{"id":2159,"date":"2014-07-09T16:49:59","date_gmt":"2014-07-09T22:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/?p=2159"},"modified":"2024-08-14T15:21:08","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T20:21:08","slug":"the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"The 40 Wedding DJ Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/AI_faq_banner.jpg?w=1200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The 40 Wedding DJ Frequently Asked Questions\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I often meet with clients who come into my office with the most confused and dazed look when I ask them if they have any questions for me. Some even ask me to guide them on what questions they should be asking&#8230; When you arrive to meet your potential DJ, you should have a clear idea of what you want or what you don&#8217;t want. You don&#8217;t want the DJ to tell you what questions you should be asking&#8230; To help you interview and get the best possible DJ, here are 40 questions and my unbiased (as best as I could keep it general) answers to these questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I can guarantee that for most of these questions, you didn&#8217;t even realize you had to ask your dj&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you already booked your DJ, it is critically important that you get him on the phone today, and find out the answers to some of these questions&#8230; BEFORE it&#8217;s too late&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a60623ac3bba\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a60623ac3bba\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#The_40_Wedding_DJ_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >The 40 Wedding DJ Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#1_Do_you_offer_a_written_contract\" >1. Do you offer a written contract?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#2_Will_you_be_the_DJ_at_our_wedding\" >2. Will you be the DJ at our wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#3_May_we_meet_with_you_in_person_before_we_sign_a_contract\" >3. May we meet with you in person before we sign a contract?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#4_How_long_will_you_hold_our_date_for_us\" >4. How long will you hold our date for us?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#5_Do_you_work_exclusively_for_this_company\" >5. Do you work exclusively for this company?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#6_How_long_have_you_been_a_DJ_and_how_many_weddings_have_you_done\" >6. How long have you been a DJ and how many weddings have you done?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#7_How_many_weddings_do_you_do_each_year\" >7. How many weddings do you do each year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#8_How_many_other_types_of_events_do_you_do_per_year\" >8. How many other types of events do you do per year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#9_Do_you_perform_for_more_than_one_event_in_a_day\" >9. Do you perform for more than one event in a day?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#10_What_makes_you_different_from_your_competitors\" >10. What makes you different from your competitors?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#11_Have_you_played_at_our_reception_site_before\" >11. Have you played at our reception site before?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#12_Do_you_act_as_the_%E2%80%9Cemcee%E2%80%9D_and_make_all_of_the_announcements\" >12. Do you act as the \u201cemcee\u201d and make all of the announcements?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#13_How_would_you_define_your_%E2%80%9Cstyle%E2%80%9D_when_making_announcements\" >13. How would you define your \u201cstyle\u201d when making announcements?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#14_What_do_you_do_to_motivate_the_crowd_if_nobody_is_dancing\" >14. What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#15_What_if_something_happens_to_you_and_you_cant_make_it_to_the_wedding\" >15. What if something happens to you and you can\u2019t make it to the wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#16_Will_we_meet_again_before_the_wedding\" >16. Will we meet again before the wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#17_Can_we_visit_you_at_a_performance\" >17. Can we visit you at a performance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#18_May_we_speak_to_your_references\" >18. May we speak to your references?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#19_How_do_you_keep_your_music_collection_up-to-date\" >19. How do you keep your music collection up-to-date?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#20_How_involved_can_we_be_in_selecting_music_for_our_event\" >20. How involved can we be in selecting music for our event?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#21_When_do_we_need_to_submit_our_music_requests_and_event_details\" >21. When do we need to submit our music requests and event details?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#22_Do_you_take_requests_from_our_guests\" >22. Do you take requests from our guests?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#23_Can_we_submit_a_%E2%80%9CDo_Not_Play%E2%80%9D_list\" >23. Can we submit a \u201cDo Not Play\u201d list?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#24_When_do_you_arrive_to_set_up_for_our_wedding\" >24. When do you arrive to set up for our wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#25_What_will_you_wear_to_our_wedding\" >25. What will you wear to our wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#26_What_will_you_wear_when_you_set_up_and_break_down_your_equipment\" >26. What will you wear when you set up and break down your equipment?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#27_How_much_of_a_deposit_is_required_to_secure_our_date\" >27. How much of a deposit is required to secure our date?