25 Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ / Band

Don’t hire a musician without asking them these questions.

Let’s be honest: Music can make or break the mood, which means the band or DJ is one of the most important factors at a wedding. I assume you would not want to hire someone without first thoroughly vetting them. Ask the following questions when you meet with any potential musician to find the right one for you.

1. How would you describe your style?

You need to consider whether its style is compatible with the mood you envisioned. If you want an elegant gathering with lots of conversations with long-unseen relatives, then a band that describes itself as “full-evening rock and roll” will not be musically suitable for you.

2. Can we watch live somewhere?

If you see them live, you’ll get the best picture of what kind of entertainment they really provide. This way, you can easily imagine yourself and it will immediately become clear how you would feel.

3. Does he know the wedding venue and its acoustic, amplification, and technical requirements? If not, will he check it out beforehand?

Musicians may need extension cords, a backup generator, or other supplies. It’s important to know this in advance so it doesn’t come out on the wedding day when you probably won’t be able to help. If they don’t want to see the venue, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

4. Can the DJ play songs that are important to us (for example, a favorite song from when you met or a very popular pop hit)?

The band or DJ must be able to play, learn or download any music. If a band says “yes” but they need to learn it, ask if you have to pay extra for it.

5. How many musicians are in the band and who will be available on the selected day?

If you consult with a DJ, they will surely want to know if they will be there at the wedding or if they will “pass you off” to someone else. If you are negotiating with a band, who exactly will be there on the day? Who among them are the singers? Are they really the ones you saw in the video, live? Is there an option for how many musicians/instruments can be hired?
Note: Only a portion of the well-known bands are usually included in the offer, it is worth reading the fine print in order to adhere to a strict budget.

6. Do I need to rent any instruments or equipment?

Find out exactly what equipment they are bringing with them and whether there is anything you need to lend/rent. It matters whether you have to provide the DJ booth or, God forbid, the piano 🙂 In the case of star performers, don’t be surprised if the basic package includes the speakers and the stage setup as your task. Look into/ask if the equipment needs to be hidden if it is particularly ugly (e.g., with a screen or drapes). It is important that if you want your wedding to be a beautiful event, it shouldn’t look like an electronics store.

7. Do you plan to use lighting or any other special effects?

In addition to music, you can bring some professional and special lighting. For example, a fog machine (hazer), while others stick to just music. If you want to spice up your wedding with spectacular special effects, these can be basic equipment, but professional tools required for over 50 guests usually come at an additional cost. Therefore, it is worth asking about this and having all prices put in writing in the contract.

8. Who will perform the setup and configurations?

On the wedding day, someone needs to set up the sound system. This is usually done by the company providing the musician(s), or in the case of a DJ, by the DJ or their driver. The name of this person needs to be obtained and provided to the venue coordinator, and a suitable time slot must be determined for everyone.

9. How do you guarantee a comfortable sound level for all guests?

An acoustic plan needs to be created with the necessary volume, but sensitive guests must also be considered. Think about it: what your 14-year-old cousin considers perfectly traditional is different from what your 89-year-old grandmother is willing to tolerate. Once the party gets started, you certainly don’t want those who are not participating to be shouting like they are in a crowded bar.

10. What outfit does she wear during the performance?

A band or wedding DJ usually has multiple repertoires to choose from. For example: Suits or solid-color coordinated outfits, such as a white shirt and dark trousers.

11. How much time / how many hours does the package include?

Be cautious, as many bands or wedding DJs have very few hours included in their contract. It is important to know this in advance for organizational purposes. Also, how many breaks they will need (and how long they will be present). Is there a “B” plan for these breaks (e.g., pre-arranged automatic playlists, mixes)? Tip: In the case of a band, incorporate these breaks into the script, and serve food to your musicians during this time if you don’t want their energy to run out quickly.

12. How do you handle song requests?

How do you ensure your guests’ favorite music is played? Can you play any kind of music? If you want the musicians to be prepared for real-time, ad-hoc requests, clarify these with them. It can happen that even a professional musician sometimes prefers to accept song requests.

