10 Critical Questions to Ask a DJ Before Hiring

1. What creative ideas can you provide for my wedding reception?

You want to find out if your DJ is just relegated to playing music, or with creating uniquely personalized entertainment. A top performing DJ will be able to come up with creative ideas and, more importantly, draw those ideas from you and clarify them to fit perfectly with you and your guests.

2. What responsibility will you take with the direction and flow of my wedding agenda?

Have you ever attended a wedding that was slow paced or people were leaving early? This was likely a result of no one having control over the direction of the entertainment agenda. You might be surprised to learn many DJs just set up and play music, and they wait for someone else to guide and direct them as to when to move on to the next step. They’ll wait for the catering director or wedding coordinator for guidance. But most of the time these people are busy with their own duties such as dealing with the food and guests. You want to work with a professional who is going to produce the agenda with you, and get that agenda off to the other team members involved a week or so ahead of time, making sure everyone is on the same page. Then, the day of your wedding, your DJ is actually directing the flow. Your DJ is the one with the pulse of the feeling of the crowd, understanding when it’s starting to slow down and when to move to the next activity. Your wedding will be upbeat, exciting, and flow very smoothly throughout the night so you’ll have a packed dance floor and everyone will want to stay until the end.

3. Determine what the DJ thinks is more important: their Equipment or their Talent

Many DJs have the mistaken believe what they bring for equipment is more important than what they can do. The DJs that are more focused on their equipment display lots of pictures of speakers, microphones, lighting, amps, etc. on their website.
What you want to find out is if the DJ is more focused on improving his talents and techniques over the equipment they use. Think about it this way: did your photographer show you all the lenses they bring? Did your caterer show you their chafing dishes? Of course not! You wanted to know how the food tasted and the photographers quality of work. Remember, wedding entertainment is not a rental service, it’s a serviced experience that you’re obtaining. If it was all about equipment, you could go out and rent the equipment and have a friend DJ.
A true professional will know that talent is the most important factor in creating an unforgettable wedding.

4. Are you a member of any industry trade associations?

There are many local and national industry trade associations available for DJs to become a member of. However, being a member of an association does not mean the DJ is a guaranteed professional providing quality service and talent. It does mean that is he is committed to the trade and improving his service on a professional level.

5. Do you work with an assistant or second DJ?

Professional DJs will usually bring an assistant with them. Having an assistant will allow your DJ to be more engaged with your guests, allow for better transitions and flow between activities, and overall ensure a better MC for your wedding. A smooth flowing party will always result in a more fun and successful event.

6. What sets you apart from the other DJs?

A professional DJ will be able to answer this question with honesty and enthusiasm. Most DJs provide the same services, but it is how they perform these services that matters. For example, most DJs will introduce you for the first time as husband and wife; some DJs may take the time to get to know you and introduce you in a very personalized way that fits what you want, while other DJs will introduce you the same generic way they’ve done it for every other couple over the past 10 years.

7. How will you create and keep a full dance floor at my wedding reception?

DJ’s all have their own unique ways of handling a dance floor. Some will have a set playlist they use at every wedding. Some will use group dances or a slow song to get people out on the dance floor. Others will use the microphone to try to energize your guests to motivate them into dancing. Experienced DJs will know how to read the crowd, and will keep the dance floor packed for the duration of your wedding reception with his music selections. There is no right or wrong answer here, but whatever the DJs response is, make sure it fits you and your guests.

8. What is your backup plan in case something goes wrong?

Professional DJs will have a backup plan in place. There is always a chance for equipment to malfunction, and you don’t want that to happen in the middle of your wedding reception. A backup system is necessary to ensure an uninterrupted performance.

9. Do you perform more than one event in a weekend?

Many DJs will try to book as many events as they can in one weekend. Having events back to back can be physically and mentally exhausting. You’ll want your DJ to be alert and ready to give you all of their attention and energy that you deserve on your wedding day.

10. Will I be guaranteed to get the DJ I want? (if you’re going through a DJ company with more than one DJ)

Make sure the name of the DJ you want is on the contract. If they are unwilling to do this, then they are most likely not guaranteeing you’ll get the same DJ you requested for your wedding. Some companies will book as many weddings as they can and then send out DJ subcontractors. You wouldn’t want a DJ you’ve never even met to show up at your wedding, and it happens more often than you’d think.

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