As a Vancouver Wedding DJ have I got a list for you! I have been providing this list to hundreds of Brides and Grooms when they say they are simply “shopping around”. I encourage you to utilize these questions and be sure that you get an answer for every question.
You will find that I touch on many of these items throughout the book but I am providing this list as a tool for you to use in your search.
No Professional Wedding DJ will tell you that any of these questions is not important. This is your wedding day; every question is important!
1. Does the Disc Jockey Company issue formal quotes for their services?
Every DJ Company should issue a formal quote for services even after any email exchange. It simply provides an exact total of money for an outline of the services being offered.
2. Does the DJ Company require a deposit? Refundable or Not, they should as part of their contract with you.
Any DJ company who does not require a deposit is either nuts or not serious about your event. I don’t know of any DJ Company who doesn’t require a deposit of some sort. It is simply your commitment to a DJ Company’s service. If they don’t ask for a deposit, then offer one. It will solidify any contract you may have with that DJ Company.
3. Does the DJ Company require a signed agreement which outlines their services for you returned to them to confirm a booking date?
If they don’t require this, be very wary. My own word is as good as gold but I still get everything in writing for my own clients. Have peace of mind knowing that they are under an obligation to provide you with a certain service for your wedding day. You wouldn’t want to get to your wedding day, have a no show DJ, phone him and he says, hey, we didn’t have a contract! This is more common than you think.
4. Do they charge for Travel, if so, where to, and how much?
Sometimes this is necessary for DJ’s to do; especially for out of town events or events where a fuel expense is much larger than usual. If you are in a remote area or are inviting a big city DJ to your wedding, be sure to inquire about any and all travel expenses that may come your way. Most DJ Companies will require a deposit plus their travel expenses up front when accomodations and perhaps a Ferry service are required.
5. Can the Disc Jockey Company provide any client references for quality and professionalism?
Wow, this is so important. What a past client has to say about someone’s service is far more powerful than any advertisement, fancy web site or a 5 star sales pitch. A DJ company should openly offer you past client comments and / or references if you ask. If they refuse to provide them or can’t provide them, you should walk the other way.
6. Is the DJ Company a preferred vendor of any wedding vendor companies or venues in the local area? Can they be contacted for a reference?
A Wedding DJ comes in contact with many different venues, vendors, and wedding planners throughout his/her life. If they are on the level, they are normally able to provide you with a reference from one of these categories or even all of them.
Perhaps they are a new company and have not worked with many other vendors, which is very possible. It is also possible that they have not built a business relationship with any other wedding vendors. Never the less, Don’t be shy, just ask for that reference!
7. Are they a licensed business in their respective city? If not, why?
Many businesses for some reason don’t have a civic, provincial, or state license to do business; whichever applies. Being in business has its responsibilities and this is definitely one of them for a business owner. A reputable company should have a business license as it is a requirement in todays’ world.
8. Do they carry valid business liability insurance?
Why does my Wedding DJ need Liability Insurance? Well, nothing in this world is perfect including electronics. When you sign your venue contract, you normally agree to be responsible for any and all damages that may occur by you, your guests, or 3rd party vendors that are involved with your event. As such, if your Wedding DJ accidentally breaks something coming in or out of the room, their insurance will cover the said damages and it won’t be on you to take care of the bill as long as they have that liability insurance.
9. Do they belong to a quality governing association such as a Disc Jockey Association?
This is not a requirement for seeking out a quality Wedding DJ, just a little added bonus. Most Disc Jockey Companies are part of a governing body of some sort. It is not to say that the governing body endorses the DJ Company but they have met with certain standards to be a member.
10. Is the Disc Jockey attending your event using modern, professional and reliable equipment?
Professional Equipment is a definite must. Grandma’s Ghetto Blaster is not appropriate for a wedding. Sound reproduction through professional grade equipment will provide you with an enjoyable sound for every song, including your first dance. Ask them what kind of equipment they use.
Equipment will normally tell you if they are professional and understand what equipment is required for your wedding entertainment. I have expanded on this area of questioning in a later chapter within this book.
11. Do they have back up equipment?
All DJ’s should have back up equipment to insure your events success if something were to go awry. Make sure to ask them about this and be confident with their answers. Some DJ’s will have it on site; some will have it close by. Either way, it is very important that there is a fool proof plan for replacing equipment if something should unfortunately go wrong.
Vancouver DJ
12. Does the DJ Company provide a dance lighting package?
More and more Disc Jockey Companies are now including dance lighting with all of their packages to provide the client, that being you, with an overall experience. If you went to a night club to dance, would it be the same without dance lighting? Even if a company doesn’t include it, ask about what it would cost to add it. You will be grateful you did.
13. Does the DJ Company provide Ceremony, Cocktail, Dinner, and Dancing services if required?
This will be a clear sign if they are a true Wedding DJ. If they can’t provide all of the music services listed, then you should move on. Any Professional Wedding DJ that I have ever worked with or have ever known; and that is a large number; has been able to accommodate any and all elements of a wedding requiring music.
