Your wedding DJ can make or break your reception. They’re not just playing music—they’re reading the room, keeping energy flowing, and orchestrating one of the most important nights of your life.
Here’s what you need to know before signing that contract.
1. What’s Your Experience with Weddings Specifically?
Not all DJs are created equal, and club experience doesn’t automatically translate to wedding success. A wedding DJ needs to understand the delicate balance of keeping grandparents happy while getting your college friends on the dance floor.
Ask how many weddings they’ve done and request references from recent couples. The sweet spot is someone who’s done enough weddings to handle unexpected situations but isn’t so burned out they’re phoning it in.
2. How Do You Handle Music Requests and Do-Not-Play Lists?
This question reveals their flexibility and professionalism. Some DJs are control freaks who ignore guest requests, while others turn into human jukeboxes, letting drunk Uncle Bob dictate the entire playlist.
The best DJs strike a balance—they’ll honor reasonable requests that fit the vibe while diplomatically deflecting songs that would clear the dance floor. Make sure they understand your must-play and absolutely-never-play lists are non-negotiable.
3. Can You Act as Master of Ceremonies?
Many couples assume their DJ will naturally handle announcements, but not all are comfortable with public speaking beyond “Let’s hear it for the bride and groom!”
If you need someone to introduce the wedding party, announce dinner, or coordinate with your photographer for special moments, confirm they’re up for it.
Some DJs charge extra for MC services, while others include it in their standard package. Clarify what level of speaking you expect and whether they’re comfortable with your specific needs.
4. What Equipment Do You Bring and What’s Your Backup Plan?
Technology fails at the worst possible moments—Murphy’s Law practically invented itself at weddings. Your DJ should have backup equipment for everything: speakers, microphones, laptops, and cables.
Ask specifically about their sound system’s capacity for your venue size. A setup that works for 50 people in a restaurant won’t cut it for 200 guests in a barn with high ceilings.
5. How Do You Read the Room and Adjust Music Accordingly?
This separates amateur DJs from professionals. Anyone can press play on a playlist, but reading a crowd and adjusting in real-time is an art form.
Listen for answers about watching the dance floor, recognizing when to switch genres, and understanding different age groups’ preferences. They should have stories about successfully pivoting when their initial song choices weren’t landing.
6. What’s Your Approach to Mixing and Transitions?
Smooth transitions keep energy flowing, while jarring cuts between songs can kill the mood faster than a fire alarm. Some DJs are skilled at beatmatching and creating seamless mixes, while others prefer clean cuts between songs.
Neither style is inherently wrong, but it should match your vision. If you want a club-like experience with smooth blends, make sure your DJ has those skills.
7. How Far in Advance Do We Plan the Music?
Some DJs want your entire playlist months in advance, while others prefer to keep things flexible until closer to the date. Both approaches have merit, but you need to know what you’re signing up for.
If you’re the type who changes your mind frequently, a DJ who demands your final playlist six months out might cause stress. Conversely, if you want everything locked down early, don’t hire someone who wings it.
8. Do You Take Breaks and How Are They Handled?
Even DJs need bathroom breaks, but dead air during your reception is unacceptable. Professional DJs either bring an assistant or have systems that keep music playing during brief absences.
Ask about meal breaks too. Some DJs expect to be fed (which is reasonable for long events), while others bring their own food or eat before arriving.
9. What’s Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
Wedding dates change—sometimes by choice, sometimes by global pandemic. Understanding your DJ’s flexibility before booking can save headaches later.
Look for reasonable policies that protect both parties. A DJ who won’t reschedule for any reason is problematic, but so is one with no cancellation fees whatsoever (they might not take your booking seriously).
10. How Do You Dress and What’s Your Setup Style?
Some DJs show up in full tuxedos with elaborate light shows, while others prefer to blend into the background. Neither is wrong, but it should match your wedding’s vibe.
Discuss whether they bring additional lighting, how much space their setup requires, and if their equipment aesthetic fits your venue. A massive LED-covered booth might look out of place at an intimate garden party.
11. What’s Included in Your Package and What Costs Extra?
DJ pricing can be deceptive. The base rate might seem reasonable until you add ceremony music, cocktail hour coverage, extra microphones, and lighting upgrades.
Get a detailed breakdown of what’s included and what’s considered an add-on. This prevents awkward conversations later when you assumed ceremony music was included but it’s actually a $300 upcharge.
12. Can You Provide References and Sample Mixes?
Any professional DJ should readily provide references from recent weddings and examples of their mixing style. If they hesitate or make excuses, that’s a red flag.
Listen to their sample mixes with your partner. Do their transitions feel smooth? Is their music selection varied enough? Sometimes you’ll know within the first few minutes if their style matches your vision.
Sealing the Deal
Once you’ve found your DJ, get everything in writing. Verbal agreements have a way of becoming “misunderstandings” when money and emotions are involved.
Your contract should specify arrival times, setup requirements, overtime rates, and exactly what services are included. The best DJ relationships start with crystal-clear expectations and end with epic dance floor memories.
Trust your instincts during these conversations. Technical skills matter, but personality fit is equally important. You’ll be working closely with this person on one of your most important days—make sure you actually like them.