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#28_What_is_included_in_the_cost_of_my_event\" >28. What is included in the cost of my event?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#29_How_much_would_you_charge_for_overtime\" >29. How much would you charge for overtime?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#30_What_do_you_require_from_us\" >30. What do you require from us?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#31_Do_you_require_a_meal\" >31. Do you require a meal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#32_Are_you_insured\" >32. Are you insured?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#33_Do_you_take_any_breaks\" >33. Do you take any breaks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#34_What_is_your_policy_on_alcohol_or_smoking_during_the_wedding\" >34. What is your policy on alcohol or smoking during the wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#35_What_kind_of_equipment_do_you_use\" >35. What kind of equipment do you use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#36_Do_you_bring_backup_equipment_with_you_to_the_wedding\" >36. Do you bring backup equipment with you to the wedding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#37_Do_you_have_a_wireless_microphone\" >37. Do you have a wireless microphone?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#38_Do_you_have_a_%E2%80%9Clight_show%E2%80%9D\" >38. Do you have a \u201clight show\u201d?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#39_Do_you_set_up_a_sign_or_banner_with_your_equipment\" >39. Do you set up a sign or banner with your equipment?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/#40_Do_you_belong_to_any_professional_associations_or_trade_groups\" >40. Do you belong to any professional associations or trade groups?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_40_Wedding_DJ_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>The 40 Wedding DJ Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the 40 most important questions to ask any professional disc jockey you are considering for your wedding, and will help you accurately gauge&nbsp;the professionalism, reliability, and honesty of any wedding DJ you are considering.&nbsp;This list of questions will certainly help you once you reach the DJ interview process, but doing some research beforehand will help you determine whether certain wedding DJs are even worth interviewing.&nbsp; Good luck in your search!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Do_you_offer_a_written_contract\"><\/span>1. Do you offer a written contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of the wedding disc jockeys you interview may not have the same standards of professionalism. A written, legal contract is one of the first indicators of whether a DJ is professional and reliable. Furthermore, a contract establishes the DJ\u2019s obligation to the client and outlines what is required for the DJ\u2019s success, by outlining his setup requirements and other factors related to his performance. For this reason, a written contract is essential and any DJ not using a written contract should not, in&nbsp;our opinion, be considered for a wedding reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Will_you_be_the_DJ_at_our_wedding\"><\/span>2. Will you be the DJ at our wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often, the person you speak with is not the person who will be your DJ on your wedding day. This is a very common practice among large agencies. It is paramount that you have an opportunity to interview, in person,&nbsp;the specific DJ that you will be working with and determine whether you feel comfortable with them. You should also expect that the individual DJ\u2019s name is specified on your contract \u2013 it is the only way you can be guaranteed his or her services at your wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_May_we_meet_with_you_in_person_before_we_sign_a_contract\"><\/span>3. May we meet with you in person before we sign a contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many wedding DJs attempt to conduct their interviews over the telephone and through email instead of meeting face-to-face with prospective clients. In&nbsp;our experience, there are two reasons a disc jockey would do this \u2013 either they don\u2019t feel you are worth their time, or they have something to hide. Some deejays are very different in person than on the telephone and what is presented on their website, and you should insist on meeting in face-to-face so you can judge for yourself whether they are a good match for you and your wedding.&nbsp; Your \u201cgut\u201d feeling is very important in selecting the right disc jockey, and it\u2019s practically impossible to make this evaluation unless you are together in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_long_will_you_hold_our_date_for_us\"><\/span>4. How long will you hold our date for us?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you contact a professional disc jockey, they should be willing to hold your date for you for a reasonable amount of time in order to give you a chance to meet with them. They should also give you ample time after your meeting to make a decision and give you time to interview other DJs. Some DJs will use pressure sales tactics to \u201chard close\u201d you at your meeting, offering a special sale that ends that day, or claiming that another couple is meeting with them for the same date \u2013 attempting to&nbsp;pressure you to decide on the spot. Any DJ that uses these types of tactics is unprofessional and is most likely doing so in order to keep you from meeting other DJs (whom they know you\u2019ll like more than you like them). One week is a reasonable amount of time to expect your date to be held for you following an initial meeting. At MyDeejay, we give two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Do_you_work_exclusively_for_this_company\"><\/span>5. Do you work exclusively for this company?