10 Essential Questions To Ask Your DJ

The music at your wedding is more than background noise—it is the living, breathing heartbeat of your entire celebration. I believe that selecting your wedding DJ is one of the most critical decisions you will make in the planning process, second only to choosing your partner and your venue. A truly world-class DJ does not just play songs; they craft an experience. They manage energy, facilitate seamless transitions, and ensure every guest, from your college friends to your grandparents, feels connected to the moment.

Because we at Melora Entertainment Group specialize in perfectly curated luxury events, I know precisely what separates a good vendor from an exceptional one. To help you secure the latter and avoid any unnecessary stress on your big day, We have compiled the 10 most crucial questions you must ask any potential wedding DJ before you sign on the dotted line.

Logistics, Licensing, and Contracts

These questions are non-negotiable and speak directly to a vendor’s professionalism and reliability.

1. Are you fully licensed and insured?

This is the most critical question for any high-end venue. Reputable locations often require vendors to carry liability insurance. I always advise couples to confirm that the DJ holds sufficient insurance coverage and, importantly, that they are legally licensed to play music in a public setting. Failure to do so can lead to serious headaches and potential liability issues, which are the last thing I want any couple to face.

2. What is your contingency plan for equipment failure or illness?

No matter how experienced a company is, equipment can fail, and people can get sick. A true professional has redundancy built into their business model. Ask if they have backup equipment readily available on-site and if they have an emergency network of similarly skilled DJs who can step in, complete with access to your personalized playlists and timeline.

3. What are your specific contract and payment terms?

Transparency is paramount. I urge you to clarify all costs upfront. Ask about deposit requirements, the payment schedule, and—most importantly—the overtime rate. Weddings often run longer than expected, and knowing the cost of an extra hour of seamless entertainment prevents any awkward negotiations during the reception.

Experience, Expertise, and Crowd Management

These questions delve into the DJ's artistry and ability to handle the unique, fluid environment of a live event.

4. How do you "read the room" and integrate guest requests?

The mark of a best-in-class DJ is their ability to pivot. It is not about playing a pre-set list; it is about feeling the energy of the crowd and knowing when to speed things up or slow things down. Ask them for a specific example of how they handled a major musical change-up to keep the dance floor packed. I believe this demonstrates their true expertise in crowd psychology.

5. Can we see testimonials and video samples of you working a live event?

Do not rely solely on audio mixes. You need to see the energy they bring to a venue. Video samples, especially 360-degree footage (a specialty we offer at MEG), show how they interact with the crowd, manage the equipment, and maintain a professional presence. Testimonials, particularly those referencing their work at your specific venue or with your type of event, provide valuable social proof.

6. How do you handle our "Do Not Play" list?

The "Do Not Play" list is often as important as the requests. You need assurance that the DJ will respect your boundaries, whether those involve certain genres, artists, or even specific songs that hold negative memories for you. The response here should be an immediate, professional "We adhere strictly to your preferences."

7. Will you act as our Master of Ceremonies (MC), and how do you manage the timeline?

Many DJs are also experienced MCs. This is a critical role that maintains the flow of your wedding—from grand entrances to toasts to the final dance. Ask how they coordinate with your planner and caterer. I find that a vendor who takes ownership of the timeline reduces stress on the entire wedding team.

Technical Setup and Aesthetic Enhancements

For a luxury event, the sound quality and visual presentation are just as important as the song selection.

8. What equipment do you use, and how do you ensure superior sound quality?

A fantastic playlist can be ruined by poor sound. Ask for specifics on their speakers, subwoofers, and microphones. In a large or acoustically challenging venue, I look for systems that offer clean, rich sound without being painfully loud. Redundancy in audio equipment (a key aspect I always insist on) should be standard.

9. Do you provide lighting, cold sparks, or other visual enhancements?

The best entertainment groups offer full production. Ask if they can enhance the visual drama of the reception with customized uplighting, monograms, or spectacular, safe additions like cold sparkler fountains. These elements, which we frequently provide at MEG, transform a basic dance floor into a showstopping scene.

10. How much time do you require for setup and breakdown?

This is crucial for venue scheduling. A professional DJ should need ample, undisturbed time—typically 90 minutes to two hours—for a full setup. Their breakdown process should be equally efficient and professional, ensuring they comply with the venue's curfew and leaving the space exactly as they found it. I always ensure my teams plan for generous load-in/load-out windows to avoid any last-minute stress.

At Melora Entertainment Group all of our DJ's are bonded and have a record of amazing music, personality and knowledge.

Contact Us Today to start your planning.