You’ve booked the venue, said “yes” to the dress, and even finalized your dream guest list. But before you can check off everything, there’s one major piece of the puzzle: the music. A killer playlist and the right DJ can turn your reception into a night your guests will never forget.
Your DJ isn’t just someone hitting play—they’re the master of ceremonies, the mood-setter, and the reason your Uncle Bob might finally show off his questionable dance moves. Choosing the right one? It’s all about knowing what to ask.
From playlist preferences to their plan if something goes wrong, this list has every question you’ll need to make an informed decision. Ready to nail this? Let’s make your wedding unforgettable.
Table of Contents
DJ’s Background and Experience
- How long have you been a wedding DJ, and how many weddings have you done?
- What inspired you to become a wedding DJ?
- Do you specialize in certain types of weddings or cultures?
- Can you share some memorable wedding experiences you’ve been part of?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- How do you handle different audience types and age groups?
- Do you have any testimonials or references from past clients?
- Are you a full-time DJ or is this a side gig?
- What’s your approach to creating the perfect wedding vibe?
- Have you ever faced challenges at a wedding, and how did you handle them?
- Do you collaborate with other vendors, such as photographers or planners?
- What sets you apart from other wedding DJs?
- Are you open to meeting us in person or virtually before the wedding?
- What do you love most about being a wedding DJ?
- How do you stay updated with current wedding trends and music styles?
Music Style and Preferences
- Can you create a playlist that matches our wedding theme?
- Are you comfortable mixing different music genres throughout the event?
- How do you handle song requests from guests during the reception?
- Can we provide a “do not play” list?
- How do you ensure the music appeals to all age groups at the wedding?
- Are you familiar with our cultural or religious music preferences?
- What’s your process for choosing songs for key moments, like the first dance or bouquet toss?
- Do you play live mixes, or do you stick to pre-set playlists?
- Can you adjust the energy level of the music depending on the crowd’s mood?
- What are some examples of your most successful wedding playlists?
- Are you open to collaborating with us on the playlist?
- How do you balance slower, romantic songs with upbeat dance tracks?
- Can you incorporate specific songs from our family’s traditions or culture?
- What’s your approach to keeping the dance floor packed?
- How do you transition between songs or events during the wedding?
Pricing, Packages, and Contract Details
- What’s included in your standard wedding package?
- Do you charge extra for travel or setup time?
- Are there additional fees for overtime?
- What’s your payment schedule?
- Do you offer discounts for weekday or off-season weddings?
- Are taxes and service charges included in your quote?
- Can you provide a breakdown of your pricing?
- Do you require a deposit to secure our date?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- Are there any hidden fees we should know about?
- Do you offer custom packages based on our needs?
- How far in advance should we book your services?
- Can you include lighting or other add-ons in the package?
- Is the cost of setup and teardown included?
- Do you provide a written contract for all services?
Reliability and Contingency Plans
- What happens if you’re unable to make it on the wedding day?
- Do you have a backup DJ or team in case of emergencies?
- How do you handle equipment malfunctions during an event?
- Do you bring backup equipment, such as speakers and microphones?
- What’s your plan if there’s a power outage at the venue?
- Have you ever had to deal with last-minute schedule changes, and how did you manage?
- Are you insured in case of any accidents or damages?
- Do you arrive with enough time to set up and test everything before the event starts?
- Can you provide a written contract outlining your responsibilities?
- How do you ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish?
- Do you provide contact information for emergencies on the day of the wedding?
- What’s your strategy for handling unexpected delays during the event?
- Can you work with our wedding planner to coordinate contingency plans?
- Do you monitor sound levels to avoid issues with the venue or guests?
- What’s the longest wedding event you’ve managed, and how did you stay prepared?
Interactive and Emcee Skills
- Are you comfortable acting as the emcee for the reception?
- How do you engage with the crowd to keep the energy up?
- Do you make announcements, such as introducing the wedding party or first dance?
- Can you help us plan the timing for key moments like speeches and cake-cutting?
- How do you handle a shy or reserved crowd?
- Are you comfortable taking the lead in organizing interactive activities or games?
- Can you customize your emcee style to match the tone of our wedding?
- Do you use humor or keep things more formal when addressing guests?
- How do you ensure smooth transitions between wedding events?
- Are you comfortable interacting with guests of all ages?
- What’s your approach to keeping the reception timeline on track?
- Do you coordinate with other vendors while emceeing?
- How do you manage interruptions or disruptions during the event?
- Can you provide examples of weddings where you served as both DJ and emcee?
- What’s your strategy for keeping guests entertained between scheduled activities?
Customizing Your Wedding Day
- Can you help us choose a unique song for our first dance?
- How do you incorporate personal touches into the music selection?
- Are you open to playing a mix of songs from different cultures or traditions?
- Can you adjust the music to match the vibe of specific moments, like dinner vs. dancing?
- Do you take input from both the couple and their families when planning the music?
- Can you create a custom mashup or remix for a special moment?
- How do you ensure our wedding feels unique compared to others you’ve done?
- Are you open to adding sound effects or voiceovers for certain parts of the reception?
- Can you include songs from our love story or significant life moments?
- How do you balance our requests with keeping the dance floor active?
- Do you offer consultations to discuss music ideas and timelines?
- Can you design a specific playlist for quieter moments, like during dinner?
- How do you incorporate crowd-pleasers without overshadowing our preferences?
- Can you personalize the final song of the night?
- How do you bring the wedding theme to life through your music choices?
Event Management and Coordination
- How do you coordinate with the wedding planner or event coordinator?
- Can you adjust your music and announcements based on how the schedule flows?
- How do you ensure the event timeline stays on track?
- Do you conduct sound checks and tests before guests arrive?
- How do you balance transitions between formal events and fun moments?
- Can you adapt if the schedule changes unexpectedly?
- Do you coordinate with photographers and videographers for key moments?
- How do you keep the energy up while sticking to the event’s structure?
- Do you manage guest requests while maintaining the couple’s preferences?
- How do you ensure smooth coordination during speeches or performances?
- Are you comfortable taking the lead in managing the event flow when needed?
- Do you provide a detailed itinerary for your services?
- Can you help us with the order of songs for specific moments?
- How do you communicate with the venue staff about setup and logistics?
- Are you available for a walkthrough of the venue before the wedding day?
Equipment and Technology
- What type of sound system do you use for weddings?
- Do you bring backup speakers and microphones?
- Are you familiar with the acoustics of our venue?
- How do you ensure the sound quality is consistent throughout the event?
- Do you provide lighting equipment for the dance floor?
- What additional technology do you use to enhance the experience?
- Can you adjust the volume to suit different parts of the reception?
- How do you prevent sound issues, such as feedback or interruptions?
- Do you have a wireless microphone for speeches and toasts?
- Are you comfortable working with our venue’s sound system if needed?
- How do you set up and test your equipment before the event?
- Do you offer special effects, like fog machines or lasers?
- What’s your plan if equipment breaks down during the event?
- Do you require any specific technical setup from the venue?
- Can you provide additional audio equipment for outdoor or separate spaces?
Final Thoughts
Your DJ will be the soundtrack to one of the most important days of your life. They’ll set the mood, keep the energy flowing, and help create memories you and your guests will cherish forever. That’s why choosing the right one is so important.
By asking the right questions, you’re making sure that your wedding will go off without a hitch. Take time to review their experience, understand their style, and make sure they align with your vision.
