Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ Before You Hire
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, and you want everything to be just as you imagined. One very important components of a successful reception will be the music! Hiring the right DJ is a crucial step in the process. But with so many options out there, how do you know which DJ is the best fit for your special day? In this blog, we will give you the right questions to ask, highlight one amazing DJ Seth Martin, owner of Sounds Right Entertainment because he can ensure that he will keep your guests dancing all night long. This blog will walk you through what we at SpringHaus Farm will be asking of all our DJs!
One of the most important questions to ask your DJ is, “Will YOU be at my wedding or will use assign someone you work with to be at my wedding?” We think this question is very important because if you love the personality of the DJ and that is what you are expecting on your special day. Some DJ’s may book multiple weddings for in demand dates and then outsources bookings to other (often cheaper, less experienced) entertainers. Before you even meet with a DJ, make sure that they do not outsource their booked dates to other companies. Some larger entertainer firms have a many DJ’s to offer, that is common and nothing to worry about, however meeting with the one who will physically be at your wedding will be key. Here are a few great questions to ask before you even meet with your potential DJ.
What experience do you have as a wedding DJ?
It’s so important to hire a DJ who has experience specifically with weddings. Weddings have unique requirements and flow compared to other events, so make sure your DJ has plenty of experience in this area. Ask about their previous weddings, how long they have been in business, and if they have any testimonials or reviews from past clients. Look at their reviews, ask for references, check their social media pages and see videos of other weddings they have participated in. Seth Martin with Sounds Right Entertainment says "It’s a team of us and all three of us have done 50+ weddings for at least 10 years. So in short, a handful!" :)
Do you offer a contract and do you have insurance?
A professional wedding DJ should always provide a contract that outlines all the details of their services, including set-up and tear-down times, equipment provided, payment terms, and any additional fees. A contract protects both parties and ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations for the event. They should also have insurance, most venues will require all vendors have a certificate of insurance, remember they have a lot of wires and electrical equipment people can trip over so making sure they are insured is also very important. Seth with Sounds Right Entertainment states "If a DJ doesn’t offer insurance and a contract then thats a HUGE red flag!"
Can we request specific songs or genres?
Many couples have specific songs or genres that they want to hear at their wedding reception. Make sure to ask if your DJ allows song requests and if they can accommodate any special requests you may have. This will ensure that the music played reflects your personal style and preferences. Also be sure they are not just streaming Spotify, some venues may have spotty wifi reception so you don't want the dreaded 'timer' scrolling during your reception because your DJ only has streaming capabilities. Seth with Sounds Right states "Song requests are fine. I’m hired for your big day and play for you! I do not stream. People that stream only are a huge red glad."
How do you handle song transitions?
Smooth transitions between songs are crucial for keeping the energy up on the dance floor. Ask your potential DJ how they handle transitions between songs and if they use any special techniques or software to ensure a seamless flow throughout the night. Seth with Sounds Right Entertainment says with excitement "Best match all song transitions!"
What type of equipment do you use?
The quality of sound equipment can make a big difference in how your music sounds at your reception. Make sure to ask about what type of equipment your DJ uses, including speakers, microphones, lighting, and backup systems in case of technical difficulties. Sounds Right Entertainment states "We work with Shure and sennheiser mics, adj and chauvet lights, rane and pioneer controller, and QSc speakers." Foreign language to SpringHaus Farm's owners but we leave this to the experts in the field, and Seth is one of those experts we are excited to work with as we open our doors!
Will you serve as an MC during our reception?
Some DJs also offer emcee services during weddings to help keep things running smoothly throughout the night. If this is something that interests you, make sure to ask if your potential DJ offers emcee services and what their style is when it comes to making announcements or introductions. Seth with Sounds Right adds "ALL RECEPTION LONG!"
How early will you arrive for set-up?
Timing is everything when it comes to setting up for a wedding reception. Make sure to ask your DJ how early they plan on arriving at the venue for set-up so that everything runs smoothly without any delays on the day of your event. Seth with Sounds Right Entertainment says "2-3 hours depending on what including in package."
Do you have backup plans in case of emergencies?
No one wants to think about something going wrong on their wedding day, but it’s always best to be prepared just in case. Ask your potential DJ if they have backup plans in place in case of emergencies such as equipment failure or illness preventing them from performing at your event. Sounds Right Entertainment owner Seth states "I carry back up of all equipment and I have several peers that can step in for me. I send out a planning worksheet. If I get sick or something I can connect with another DJ send my worksheet and they can handle your day with no problem."
Can we meet with you before our wedding day?
Meeting with your potential DJ before booking them can give you a sense of their personality and professionalism before making a decision. Ask if they offer consultations or meetings before booking so that you can get a feel for whether they are the right fit for your event. Seth with Sounds Right Entertainment states "Absolutely, we can meet anytime! You can call or text anytime too!"
10. What is included in your pricing?
Finally, make sure to ask what is included in your potential DJ’s pricing package so there are no surprises later on down the road when it comes time to pay up after the event has already happened.
Sounds Right Entertainment owner Seth Martin sent over his pricing and packages which they are very transparent about on their website, that is a huge win for all our couples as they plan!
Your choice of wedding DJ can truly make or break how much fun everyone has at your reception! By taking some time upfront to ask these important questions before hiring someone for such an important job like providing entertainment on one very special day filled with love laughter tears joy happiness dancing singing eating drinking memories laughter jokes stories family friends close dear beloved friends loved ones together unity soul mates heart connections bonds emotions feelings sweetener sugar spice everything nice!
SpringHaus Farm is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
Some other locally owned venues we support, please consider supporting local!
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