13. Are you taking on the role of master of ceremonies?

Not recommended! Max for larger bands, but even then only if the person is an experienced master of ceremonies and not an active member of the band. This is a separate profession that requires a full person. Be careful not to let it detract from the music. By no means give it up, as it can easily lead to chaos. (It’s even better if you appoint your best friend or relative) It’s often heard that the musician or wedding DJ takes on the role of host, but cannot maintain balance. There will be too much talking, not concentrating on the music. If you already have a master of ceremonies and the musician begins to self-actualize, that also creates interesting situations. “Two pipers cannot fit in one inn.” Ask yourself: Should the person be there as a musician or a master of ceremonies? If both together, unfortunately, one of the roles will suffer. Entrust this to a professional instead!

14. How many weddings do you play at a year?

Try to assess how experienced they are – it’s worth knowing not only how many years they’ve been working with weddings, but also how often they get bookings. Both are important for understanding how well they can dominate the dance floor. Someone might have been in the business for 20 years, but if they’ve only been part of a few weddings in the last year, they are likely unprepared for the music and “trash” of today’s modern era, which, thanks to our fast-paced, dynamic world, is updated weekly. Ask them to show references, and request reviews written by wedding couples. Online reviews can also perfectly describe the atmosphere of the party. You can get a clearer picture of whether they are truly as they say they are, or if they fit your vision.

15. Do you have another wedding after ours?

If your musician is very much in the “business,” then the answer will most likely be YES. So it’s worth asking what the maximum time they can stay with you is and what surcharge/overtime rate this incurs.

16. What is the scenario in case of sudden illness?

If one of the band/team’s key members/DJ gets the flu on the morning of your wedding, you need to get a reliable substitute (did you meet them too?)

17. Do you have insurance?

Modern Wedding DJs invest huge sums in equipment. Sometimes they set up equipment worth 10 million. You need to be sure that the equipment is insured in case of accident/damage. A true professional will offer to show you valid proof, so that you don’t have problems later due to possible damage caused by an intoxicated guest.

18. What is the procedure if the equipment fails?

Most DJs and bands are prepared for unexpected events – for example, they arrive with double amplifiers, speakers, and mixers. To be safe, ask if they have a backup plan. If the “B” plan equipment isn’t in the band’s van or DJ’s car, then there will be a big silence at your wedding – and that’s not good.

19. What is the cancellation policy?

What are the consequences if you change the date or change your mind?

20. How do you handle a shyer audience? How do you get them to dance?

A good band / wedding DJ verbally encourages guests to step onto the dance floor. Or do they just play music they like? This may not be compatible with various age groups. Choose someone who uses communication that you also find appealing. For example, if you want minimal announcing from a DJ or band, it won’t work out well if you only find out then that they use the microphone to enhance the atmosphere.

21. Do you have any specialties?

This is a good question for a band. Imagine a truly fantastic rock band being asked to play jazz music. Even for dinner… it won’t go well. However, for DJs, you can find a lot of extra services: Professional Sound System, Spectacular Lighting, Dry Ice for the opening dance, Indoor Spark Machine, Laser-Hazer pair, Animated logo projection, etc. All of these can even be controlled together with music. An impressive and unparalleled experience.

22. Was the recording on the website live or studio-made? Is the sound computer-enhanced?

Wedding Band: You need to make sure you’re getting what you heard. (With auto-tune, anyone can be Adele “auto tune”) Ask them to send you some live, unedited recordings.
For DJs: Uploaded mixes are largely computer-generated works put together by music editing software. It’s one thing to put together a sterile 1-hour mix at home in peaceful conditions over several hours, and another to play live music for a real audience in real-time for 8-10 hours.

23. Live or playback?

A lot of bands supplement their performances with pre-recorded tracks and shows. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as it’s not the entire performance. But you might also prefer someone who truly performs everything live.

24. Do you have a music list you stick to? Can I request a song, or do you read faces to see what people want?

You (and your guests) are probably waiting for a big YES to the latter question. Your friends and family will love having the opportunity to request songs. Nothing compares to a good DJ or band continuing to fuel the energy to a wild wedding party.

25. Could you give me your main playlist in advance?

Every good musician must have a diverse and large song list. Ask for an overview of what they consider their top songs and mark your and your guests’ favorites on it. This way you can help create their BEST OF playlist.