5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Wedding DJ

Photo by Caio Resende from Pexels

Music is the lifeblood of any celebration. So it's only natural that you put your wedding day tunes in the hands of a professional DJ who knows all the songs you like (and more importantly, the ones you don't). 

DJ's are a great get for wedding ceremonies and receptions alike because:

• A professional wedding DJ reads the crowd and tailors her music to the present energy
• An experienced wedding day DJ will adhere to your wedding day timeline, making sure to hit all the key points that you specify, such as key dances, toasts, and anything you deem important. Plus, a true pro will know to wrap it up when the timeline indicates, not whenever they feel like it.
• A DJ can also make announcements throughout the wedding reception or ceremony, ensuring your guests are always where you need them to be.

But just like songs, records, and Spotify playlists, no two DJ's are alike. Here are some helpful questions to help cut through the noise and find a wedding DJ who will bring some much needed harmony to your special day.

1. What is their wedding DJ experience?
Hiring a regular ol' DJ with no wedding experience is like being half asleep and pouring orange juice on your cereal. You're going to be very surprised, and not in a fun way.

A professional wedding DJ may come at a higher price, but you're paying for their wealth of knowledge when it comes to the topic at hand. A wedding DJ knows how to stick to her cues, keep the crowd energy up, and keep the proceedings moving along at a good pace. These are attributes you will most likely not find in a club DJ or someone who is just starting out.


2. What are your favorite wedding songs?
It's simple, but this question goes a long way in finding out if you and your DJ's tastes match up. If you're truly dealing with a pro, conflicting tastes shouldn't matter; your DJ should cater to your tastes and those of your guests. Still, it's always a great boost to your confidence if you know you have someone whose musical opinions you can trust behind the turntables.

What are your least favorite wedding songs?
We get it. Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" is a really nice song. It has also been played at more weddings than we'd care to count.
Learn early if your DJ leans heavily on these cliche wedding songs or if she plans on keeping the sounds fresh.

Make sure also to provide your DJ with a pair of lists -- one of songs that you absolutely want played, and one with songs you absolutely don't want played. Does the "Cha Cha Slide" grate on your every nerve? Then put it on the second list and none of your wedding guests wil have to "Charlie Brown,: whatever that is.


3. On a scale of 1-5, what is your level of crowd interaction?
Like most things on your wedding planning journey, this one is a matter of taste. You may want a DJ who is reserved and just plays the music. But you may want someone who is lively, engaging the crowd and making event-related announcements along the way. Just make sure you know your DJ's style before booking. Nobody wants a DJ practicing their stand-up comedy routine in between songs.

Make sure to ask your DJ-to-be for a sample before you book them. This could be a mixtape, video clip, or anything that gives you a flavor for their style. 


4. What is your policy concerning guest song requests?
When a party gets going, sometimes your guests will want to hear a song that isn't on the list. Be prepared to ask your DJ how they plan on handling this situation. Some DJ's will not take requests, while others are happy to do so as long as the song is appropriate and in line with the songs you requested beforehand. Still others will only do so if the song matches the kind of energy they're going for. Every DJ is different, so be sure to learn their process for this before you put pen to paper.


​5. Are you using turntables or a computer?
Sometimes, a DJ is more of a fella with a laptop and some wires. While some might think that's totally fine, be aware of what the DJ is charging. Chances are, if they are just bringing a laptop to the event, you could probably control the music yourself and just cut out the middle man.

Photo by Marlene Leppänen from Pexels

Sometimes, a DJ just isn’t in the budget. It happens. Next time, we’ll show you how to DIY DJ your own wedding while still getting to enjoy every moment.

Remember, help booking DJ's, florists, cake decorators, and anything else you might need for your wedding day is just a free consultation away. Click here to book yours today.

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Post Written by Des Delgadillo for Events Unleashed