Planning guide
Questions to ask a wedding DJ before you book
Before you pay a deposit, ask a wedding DJ about availability and timings, music, equipment, announcements, the contract, insurance and their backup plan. A good DJ will answer all of them clearly and put the key points in writing.
The short answer
A good wedding DJ should be able to tell you, clearly and without fuss: whether they are free on your date, how long they play and when they arrive, how they plan the music with you, what equipment they bring, whether they will make announcements, what the deposit and cancellation terms are, whether they have insurance and tested equipment, and what happens if something goes wrong. Get the important answers in writing.
The questions below are grouped by topic. For each, there is a note on why it matters and what a good answer tends to look like.
Availability and logistics
Are you free on our date, and will you be the DJ on the night? Why it matters: some businesses send a different DJ from the one you spoke to. Good answer: a clear yes, or an honest explanation of who will play and how you can speak to them first.
What time will you arrive, and how long do you need to set up? Why it matters: setup often happens while guests are at the wedding breakfast, so the venue needs to know. Good answer: a specific arrival time worked back from when you want music to start, with an allowance for load-in.
How many hours are included, and what does extra time cost? Why it matters: evenings often run late and venues sometimes allow an extension on the night. Good answer: hours stated in the quote, plus a clear hourly rate for extra time.
Have you played at our venue, or somewhere like it? Why it matters: venues differ on access, power and volume. Good answer: either “yes, and here is what to expect”, or “no, but I will contact the venue before the day”.
Music
How do we choose the music with you? Why it matters: you want your taste, not a generic set. Good answer: a planning form or call, a must-play list, a do-not-play list and a conversation about the feel of the night. Our guide to your wedding playlist and first dance covers this in detail.
How do you handle guest requests? Why it matters: requests can help or derail a dance floor. Good answer: they take requests politely, play the ones that fit, and always respect your do-not-play list.
Can you play our ceremony and drinks reception too? Why it matters: it can save booking separate musicians. Good answer: yes with a separate, discreet sound setup, or a clear no. See ceremony and drinks reception music.
Can you play a clean or edited set? Why it matters: weddings have children and grandparents in the room. Good answer: yes, by default or on request.
Equipment and setup
What does your setup look like, and can we see a photo in a similar room? Why it matters: the DJ booth appears in your photos. Good answer: recent photos, and a description of the booth, speakers and lighting.
What lighting is included? Why it matters: lighting changes the feel of the room. Good answer: a list of what is included and what costs extra, such as uplighting or a dance floor.
How much space and power do you need? Why it matters: some venues have limited space or few sockets. Good answer: a rough footprint and power requirement they can send to the venue. Our guide to what a DJ needs from your venue explains why.
Announcements
Will you make announcements, and how much talking do you do? Why it matters: some couples want the DJ to introduce the first dance, the cake and the last song; others want very little said. Good answer: they ask you what you want and adapt, and they are confident on the microphone when needed.
Will you work with our venue coordinator or toastmaster? Why it matters: someone has to keep the evening on time. Good answer: yes, and they will agree the running order with them in advance.
Contract, deposit and cancellation
Do you provide a written contract or booking confirmation? Why it matters: it protects both of you. Good answer: yes, listing the date, venue, times, price and what is included.
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due? Why it matters: you need to plan payments. Good answer: specific amounts and dates, in writing.
What happens if we need to cancel or change the date? Why it matters: plans change. Good answer: clear written terms on refunds and date changes, not a vague promise.
Insurance and PAT testing
Do you have public liability insurance, and can you send the certificate to our venue? Why it matters: many venues will not let a DJ set up without it. Good answer: yes, with the certificate sent on request.
Is your equipment PAT tested? Why it matters: venues commonly ask for portable appliance test records for anything plugged into their sockets. Good answer: yes, with recent records available.
Backup plans
What happens if your equipment fails during the evening? Why it matters: equipment can fail. Good answer: spare equipment in the vehicle, and music back on within minutes.
What happens if you are ill or cannot attend? Why it matters: this is the one that worries couples most. Good answer: a network of DJs they trust and a clear process for finding a replacement and telling you.
A note on price
Price matters, but it is easier to compare once you know what is included. Birmingham DJs in our pool start from £395, and our DJ price guide explains what pushes a quote up or down.
Let us find your DJ
If you would rather not ask these questions to ten different DJs, tell us about your day instead. We pass your enquiry to one hand-picked independent DJ who suits your music, your venue and your budget, and you book with them directly. Get matched with a wedding DJ.
More in planning guides
How matching works
- 1 · Tell us about your event
The occasion, your music, the feel you want and what matters most: lighting, sound, the look of the setup, a DJ who is confident on the microphone.
- 2 · We pick one DJ
We read your answers and choose the local DJ who fits best. Your enquiry goes to that DJ only, never a list.
- 3 · They get in touch
Your DJ contacts you directly with availability and a quote, usually within 24 hours. You deal with them, and you decide whether to book.
Questions people ask
What is the most important question to ask a wedding DJ?
Ask what happens if something goes wrong: if equipment fails or the DJ is ill on the day. A professional DJ will have spare equipment with them and a clear plan for finding a replacement, and should be able to explain both without hesitating.
Should a wedding DJ have public liability insurance?
Many venues ask to see a public liability insurance certificate and PAT test records before a DJ can set up, so it is worth asking early. Check what your venue requires and ask the DJ to send copies to the venue directly.
How much deposit does a wedding DJ usually take?
It varies. Some DJs take a fixed amount and some a percentage, and the balance is often due before or on the day. What matters most is that the deposit amount, the balance date and the cancellation terms are all written down before you pay.
Should I meet the DJ before booking?
It helps. A short call or video chat tells you a lot about how they talk to guests and whether they listen to what you want. If you want a wedding DJ matched to your music and venue, our form asks those questions up front.
Find your DJ
Two minutes of questions about your event, then we pass it to the one local DJ who fits.
Get matched, free