14. When will the DJ be setting up the equipment being used for your event?
If only within an hour of your event, will they really have enough time to fix a problem if one arises? A wedding setup is always up to the DJ’s discretion. Some set ups take longer than others. I have personally always lived by the rule to be ready to play at least one hour prior to the start of my contract. It provides me with the flexibility to deal with any and all issues that may perhaps arise. (Knock On Wood!)
15. Do they provide Government Licensed Music as required by law?
Licensed Music is required no matter who the DJ is. If you are unsure of their answer, ask to see the license! They should definitely be happy to show it to you.
16. How extensive is the Music Catalogue they provide?
The music catalogue should be able to accommodate those of all ages and have a diverse listing throughout the different genres.
17. Does the Disc Jockey Company take requests at your event?
A Smart DJ will ALWAYS take requests at every wedding….it makes their job a lot easier. However, it has been known throughout history where a Bride and Groom will provide the DJ with a list of music and insist that no requests be taken or played. This is never a good practice……Make Your Request for Requests Today!
18. Will they actually play requests or be swallowed up by their own tastes in music?
This is part two to question 17. Many DJ’s will take the requests but never play them. However, in a DJ’s defense, sometimes the music requested would either kill the dance floor in an instant and then nobody would dance to the song requested or would not fit in with the format of your wedding as requested by you. So with that said, ask your DJ if he will play requests that are reasonable, danceable, and fit with the format of your wedding style.
A Professional DJ should be open minded when it comes to your taste in music. This is your wedding and should be treated as such. The DJ should offer guidance and advice when it comes to your musical selections.
19. Have you spoken to the actual DJ who will be entertaining at your event prior to confirming the booking?
Make sure you feel comfortable with the actual DJ performing before signing any agreement. Chemistry. I will touch on this a few times throughout this book but it is so very important. Talk to the DJ who may be performing at your wedding. Even the larger companies should be able to accommodate this request. If you don’t feel confident, ask if there is another DJ available at that company. If not, then you can decide on your level of comfort. Do they instill confidence and make you feel that they are able to fulfill your vision for your wedding day?
20. Does the Disc Jockey Company have a back up DJ in case of illness?
Many big city DJ’s have a network of DJ’s available in case of illness. Many companies keep a spare for that rare occasion someone should take ill. We as Professional DJ’s take our music and work seriously. I have actually DJ’d with a fever of 103 and been death worn over. Brought my back up DJ with me, just in case, and that wedding was actually the wedding of the year at my Company. Having a back up is very important; life happens!
21. Can you reach the Disc Jockey entertaining at your event easily, prior to your event? If you book with this company, will you have direct contact with the DJ entertaining at your event via phone or email?
Planning changes or simply the planning process needs to be communicated. 3rd party communication provides opportunity for error. Direct Contact is the best way. This question can also be applied to the actual wedding music consultation. Your actual DJ should be the one who sits with you and goes through the music. Your wedding has feeling and emotion; so for someone to truly understand your vision, they should sit and talk with you.
22. Do you feel comfortable conversing with the Disc Jockey? Do they instill confidence?
This is pretty much self explanatory. It is part B to question number 19. Once again, Chemistry is so important. Do not take it for granted as you will more than likely regret it.
23. What will your DJ be wearing on your wedding day? (in my opinion it should be a suit)
Why is this important…..well, you are in a five diamond venue, everyone is in suits and tuxedos. The room is beyond elegant and everything is perfect in it’s place. However, your DJ is wearing shorts and a tank top....? Just because it is a hot summer day in August doesn’t mean this is appropriate in any way. Suitable attire for your wedding day is the way a Wedding DJ should be dressed. Blending in with your guests while not out dressing you and your guests is far more suitable. A suit is normally perfect. Many companies provide their DJ’s work shirts, golf shirts, which is okay, but in my opinion, it should be a suit. Providing respect to you and your day is very important from everyone.
24. Do They Provide a Wedding Music Consultation prior to our wedding? When? If Not, Why?
This should be part of any and every wedding package. Sitting down with you, face to face, and discussing one of the most important elements of your wedding day is necessary. If a DJ Company does not provide Brides and Grooms with a music consultation, then I would be leary about their wedding services. This also refers to question number 21 on the previous page.
25. If seeking Emcee Services (Master of Ceremonies), do they provide one?
With regards to this question, I have always been of the mindset that a 3rd party should never Emcee a wedding. The reason for this is that we, as DJ’s, don’t normally know you as intimately as say your Uncle, Brother, Cousin, or Best Friend.
However, with that said, I believe it is a perfect practice for a Professional Wedding DJ to provide your MC with the tools to help them along the way including support on the actual day of your wedding and reference to some great books on MC’ing. Your DJ should easily be able to accommodate any MC questions that may arise.
In my opinion, your Emcee should be someone who has a vibrant character yet understands the importance of flow. Someone who is easy to listen to and of course, a little humour always helps.
Your emcee should have the ability to create rapport with your family and guests and be spontaneous so that there is no “dead air” time. They should also have a strong connection with you so their feelings for you come across with sincerity. Yes, it makes a difference!
Know anyone like this?
