17 Questions You Need to Ask Your Wedding DJ Before Hiring

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life, so you need to ensure that everything is in order for the big day. Music is a massive part of any wedding, so you'll need to hire a DJ who can keep your guests dancing all night.

But before you commit to a wedding DJ, you need to ask plenty of questions to ensure you're getting the right person for the job. With that in mind, here are 17 questions to ask before hiring a wedding DJ:

1. How Long Have You Been Working As a Wedding DJ?

One of the most crucial questions is how experienced the DJ is. You want someone who knows exactly what they’re doing, so make sure to find out how long they have been providing wedding entertainment.

Their answer will not only give you an idea of their experience but also help gauge their passion for their job. If they're not willing to tell you about their experience, it's a red flag. Regardless of how long someone has been working as a wedding DJ, they should still be able to provide you with details about their professional journey.

2. Do You Have Any References I Can Contact?

You want to make sure your DJ is reliable and trustworthy, so ask for references from previous weddings they’ve done. This will give you an idea of their work ethic and how they interact with clients.

If they don't have any references or are unwilling to provide them, it's a sign you should look elsewhere for your wedding DJ. Also, make sure you actually speak to the contacts listed to verify any information that has been given.

3. How Many Weddings Do You Do a Year?

One of the best signs that a DJ is experienced and reliable is the number of weddings they do in a year. A larger number will indicate they have plenty of experience playing for wedding crowds. By contrast, lower numbers could mean they're not as familiar with wedding events, or they haven't performed well enough to be invited back.

It's also important to note that a DJ who only does a few weddings each year might not have the latest equipment or be able to keep up with modern trends in music. It's also worth asking if the DJ does any other types of events, as this can give you an idea of the variety they have in their repertoire.

4. How Much Do You Charge?

Of course, you'll need to consider the cost of hiring a DJ for your French wedding. It's important to ask potential DJs about their fees upfront so that you know exactly how much it will cost and can compare prices accordingly.

Make sure you ask what's included in the price, too, so you can compare apples to apples. Some DJs may offer packages with extra services such as a sound system, lighting, and additional equipment.

5. What Kind of Music Do You Play?

It's essential to check that the DJ you hire has a good selection of music and can cater to your tastes. Ask them what genres they play and if they are familiar with the songs you want to be included in your wedding. You should also ask if they have any songs that are “must-plays” at weddings (in their experience) and see if you like those.

Generally speaking, most wedding DJs are generalists who don't have a specific genre they focus on. However, it's still worth making sure of their music selection or specialism before hiring them.

6. Do You Take Requests?

If you want to make sure your guests are enjoying themselves, it's essential to find out if the DJ takes requests. This can be a great way to ensure everyone is involved and the dance floor stays packed all night long.

If, for some reason, they don't take requests, it's worth asking why. They may have reasons why they can't accommodate your guests' musical desires, and you should be aware of this before making a decision.

7. Can We Supply You with a List of Songs to Play/Not Play?

Another crucial question, because this celebration is about you as a couple. Thus, it's only fitting that you have the final say regarding the music. While you probably don't want to micromanage the DJ, it's essential that they know what music you want to be played and which songs you'd prefer to avoid.

Make sure to provide them with a list of the songs you do/don't want before the big day so you can be sure that there won't be any surprises on the day of your wedding and that all your guests will have a great time!

8. Do You Charge a Deposit? If So, How Much?

Most wedding DJs these days will need to take a deposit to secure their services. This can range from a few hundred to a thousand euros and will depend on the DJ's experience and background.

A deposit also gives you peace of mind that your wedding date is reserved and that the DJ will be available to play on your special day. Be sure to ask about deposits and their payment policies before you make any decisions.

9. Will Our Wedding Be the Only Booking on This Date?

You need to be sure that the DJ won't double book or have any other commitments on your wedding day. The last thing you want is to have your DJ arrive with low energy and a mediocre performance because they've already played at another event before your wedding.

Your wedding reception should be the only booking the DJ has that day, and they should be willing to prioritise your day. If not, you may want to consider another DJ.

