sure to ask about travel.  Some vendors include unlimited travel, while others will charge you per mile or hour of additional service.  It is important to know exactly what you'll be paying for so that there is not a huge surprise at the end of the day.

3. Do we need to provide a "play list?"-  Some DJs require the bride and groom to provide them a playlist of songs so that they know what kinds of music to bring with them or what the crowd will like.  Others do not require this but will instead "assess the crowd" and play what they think is best. Think about what will work best for you!  For instance, we went with a DJ that has 12 years experience playing in a nightclub and provides 2 professional DJs.  We KNOW they will play fun, feel good, party music without having to create a play list for them.  And, not-for-nothing, I have MUCH bigger things to worry about than creating a play list for the DJ....isn't that their job?!..  You may also want to ask about a "Do Not Play List" for songs you feel would be inappropriate or that you just don't like.  Most DJs give you this option and are willing to explain to any guests that request that song why it is not being played.   On the same note, one list you WILL have to provide is the entrance, first dance, father-daughter, mother-son, cake cutting, and if you are hiring them for the ceremony; the processional and recessional music.

4. Can we add on hours to the package?- This is HUGE! Make sure you are clear on how adding additional hours to the original package works! If you booked the venue for 6 hours and only have the DJ for 4 hours what will you do for the 2 extra hours? No music?  Have uncle Eddie sing a solo?..maybe a duet with aunt Marsha?  I mean that's your choice... or what happens if you plan to have enough time for the DJ and the party is JUMPING and you want to stay longer?...Do you just call it quits or keep it rockin' ?! I mean I want to P-A-R-TAY on my wedding day so being able to add time to the DJ contract is crucial!  Find out how making a payment works if you want add time to the reception (some DJs will not take credit cards on the night of the event, so what method of payment they will take) and clear it with your venue to be sure you are not holding up another event if you'd like to stay later.

5. Do we have to provide a meal?- In most instances the DJ you hire will be there through dinner service.  Some DJs will require you to provide a meal for the professional running your reception.  This might be a good question to ask when you are trying to narrow down your top choices.  It may also be a good idea to find out what kind of meal they will require (ie. food restrictions, an option form your dinner menu, a sandwich, chicken and waffles, McDonalds etc.)  Your venue may also comp the meals for other vendors as well.  Be sure to bring that up while meeting with your wedding coordinator.

Some other questions that you might want to ask are:

How much set up time will you need?- be sure to inform the venue what time the DJ will be arriving!
How many outlets do you need access to?
Will you require any tables, linen, or extension cords?
How much space will you require?
Do you have a plan if you get sick and cannot be at the event?


I think I got them all...can you think of others?

Just remember to bring your MOST important questions with you when you're meeting the DJ for the first time.  Take their contact information at the end of the meeting just in case you think of something at a later time.  Typically they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have! Be polite and professional and you shall receive the same in return!


Your comments are appreciated!