You’re hiring a DJ for your wedding, party, or corporate event. You want everything to be perfect, and that starts with finding the right DJ. Not all DJs are the same. Some are better than others. Some are more expensive than others. But how do you know if you’re getting the best DJ for your money?
The answer is simple: ask the right questions. In this blog post, we’ll give you important questions to ask your DJ before you hire him/her. By asking these questions, you’ll get a better sense of who they are, what they are about, and whether or not they’re the right person for your event.
34 Questions you should ask about your DJ:
- How long have you been DJing?
- What kind of events do you usually DJ at?
- Do you have any audio or video samples of your work?
- What type of music do you specialize in?
- What is your process for creating custom playlists?
- Do you have any references I can contact?
- Are you insured in case of damage or accidents?
- Do you bring your own equipment or does the venue have to provide it?
- What kind of equipment do you use?
- Do you have backups in case of technical difficulties?
- What’s your favorite type of music to play?
- Do you have any experience with weddings/parties/events like mine?
- Will you be the one coming to my event or someone from your team?
- If someone else is performing, can I please meet him or her beforehand?
- How would you describe your typical performance style?
- What methods do you use to promote communication with the event planner ahead of time?
- What’s your policy for arriving on time for an event?
- What happens if something comes up and you can’t make it to my event?
- Do you have a backup plan in place?
- Can I see a copy of your contract before I sign it?
- What is your policy on playing explicit songs?
- Do you take breaks during the night?
- If so, how do you handle the music during your break(s)?
- Have you ever had any problems with guests at previous events?
- If so, how did you resolve them?
- How do you interact with guests during the event?
- Are you comfortable with announcements over the PA system?
- Do you have perishable items (e.g. CD players, laptops) that need to be stored in a cool, dry place?
- How long does it take you to set up and break down your equipment?
- What’s your policy on alcohol and drugs?
- Have you played at our venue before?
- Can we meet in person before the event to discuss our ideas for the night?
- Can we send you a list of songs or genres we don’t want to be played during the event?
- Will you coordinate with other vendors such as the photographer or catering team to ensure everything runs smoothly?
32 Questions to ask your DJ about his/her service:
- What’s included in your DJ package?
- Do you take song requests from guests?
- How do you take song requests from guests?
- How do you handle song requests that you don’t have in your collection?
- Do you use profanity when MCing?
- How do you handle interruptions or problems during a performance?
- How much do you charge per hour/event?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- Do you require a deposit upfront?
- When is the final payment due?
- What are your cancelation policies?
- What are your overtime fees?
- Are there any other fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel expenses, set-up/tear-down)?
- How long will you be at my event?
- What happens if something goes wrong with your equipment during my event?
- Have you ever had to deal with a difficult audience/situation during an event? If so, how did you handle it?
- Do you have any discounts or special offers that I can take advantage of?
- Do you have any tips on what I should be doing leading up to my event (e.g., promote the event, etc.)?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- What time will you arrive to set up?
- How long will it take you to tear down at the end of the night?
- Do you have any other services we might be interested in (i.e. uplighting, photo booth, etc.)?
- How far in advance do I need to book you?
- Do I need to provide anything for you (e.g. tables, chairs)?
- Do you have any songs that are guaranteed to get everyone dancing?
- How do you handle the transitions between songs?
- Do you charge extra for set-up, tear-down, or out-of-town travel?
- What are your power requirements?
- What are your space requirements?
- Are there age restrictions for your service?
- Are there any other restrictions I should be aware of (e.g. noise restrictions, power restrictions, etc.)?
- Do you provide your own lighting?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a DJ is good?
There’s no definitive answer to this because what makes a good DJ for one person might not be the same for another. However, there are some things you should look for when trying to figure out if a DJ is good.
One thing you should look out for is how well the DJ mixes different songs. A good DJ will be able to seamlessly transition from one song to the next without it being distracting or out of place.
Also, a good DJ will be able to read the crowd and play the music that people will enjoy. If a DJ can get people dancing, then they’re probably doing something right.
Finally, it’s also important to pay attention to the overall vibe of the set. If a DJ plays music that’s too slow or too fast for the crowd, it can ruin the experience.
Do DJs need to talk?
DJs don’t necessarily have to talk, but it can be helpful if they do. When DJs talk, they can engage in conversation with their audience and keep them entertained. Plus, talking can help keep energy levels high and create a festive atmosphere.
However, DJs don’t have to talk if they don’t feel comfortable doing so – some DJs prefer to let their music speak for itself. Ultimately, it’s DJ’s decision whether to talk or not, but it can be a valuable tool for engaging with the audience and creating a more enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
It’s important to ask the right questions when hiring a DJ for your event. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong because you didn’t ask the crucial questions. So take the time to ask these questions and enjoy knowing that you hired the right DJ for the job.
