Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ

First: are they available and a good fit?

1. 1.
   Is our date available, and how do we hold it?

   Popular Iowa DJs book 9 to 12 months ahead for fall Saturdays. Ask if a deposit or a signed contract holds the date.

2. 2.
   Will you be our DJ, or someone else from your company?

   Some companies send whoever is free. Get your DJ's name in the contract.

3. 3.
   How many weddings have you done?

   Weddings are different from bars and parties. You want someone who has run a wedding timeline many times.

4. 4.
   Can we see a video of you at a wedding?

   Watch how they talk on the microphone, not just the music they play.

5. 5.
   Have you played at our venue?

   They will already know the power outlets, load-in door and any sound limits.

6. 6.
   Can we talk with a couple you DJ'd for?

   A recent couple will tell you how the night really went.

Music and the microphone

1. 7.
   Will you be our emcee too?

   Ask if they announce the grand entrance, toasts, cake cutting and send-off, and keep the night on schedule.

2. 8.
   How do you plan our music with us?

   Many DJs use an online planning portal, like DJ Intelligence, where you pick songs and build your timeline. Our free music planner lets you copy everything in.

3. 9.
   Will you follow our must-play and do-not-play lists?

   Make sure they will never play the songs you cannot stand.

4. 10.
   How do you handle guest requests?

   Do they take requests, check them against your lists, or stick to your playlist?

5. 11.
   What do you do if the dance floor empties?

   A good DJ reads the room. Ask for a real example.

6. 12.
   Can you do our ceremony and cocktail hour sound too?

   That usually means a second speaker setup and a wireless microphone for your officiant and vows.

7. 13.
   Can you lead the anniversary dance, bouquet toss or games?

   Only if you want them. Tell them what to skip, too.

Gear and setup

1. 14.
   Are lighting and uplighting included?

   Dance floor lighting and uplighting are often add-ons.

2. 15.
   How many wireless microphones do you bring?

   Toasts and the ceremony both need one, and a backup is smart.

3. 16.
   What happens if your equipment fails?

   Ask about backup speakers, a backup laptop and spare microphones on site.

4. 17.
   How much space and power do you need?

   Important at barns and outdoor venues. Ask the venue if there is power close to the dance floor.

5. 18.
   When will you arrive and set up?

   Setup should be finished before guests arrive, and ceremony sound before the ceremony.

The contract

1. 19.
   How many hours are included, and when does the clock start?

   Some count setup time, some do not.

2. 20.
   How many breaks do you take?

   The music should never stop during a break.

3. 21.
   What is your overtime rate?

   If the party is going great at 11:55, how much is one more hour?

4. 22.
   Do you carry liability insurance?

   Many Iowa venues ask vendors for a certificate of insurance.

5. 23.
   Do you need a meal or a table from us?

   Most DJs work 5 or more hours. Plan a meal and a seat for them.

6. 24.
   What happens if you are sick on our wedding day?

   Ask who would step in, and how they would know your plan.

Last: pricing

Why last? Once you know what is included, you can compare prices fairly. Two quotes that look $500 apart can include very different things.

1. 25.
   What is included in your price, and what costs extra?

   Ceremony sound, lighting, extra hours and travel are the usual extras. Get one total.

2. 26.
   Are there travel fees?

   Common for rural Iowa venues or a DJ from another city.

3. 27.
   What is the deposit and payment schedule?

   Most vendors take 25 to 50% to hold your date. Get the balance due date in writing.

4. 28.
   What is your cancellation and reschedule policy?

   Know what you get back, and what you lose, if your date moves.

Questions couples ask