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most large agencies use independent DJ subcontractors to perform their events. Often, these DJs work for several agencies and also accept bookings directly. A disc jockey, or the agency through whom he is booked, should be able to explain the DJ\u2019s obligation to that agency and what will happen if he leaves that agency.&nbsp; Often, there is nothing more than a verbal confirmation between the independent DJ and the agency for each booking \u2014 a frequent cause of problems.&nbsp; If you choose a DJ who subcontracts for several agencies and books his own events, you need to be clear on what will happen if he is accidentally double-booked for your wedding date,&nbsp;or what would happen to your event if you contract the DJ through an agency and he decides to skip out on your event to book something else for a higher price.&nbsp; To find out whether your DJ is available independently or through numerous agencies,&nbsp;try performing a web search for their name and the word \u201cDJ\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_How_long_have_you_been_a_DJ_and_how_many_weddings_have_you_done\"><\/span>6. How long have you been a DJ and how many weddings have you done?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A wedding is such an important occasion, and you don\u2019t want your DJ\u2019s first wedding to be your own. The number of years someone has been a DJ will give you some indication of their experience level, but some DJs only perform for a few events (and fewer weddings) each year. A DJ with half as many years in the industry may have many times as many weddings under his belt, so you should also ask how many weddings the DJ has done.&nbsp; Also be sure to ask if the DJ has any formal training, either from a DJ company or a DJ school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_How_many_weddings_do_you_do_each_year\"><\/span>7. How many weddings do you do each year?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like any other profession, performing for weddings requires one\u2019s skills to be in top form. If a DJ performs for only a few weddings per year, they may not be \u201cat the top of their game\u201d by the time your wedding date arrives. Asking how many weddings they do per year will give you an indication of their level of commitment to your type of event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_How_many_other_types_of_events_do_you_do_per_year\"><\/span>8. How many other types of events do you do per year?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different DJs focus on different types of events \u2013 some consider themselves a \u201cjack of all trades\u201d and claim expertise in all types of events, and others are specialists. The ratio between the number of weddings a DJ performs for and the amount of other, non-wedding events they do will tell you where their focus lies. If you are looking for a \u201clow-key\u201d wedding DJ and someone you meet with does mostly school dances or Bar Mitzvahs, they may not be very focused on the type of sophisticated presentation you want for your wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Do_you_perform_for_more_than_one_event_in_a_day\"><\/span>9. Do you perform for more than one event in a day?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some DJs will do as many events as they possibly can, and often try to pack their weekends with all types of DJ work. If a disc jockey has already done an event in the afternoon before your wedding, they&nbsp;will likely&nbsp;be physically exhausted by the latter half of your wedding, which is exactly when they need to be the most alert and active. This is most common at large agencies, where \u201cweekend warriors\u201d may perform at four to six events over three days.&nbsp;It is hard to believe that any DJ could give that many couples an adequate amount of attention leading up to, and on, their wedding day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_What_makes_you_different_from_your_competitors\"><\/span>10. What makes you different from your competitors?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any professional wedding disc jockey will take pride in their work, and be able to answer this question honestly and communicate the things that make their services unique. Some DJs, however, will take this opportunity to \u201cbash\u201d their competition and say negative things about specific DJs or agencies.&nbsp;We consider this type of behavior unprofessional (in fact, doing this is strictly forbidden for members of the&nbsp;American Disc Jockey Association), and is a poor reflection on them. You may want to consider making it a point to meet any DJ that they say something bad about \u2013 DJs that engage in this type of thing will often target the DJs&nbsp;they\u2019re afraid&nbsp;you\u2019ll book instead of them, and they\u2019re probably right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Have_you_played_at_our_reception_site_before\"><\/span>11. Have you played at our reception site before?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wedding experience is important, and so is familiarity with your reception site. Every site poses different challenges \u2013 different load-in and security procedures, different room sizes and configurations, different acoustics, and even antiquated electrical outlets that need to be grounded manually. Hiring a DJ who is familiar with your site will give you peace of mind that you won\u2019t have any surprises on your wedding day. Even the best DJs can\u2019t have performed at every site in the area (since there are hundreds available in any area), but if he hasn\u2019t been to yours, he should be willing to adequately prepare himself prior to your event by visiting the venue and\/or speaking with the site contact and studying a floor plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Do_you_act_as_the_%E2%80%9Cemcee%E2%80%9D_and_make_all_of_the_announcements\"><\/span>12. Do you act as the \u201cemcee\u201d and make all of the announcements?