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10 Questions to ask a DJ before Booking

Written by: Justin The DJ

August 9th, 2024

A DJ at a wedding with a Bride dancing in front of the DJ Booth

When picking a DJ for your event, you’re not just choosing music—you’re selecting a key part of the celebration that sets the tone for the entire occasion.


To make sure you find the perfect match, it's important to dive deep during your interview with each potential DJ. Here are 10 Questions to ask a DJ before booking!


 

Question 1: "What is your Experiance as a DJ?"


Ask about their overall experience. You really don't want to end up with someone who's never DJ'd a wedding if that’s what you're planning. For example, imagine it’s your big day and the DJ misjudges the crowd completely, playing club bangers for a room full of guests who prefer classic hits! It’s important to understand not just how long they've been DJing, but the types of events they're most comfortable with. You could say, “Tell me about some of the weddings you’ve done recently. How did you tailor your music selections for those couples?”


 

Question 2: "What is your Style?"


Dig into their musical style. It’s essential to find out if what they play will vibe well with your event's atmosphere. Ask them, “What’s your go-to playlist to get the crowd going?” Also, inquire if they can adapt their style based on the demographic of your guests. For instance, if you’re planning a 70s themed party, can they rock those disco beats? Or if your wedding has a mix of old and young, can they blend classics with current hits to keep everyone happy?


 

Question 3: "How do we request specific songs to be played?"


Understand how they handle song requests. Some DJs like to plan their playlist meticulously and might prefer you to send your must-play list a week before. Others are wizards at taking live requests and mixing them on the fly. Ask, “How do you manage requests during the event? Can you give me an example of how you incorporated guest requests at a recent event?”


 

Question 4: "Have you been to my venue before?"


Checking if they've previously worked at your venue can save a lot of trouble. A DJ who knows the venue's layout, acoustics, and any quirks (like that one corner where speakers just won’t work) can manage the event more smoothly. Ask, “Have you done events at my venue before? What was your experience like? Did you encounter any issues with the setup or sound?” If they haven’t been there, it might be worth suggesting a site visit. You could add, “Since you’re not familiar with the venue, would you be open to checking it out beforehand? It might help us avoid any technical snags on the big day.”


 

Question 5: "Do you have event insurance?"


This is a biggie because you don’t want any accidents to derail your event. Start with, “Do you have liability insurance that covers accidents or damage during the event?” Get specific about what their insurance covers—like equipment damage or personal injury. This not only protects them but also you and the venue. You might even ask for a copy of their insurance certificate to confirm that everything is up-to-date.


 

Question 6: "Do you have a microphone we can

use for the speeches or announcements?"


Ask them about the specific equipment they use and if they'll have everything your event might need. It’s good to know whether they’re packing the latest gear or if their setup is a little dated. “What kind of sound system do you use? Do you bring your own lighting? What about microphones? Can you handle a large room or an outdoor setting?” If you need special equipment like a lapel mic for officiants or speakers spread out over a large area, now’s the time to ask. It’s also a good idea to ask about backups because, let’s face it, technology can be unpredictable.


 

Question 7: "Is the music that you play clean?"


This is about making sure the music matches the mood and the crowd. Start off by expressing your needs, “I want to make sure the music is enjoyable for everyone, from my little cousins to my grandparents. How do you ensure the tracks are suitable for all ages?” Discuss their process for screening songs and whether they’re equipped with clean versions of today’s hits. This is especially important if your event will host a diverse group of guests. Nobody wants a surprise track with explicit lyrics during a family-friendly celebration!


 

Question 8: "Do you have a backup plan in case of emergencies?"


Because anything can happen, knowing there’s a plan B can really put your mind at ease. Ask, “What’s your backup plan if you can’t make it on the day? Do you have a network of DJ colleagues you can call on?” Also, probe a little about their equipment redundancy, “What happens if your equipment fails? Do you bring spare gear?” Understanding their contingency plans for both personal and technical setbacks will help you feel secure that your event won’t suffer in the face of unexpected issues.


 

Question 9: "Do you have any videos or mixes that I

can listen to?"


Seeing is believing, right? So, asking to see examples of their work is key. “Can you show me some videos or maybe a sample mix from recent gigs? I’d love to get a feel for how you interact with the audience and manage the music live.” This can give you insights into their style, how they handle transitions, and how they engage with different types of audiences. Plus, it might just get you excited about what they can bring to your event!


 

Question 10: "What are the next steps?"


When you feel like they might be the right DJ for your event, it’s time to nail down the details. Ask, “What do I need to do to officially book you for my event? Can you walk me through your contract, deposit requirements, and payment schedule?” Don’t forget to inquire about cancellation policies and any potential additional fees, like for travel or extended hours. This will help ensure there are no surprises and that everything is clear and straightforward for both parties.


 

10 Questions to ask a DJ before Booking


By addressing these topics in depth during your interview, you can ensure that the DJ you choose is well-equipped to make your event a memorable success. It’s not just about playing music but creating an atmosphere that complements the significance of the occasion.

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