What to ask the DJ?

Hi Karen

You've got some good questions there already

To add to your list.....

Are you experienced in performing at weddings and can I see some comments from past clients? (A wedding is a completely different ball game. Being a brilliant DJ is not enough, its the experience and understanding of what is required to ensure the success of entertainment at a wedding that is important)

Will they confirm everything in writing and provide a contract signed by both parties and a copy retained by both? (Remember to check the details on the contract such as date, time, venue etc....and read through their terms and conditions.)

Would they meet up before the event? (Your DJ will be an integral part of your wedding for 5 hours or more.....its important that you meet beforehand, have a rapport and also have confidence that he/she will do it how you want)

Will he be prepared to listen to your ideas and ensure the entertainment is as you want it and unique to you? (Not just playing the songs you want but ensuring the atmosphere is as you want and they conduct the evening as you imagine. I've had clients ask that I do minimum mic work and just play good music, which I did...I've also been asked to do plenty of mic work and even be willing to go down on the dance floor myself to get things going, which I did. I've also had requests for no flashing lights, which I did.....remember you are employing the DJ so its up to you how you want the evening to be conducted. On the other hand, wedding DJs have hundreds of weddings under their belt, so don't be afraid to ask them for ideas and suggestions)

Are they willing to source all the music you want? (If they haven't got the music you want played, not only your first dance, but other tunes, will they be prepared to get them)

How much public liability insurance do you have? (Read the small print for your venue....some insist on up to £10m and there are policies out there for anything from £1m to £10)

Will the person you are talking to be the person performing at your wedding? (Trust me....there are some companies that take a booking and then look round for a DJ to fill the position and they don't always tell the client0

What will their code of dress be? (I always perform in a suit and most of the guys in WDJA perform in a tuxedo)

Have they a back up plan if anything unforseen happens and they can't turn up?

Do they carry back up equipment should something break down? (DO NOT accept the answer that their equipment is all nearly new because even new equipment can develop a fault. Back up equipment should include mixer, speakers, mics, music output(CD player or spare lappy))

I hope those questions help.

Thank you!! There are certainly some things there that I hadnt thought of!!

Will print these out and do a ring round!

Thanks!

Hi,

Disco was one of the next things on my list but was putting it off because didnt know what to ask and how to go about finding a good one. Thanks Sandysounds

If you want to find a good wedding DJ....try our little association Wedding DJ Association. Its not a massive association because all the members have to achieve a certain criteria, and prove it....and abide by a code of conduct and ethics. Only 1 in 10 DJs that apply get accepted...so you know they're the cream of the crop. Numbers vary depending on your county, but if you submit an enquiry you should get between 2 and 6 replies. There's also some helpful tips on the site too.

Hope that helps.

PS....why doesn't anyone live in NI?

Thanks all done!

sandysounds - I was just thinking why dont a i live in NI and then we could look at booking you!!

As it is South east london is probably as far away from NI as possible!