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any professional wedding disc jockey should be comfortable with making announcements and serving as the emcee for the wedding, it is a standard part of the job. Some DJs, however, are not comfortable with this and prefer to pass these duties on to someone else, such as a site manager, who may not have a professional voice or experience speaking on a microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_How_would_you_define_your_%E2%80%9Cstyle%E2%80%9D_when_making_announcements\"><\/span>13. How would you define your \u201cstyle\u201d when making announcements?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an extremely important question to ask because it will tell you whether or not the DJ is the right match for your guests and the atmosphere you\u2019re trying to create. If you are planning an elegant, understated wedding, then utilizing the services of a \u201cparty motivator\u201d or \u201centertainer DJ\u201d may not be what you are looking for. If you know your guests will need a lot of encouragement to dance, then hiring someone who flatly refuses to make announcements probably isn\u2019t the best idea either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_What_do_you_do_to_motivate_the_crowd_if_nobody_is_dancing\"><\/span>14. What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different wedding disc jockeys handle this situation in very different ways \u2013 some opt to use the microphone to try to \u201cenergize\u201d your guests and motivate them to dance. Others would never do something like this and prefer to use careful song selection to ensure dance floor success. You need to know what the DJ would do in this situation, and determine if that is the way you would like the situation handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_What_if_something_happens_to_you_and_you_cant_make_it_to_the_wedding\"><\/span>15. What if something happens to you and you can\u2019t make it to the wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite meticulous planning and preparation, accidents do happen. If the DJ is injured or otherwise unable to perform on your wedding day, what is the backup plan? Most responsible professionals have&nbsp;some sort of&nbsp;backup strategy should this situation ever arise, but others do not. Often, DJs will be members of a local DJ association and network with other DJs who&nbsp;could possibly&nbsp;provide backup services for them in the event of an emergency. Others take this planning more seriously and reserve a specific DJ for every date, ensuring that backup is both available and prepared in case of an emergency.&nbsp; You need to feel comfortable that you will still have a qualified, prepared DJ on your wedding day, regardless of the circumstances, so the answer to this question is very important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Will_we_meet_again_before_the_wedding\"><\/span>16. Will we meet again before the wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as some deejays will prefer not to meet you when you book them, others will prefer to conduct a \u201cfinal meeting\u201d in the weeks before your wedding over the telephone instead of in person. While having a face-to-face meeting for the final meeting is arguably less important than meeting personally for an initial interview, the DJ should still be willing to meet you in person for a second time if that\u2019s what you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Can_we_visit_you_at_a_performance\"><\/span>17. Can we visit you at a performance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hopefully, the answer to this question is \u201cno.\u201d&nbsp;We\u2019re sure that you wouldn\u2019t appreciate the DJ inviting prospective clients to your wedding to see him in action. A professional DJ should be willing to take a stand for his client\u2019s privacy and not offer this as a possibility.&nbsp; Professional wedding DJs&nbsp;never&nbsp;allow this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_May_we_speak_to_your_references\"><\/span>18. May we speak to your references?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking to a wedding DJ\u2019s former clients is a great way to get a feel for what it is like to work with them, and any DJ should be ready and willing to allow you to speak with their references. He should also be willing to contact several of these references in advance of providing you with their information so that they have his permission and so you feel comfortable calling them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_How_do_you_keep_your_music_collection_up-to-date\"><\/span>19. How do you keep your music collection up-to-date?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The majority of professional DJs subscribe to at least one of the major music update services to keep their collections up-to-date. These services provide the DJ with new, radio-edited music, often before it is even playing on the radio. Ask the DJ if they subscribe to any of these. The most common are Promo Only, TM Century Prime Cuts, RPM Top Hits Monthly, and ERG NuTraxx.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_How_involved_can_we_be_in_selecting_music_for_our_event\"><\/span>20. How involved can we be in selecting music for our event?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an important question to ask because some DJs prefer to control the majority of the playlist and supplement their choices with a small handful of your specific requests. Other disc jockeys prefer to let the client choose the majority of the music, and then use their expertise to make it all work. The DJ should be accommodating of your music tastes, and you should feel comfortable with the DJ\u2019s approach and the amount of involvement you\u2019ll be able to have in choosing the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" data-attachment-id=\"6820\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1280,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Frustrated detail oriented groom surrounded by people and loosing it-1280\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6820\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?resize=850%2C478&amp;ssl=1 850w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?resize=250%2C141&amp;ssl=1 250w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Frustrated-detail-oriented-groom-surrounded-by-people-and-loosing-it-1280.