Have You Asked Your Wedding Ceremony DJ these 5 Key Questions?

If so, did you get the right answers?

1. How long have you been in the wedding music business?

Since you will be booking a DJ a long time in advance, you want to be sure that they will still be in business on your wedding date. Many bands and DJs start up, but not all survive. Look for longevity and references.

2. May I contact the couples from the last three weddings you performed?

If they refuse this request, consider it a red flag. If their clients had been satisfied, they would probably be happy to comply. If you do get references, be sure to follow through and contact them.

3. What special equipment do you provide?

When interviewing DJ’s, it’s a good idea to refer to this list of equipment. They should provide (at a minimum):

- Dual CD Players (2)
- Amplifier
- 2 Speakers (large enough for the room)
- Corded microphone
- Cordless microphone
- Cordless headset/microphone
- Mixing board (to adjust and fine tune sound quality)
- Back-up gear

4. What is your repertoire of CDs?

Make sure that the DJ’s collection of CDs is one that appeals to you and is varied enough to take into account the different tastes of your guests. If it seems dated, or just not for you, find a DJ more compatible with your taste in music. Look at the list of songs they suggest for different highlights of the wedding and for dinner and dance sequences. If there is more than enough to choose from, you like the collection, and sense that you and the DJ see eye to eye, those are good signs. If you’re not sure, keep looking.

5. When you act as emcee and music DJ, do you have a back-up to help you?

Though DJ’s are adept at juggling the job of lining up records and following the program, if your DJ is also acting as emcee, it’s important that there be an assistant to help. The better DJ’s will have a back-up when they take on the commitment of directing a larger crowd as emcee.

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