How to Pick a Wedding DJ
Your DJ isn’t just pressing play. A great wedding DJ is your emcee, your vibe curator, your crowd reader, and sometimes the one responsible for keeping the whole evening flowing. From your ceremony soundtrack to your last dance, they create the rhythm of the day.
Photo by: @jeffpaynephotography
When to Start Researching and Booking
When it comes to DJs, it’s a good idea to start researching them 9-12 months before the wedding. The good ones book up fast, particularly during peak wedding season (April to June and October to November). Ideally, you should book them within 6-8 months.
What to Consider
1. Experience with Weddings
Look for DJs who specialize in weddings, not just clubs or private parties. Wedding DJs know how to read the room, follow a timeline, and handle formalities like introductions and first dances.
2. Personality & Communication
You’ll want a DJ who matches your vibe, whether that’s laid back and low-key or high energy and interactive. Make sure they listen to your preferences and communicate clearly.
3. Equipment & Setup
Ask if they provide their own professional-grade equipment, including backup systems, microphones for speeches, and lighting if needed.
4. Customization
A great DJ tailors the music to your taste. Do they take song requests? Can you provide a must play and do not play list? Are they comfortable mixing different genres and cultures?
5. Emcee Skills
If you need someone to make announcements or guide guests through the evening, confirm whether they offer emcee services, and if you like their speaking style.
6. Reviews & Referrals
Read reviews, ask for references, and watch video clips if available. Look for consistent praise about professionalism, crowd reading, and reliability.
7. Backup Plans
What happens if they’re sick or if equipment fails? Reputable DJs will have solid contingency plans in place.
8. Packages & Pricing
Clarify what’s included: hours of coverage, ceremony music, cocktail hour, travel fees, setup time, and extras like uplighting or photo booths.
Red Flags to Watch For
They don’t specialize in weddings. Weddings have a different flow than other events. Experience matters.
Limited or outdated equipment. A professional setup should include good sound, lighting (if needed), and backups.
No clear process or contract. Always get everything in writing, including timelines, fees, and expectations.
One-size-fits-all vibe. Your DJ should ask about your vision, not assume what your guests want.
Questions to Ask
Is my wedding date available?
How long have you been doing this professionally?
How many weddings have you played at?
Will you be the DJ personally playing at our wedding?
Have you done events at my wedding venue?
Can you describe your style?
Do you allow custom playlists?
Can you help me choose the music for certain parts of the day if needed?
Can we submit a “do-not-play” list?
Do you provide music for the ceremony and cocktail hour too?
Do you act as the emcee and make all of the announcements?
How do you handle guest requests during the event?
Can you accommodate cultural or genre specific music?
What do you do to motivate the crowd if no one is dancing?
Do you bring your own sound equipment and microphones?
Do you offer lighting packages or uplighting?
Do you have backup equipment on-site?
Can you provide wireless mics for the wedding ceremony?
How much time do you need to set up and break down?
Does any of your equipment require special electrical outlets that I need to inform my wedding site about?
What kind of space or stage do you require for the DJ or band? If my site doesn't provide what you need, will you make arrangements for the stage or am I responsible for renting it?
Do you help manage the reception timeline (first dances, toasts, etc.)?
How do you coordinate with the planner, photographer, and venue?
What are your rates and what’s included in the package?
Do you charge for overtime?
What’s your deposit and cancellation policy?
Do you charge travel fees? If so, how much?
What’s your backup plan if you’re unable to attend?
Are you licensed and insured?
When is our deadline for submitting our music requests and event details?
Pro Tips
Ask to see videos or audio samples of past events, not just playlists, but their speaking style and crowd engagement.
Share your timeline with them in advance, especially for key moments like entrances, first dances, and speeches.
Request a sneak peek of their mixing style or transitions. Smooth pacing makes a huge difference.