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_When_do_we_need_to_submit_our_music_requests_and_event_details\"><\/span>21. When do we need to submit our music requests and event details?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most professional DJs will give you a printed song list and planning worksheet with which to communicate the details of your event; others will give you access to an online planning system that will guide you throughout the entire process. You should be given ample time to make decisions regarding your music choices and event timeline, but the DJ should also require this information far enough in advance so that he can adequately prepare for your event. A DJ who doesn\u2019t ask for your requests at least a couple of weeks before your wedding may not be able to fulfill them. In addition, the DJ should be willing to accommodate any later changes or additions whenever possible, rather than locking you into a first dance song that you later regret or refusing to alter the order of your toasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Do_you_take_requests_from_our_guests\"><\/span>22. Do you take requests from our guests?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most DJs are happy to do so, but you should also feel reasonably assured that any request they choose to play would not be something you didn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Can_we_submit_a_%E2%80%9CDo_Not_Play%E2%80%9D_list\"><\/span>23. Can we submit a \u201cDo Not Play\u201d list?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any professional DJ should be willing to honor your requests, including your request for certain songs and genres to not be used. Submitting a \u201cDo Not Play\u201d list will give a DJ a clear idea of your limits and your expectations for their song selection at your wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24_When_do_you_arrive_to_set_up_for_our_wedding\"><\/span>24. When do you arrive to set up for our wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When dealing with sub-standard DJs, there are often issues with them being punctual and set up well in advance of your guests\u2019 arrival. Professional DJs will always arrive at least a full hour before their scheduled start time in order to have adequate time to set up and get organized before the wedding. MyDeejay\u2019s policy is to arrive at least an hour and a half before our scheduled start time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_What_will_you_wear_to_our_wedding\"><\/span>25. What will you wear to our wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most wedding DJs own and are comfortable wearing, a tuxedo when they perform. If the groom will not be wearing a tuxedo, then it is inappropriate for the DJ to wear a tuxedo. You should also ask what type of tuxedo the DJ wears. Brands are unimportant (most tuxes look practically identical), but ask about the style of vest, cummerbund, and neckwear. Some DJs prefer a classic, understated look, and others wear flashy, shimmering, or patterned vests and matching bowties. It is important that the DJ\u2019s \u201clook\u201d meets your expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"26_What_will_you_wear_when_you_set_up_and_break_down_your_equipment\"><\/span>26. What will you wear when you set up and break down your equipment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is something that is often overlooked but can make a big difference. If your guests arrive early for the reception or stay afterward, will they see the DJ in a sweaty undershirt and gym shorts? Professional disc jockeys maintain acceptable appearance standards regardless of the situation, including setting up and breaking down their equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"27_How_much_of_a_deposit_is_required_to_secure_our_date\"><\/span>27. How much of a deposit is required to secure our date?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Almost every DJ will require some sort of deposit or retainer to secure your date. This is for their protection and yours. The industry standard for deposits is 50%. Some DJs require far less, but this is not always a good idea. If the contract language doesn\u2019t stipulate a specific guarantee of services and clearly outlines a cancellation policy, the DJ may only legally be responsible for returning your deposit (sometimes as little as $25) in order to back out of doing your wedding. While it would certainly be considered unprofessional, there certainly isn\u2019t any financial\u00a0incentive\u00a0for\u00a0the DJ if he\u2019s only forced to pay\u00a0a small fee\u00a0for backing out on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"28_What_is_included_in_the_cost_of_my_event\"><\/span>28. What is included in the cost of my event?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DJs use vastly different systems when pricing their services. Most DJs price their services a la carte, charging an hourly rate and adding charges for any additional equipment needed. Others choose to use a flat-rate pricing system and make their packages all-inclusive. You need to be clear about what a DJ is offering for the price they\u2019ve quoted you, so you can compare their package to those of the other DJs you are interviewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"29_How_much_would_you_charge_for_overtime\"><\/span>29. How much would you charge for overtime?