10. What Equipment Do You Have/Will You Bring?

This is an important question to ask as you want to be sure that the gear and equipment the DJ brings will be suitable for your wedding. Make sure to ask about the sound system, lighting, and any other equipment that may be necessary for the event.

Depending on who you hire, you might have to hire professional DJ equipment from a wedding supplier, something else you should consider when comparing costs. So, be sure to ask your DJ about the equipment they will bring and ensure it is of a high enough quality for your wedding.

11. Will You Meet Us Before the Wedding?

Another excellent question that weeds out any DJs who might not be a good fit for your wedding. You should meet the DJ in person at least once before your big day, even if it's just to discuss music and expectations.

Meeting them gives you an opportunity to get to know each other and build a relationship, which can help ensure that things go smoothly on the day of your wedding. At the very least, a decent DJ should be willing to talk at length on the phone (or via video call) about your wedding reception.

Do your research and find out which DJs are willing to go the extra mile and meet with you before the wedding – these are usually the best ones!

12. Do You Make Announcements?

An underappreciated aspect of a wedding DJ's skillset is the ability to make announcements. These can include introducing people, making special announcements, and running through any programmes or formalities you may have planned for your wedding.

If you have a particular format in mind for the day's proceedings, then make sure to ask the DJ if they are comfortable with this and if they have any experience with it. Some prefer to just focus on the music, while others are more than happy to take on the role of master of ceremonies.

13. What Are Your Backup/Contingency Plans?

Be sure to ask your DJ about their backup plans. In case of an emergency – such as a power outage or weather-related issues – you'll want to know that they have a plan B.

Any decent DJ should come with some form of contingency and be able to handle any potential issues, including being unable to fulfil their obligations due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances. So make sure to ask about their backup plans before you make any decisions.

14. Are You Insured?

Insurance is an important consideration when it comes to hiring a wedding DJ. If something goes wrong, you want to be sure that you're covered and that any financial losses are taken care of.

All good DJs should have some liability insurance in place, but don't take their word for it – ask for proof of their coverage before making any decisions. That way, you can be sure that any potential problems are taken care of.

15. What if No One is Dancing?

When meeting your DJ, running through a few "what if" scenarios is always good. One of those should definitely be what they plan to do if no one is dancing. It's a tricky situation and one that you want to make sure your DJ is prepared for. Ask them how they would handle it, and look out for any creative solutions or ideas they might come up with.

A good DJ will have some strategies in place to engage your guests and get them on the dance floor. From guaranteed crowd-pleasers to old classics, they should be able to react accordingly and get people moving.

16. What Makes You Unique?

When comparing plenty of DJs, you need some way of narrowing down the search. One trick is to ask them what makes them unique and why you should choose them over anyone else. This will give you a good indication of their personality, style, and approach to DJing.

Listen carefully for any special services or extra touches they might offer that sets them apart from the competition.

17. What Do You Need from Us?

Finally, you should ask your DJ what they need from you. This is important because it will give you an idea of how prepared the DJ is and how much work needs to be done on your end.

For example, they may need a list of all the music they want to be played at the wedding, a sheltered spot for their equipment, or even a contact list of people to introduce. Whatever it may be, it's good to know in advance so you can plan accordingly and have everything prepared for the big day.

By meeting your DJ's expectations, they stand a much better chance of delivering a top performance on the night. That's why it pays to ask this question and make sure you're as prepared as possible in advance.

Asking Questions of Your Wedding DJ Now Saves You Stress Later

At the end of the day, you want a DJ who can make your wedding reception truly memorable, so you must ask all the right questions before deciding. The answers will give you an indication of whether or not your chosen DJ is up to the task.

If you're looking for professional DJ services for your French wedding, don't hesitate to contact us. We're more than happy to answer these questions (as well as any others you may have) and provide the perfect soundtrack to your special day.

We provide our DJ and equipment hire services across South West France and are dedicated to helping make your wedding day, party, or corporate event even more special. Get in touch today and see how we can help you create a unique and memorable occasion.