Experience and reliability
How many weddings have you played?
You want someone who has done dozens, ideally hundreds. Weddings are different from club gigs: there are formalities, older guests, a timeline and moments that only happen once.
Who exactly will be our DJ?
Some companies send whoever is free. Ask for the name of your DJ and whether you can see them in action, even a short video or mix.
What happens if our DJ gets sick?
Ask about the backup plan. An agency with a roster can send a replacement who has your full brief. A solo operator might not have one.
Have you played our venue before?
Not essential, but helpful. If they haven't, ask whether they'll check the power, access, noise limits and finish time with the venue ahead of the day.
Running the night
Who will hold the microphone?
Decide who runs introductions, speeches and announcements: a dedicated MC, a confident friend or family member, or your DJ for simple announcements. Whoever it is, make sure they have the run sheet.
Will you help us build the run sheet?
A good DJ has seen hundreds of timelines and can tell you where a night drags. Ask whether they'll put together a run sheet your venue and photographer can work from.
How do you handle speeches?
Wireless microphones, a quick sound check before guests arrive and someone watching the levels. Mumbled speeches are one of the most common wedding complaints.
Music
Can we choose our songs?
You should be able to send must-plays and do-not-plays. The best DJs treat these as the backbone of the night, then read the room around them.
Do you take requests from guests?
Decide what you want. Some couples love requests; some would rather the DJ politely say no to anything off-brief.
Can you do a custom edit for our entrance or first dance?
Cutting a song to length, blending two tracks or building a surprise medley makes a big moment feel planned. We make these for free with every wedding.
Do you cover the ceremony and cocktails too?
If your ceremony is at the same venue, one supplier for the whole day is simpler: ceremony sound, mics for the celebrant and vows, cocktail music, then the reception.
Equipment and setup
What sound and lighting do you bring?
Ask what's included and whether it suits your guest numbers and room. A backyard of 60 and a ballroom of 250 need different setups.
How early do you arrive?
Early enough to set up and sound-check before guests arrive, not while the first ones walk in.
What do you need from the venue?
Power, a table or space, access times and parking. A good DJ will sort this directly with your coordinator.
The quote
What's included, and what costs extra?
Hours, travel, equipment, MC, ceremony sound, lighting and overtime. Get it in writing, ideally as a single fixed price.
What happens if the night runs over?
Ask whether they can stay longer and how that's charged, so you're not deciding at 11pm with a full dance floor.
What's your cancellation and deposit policy?
Know what the deposit secures, when the balance is due and what happens if plans change.
Want to ask us all 17? Check your date and we'll call you back.
Wedding DJ hire