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hopefully, your DJ will do such a wonderful job at your wedding that you\u2019d like to keep dancing! Be sure that the DJ\u2019s contract outlines a specific rate for additional time at the end of the night, whether it is a set price or a pro-rated amount based on the original price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30_What_do_you_require_from_us\"><\/span>30. What do you require from us?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every DJ will require a few things that you\u2019ll need to provide them to be successful. The most common are adequate shelter, electricity, and a table for their equipment. Make sure that you understand exactly what the DJ needs from you so you can communicate those needs to your reception site and caterer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"31_Do_you_require_a_meal\"><\/span>31. Do you require a meal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some DJs require that they receive a meal at the wedding, and some even demand that they be fed the same food as your guests. Others do not require a meal at all, or simply accept one if you happen to offer. Again, be sure you know what the DJ\u2019s requirements are so you can plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"32_Are_you_insured\"><\/span>32. Are you insured?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any DJ you consider must carry a full liability insurance policy. They are fairly inexpensive (less than $250 per year in some cases), so being uninsured is inexcusable. Some reception sites have even taken the step of requiring all vendors working at their facility to provide proof of insurance before the wedding. Liability insurance protects you and the reception site in the unlikely event that your DJ injures one of your guests or burns your reception site to the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"33_Do_you_take_any_breaks\"><\/span>33. Do you take any breaks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the major advantages to using a DJ instead of a band is that a DJ does not need to take breaks, outside of using the restroom and possibly eating a meal quickly in another room (if this is what your site contact or caterer requires). In any case, the DJ should assure you that there will be no break in the music at any point during the reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"34_What_is_your_policy_on_alcohol_or_smoking_during_the_wedding\"><\/span>34. What is your policy on alcohol or smoking during the wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A professional DJ will never consume alcohol or take cigarette breaks during your wedding. If you interview a DJ and he tells you he needs a few drinks to \u201cloosen up\u201d while working, you should probably look for a DJ with higher standards of professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"35_What_kind_of_equipment_do_you_use\"><\/span>35. What kind of equipment do you use?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any DJ you consider should be proud of his sound system and should be using professional-grade equipment. Most DJs&nbsp;understand that you are very unlikely to have a working knowledge of professional DJ equipment, but he should be able to describe his sound system to you. You should not hear very many \u201chome audio\u201d brands in what he describes \u2013 the top brands for DJ equipment are Pioneer, Denon, PCDJ, Traktor, Serato, Electro-Voice (EV), JBL, Bose, Mackie, RANE, QSC, and Shure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"36_Do_you_bring_backup_equipment_with_you_to_the_wedding\"><\/span>36. Do you bring backup equipment with you to the wedding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even the very best and most well-maintained equipment will malfunction at some point. Your DJ needs to be prepared in case this happens at your wedding. The only way you will not suffer a setback on your special day is if the DJ brings a full second sound system with them to each and every wedding. Having backup equipment in a warehouse 50 miles from your reception site won\u2019t do much good if there is no music at your wedding for an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"37_Do_you_have_a_wireless_microphone\"><\/span>37. Do you have a wireless microphone?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every professional wedding DJ should offer a wireless microphone to be used for your guests\u2019 toasts, blessings, and any other speeches that need to be made. The industry standard for wireless microphones is Shure, and most professional DJs use Shure wireless technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"38_Do_you_have_a_%E2%80%9Clight_show%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>38. Do you have a \u201clight show\u201d?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some DJs also offer \u201cparty lights,\u201d either as part of their package or as an additional service they can provide. You should find out whether the DJ plans on setting up lights for the dance floor, and whether this matches your preferences. Also, if you do desire a light show, you may want to ask how this will affect the aesthetics of your reception (in other words, how bulky\/cumbersome the setup is) and the quality of your photographs or video. In&nbsp;our experience, most weddings do not need (and practically none of&nbsp;our clients even ask for) a light show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"39_Do_you_set_up_a_sign_or_banner_with_your_equipment\"><\/span>39. Do you set up a sign or banner with your equipment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shameless self-promotion sometimes rears its ugly head at wedding receptions in the form of a sign or banner advertising the DJ\u2019s company name and contact information. These items inevitably find their way into your wedding pictures and video and ruin what is an otherwise commercial-free event. This practice is repulsive and completely unprofessional, and we believe that any DJ who does this should never be hired for a wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"40_Do_you_belong_to_any_professional_associations_or_trade_groups\"><\/span>40. Do you belong to any professional associations or trade groups?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a DJ is serious about his craft and interested in becoming a better performer, they will often join a local DJ association or trade group. These are opportunities for DJs to interact with one another, share ideas, and network with other DJs who might be able to help them should they ever have an emergency. While membership in one of these organizations is not a guarantee of that DJ\u2019s talent level, it does at least show a willingness to grow and improve and become a better DJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hope these are helpful as you are getting ready to interview what some see as the most important feature of your wedding reception: The Entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Francisco H. Perez<br \/>Elegante Entertainment<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\">www.fhpentertainment.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I often meet with clients who come into my office with the most confused and dazed look when I ask them if they have any questions for me. Some even ask me to guide them on what questions they should be asking&#8230; When you arrive to meet your potential DJ, you should have a clear &#8230; <a title=\"The 40 Wedding DJ Frequently Asked Questions\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2159\/the-40-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about The 40 Wedding DJ Frequently Asked Questions\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6845,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[62,646,598,645,644,647],"class_list":["post-2159","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-houston-weddings","tag-djs-in-houston","tag-faq-for-djs","tag-houston-wedding-djs","tag-questions-to-ask-a-dj","tag-wedding-dj-frequently-asked-questions","tag-what-should-i-ask-my-dj"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Elegant-Wedding-DJ-in-Texas.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2893,"url":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2893\/djs-that-charge-300\/","url_meta":{"origin":2159,"position":0},"title":"#11 DJs that Charge $300","author":"DJ Francisco Perez","date":"","format":false,"excerpt":"DJs that Charge $300, Should you trust them? This is a VLOG in Spanish, En Espa\u00f1ol, covering a question frequently asked. DJs that Charge $300, Should you trust them? There is a difference between a DJ that charges you $300, to a DJ that charges you $1,000, and a dj\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Houston Weddings&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Houston Weddings","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/category\/houston-weddings\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"DJ in Houston | #11 DJs that Charge $300","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-11.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-11.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-11.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-11.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-11.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2896,"url":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2896\/12-how-does-the-dj-dress\/","url_meta":{"origin":2159,"position":1},"title":"#12 How Does the DJ Dress","author":"DJ Francisco Perez","date":"","format":false,"excerpt":"How Does the DJ Dress? This is a VLOG in Spanish, En Espa\u00f1ol, covering a question frequently asked. How Does the DJ Dress for my event? Dress attire is very important at any wedding or private event. This is an important question to ask especially if you have a black\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Houston Weddings&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Houston Weddings","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/category\/houston-weddings\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"DJ in Houston | #12 How Does the DJ Dress","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-12.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1035,"url":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/1035\/free-ebook-the-brides-guide-to-selecting-the-perfect-wedding-dj-in-houston\/","url_meta":{"origin":2159,"position":2},"title":"FREE Ebook &#8211; The Bride&#8217;s Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding DJ in Houston","author":"DJ Francisco Perez","date":"","format":false,"excerpt":"The Bride's Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding DJ is an ebook available for FREE on Amazon today through Saturday only. This book is a great reference for a bride-to-be and will help to justify why your professional wedding DJ services are worth the fees that you charge. Topics in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Houston Weddings&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Houston Weddings","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/category\/houston-weddings\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"How to Hire a DJ in houston","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecx.images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41A7Q6tG50L._BO2%2C204%2C203%2C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%2CTopRight%2C35%2C-76_AA278_PIkin4%2CBottomRight%2C-64%2C22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":887,"url":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/887\/top-wedding-dj-search-terms-for-4242012\/","url_meta":{"origin":2159,"position":3},"title":"Top Wedding DJ Search Terms for 4\/24\/2012","author":"DJ Francisco Perez","date":"","format":false,"excerpt":"How do clients arrive at my website? This is how people are getting to my website, based on the search terms captured through Wordpress 4\/24\/2012 Search Views encrypted_search_terms 4 quinceanera dj questions 3 uplights in houston 3 clubhouse wedding venues in houston 3 website menu bar 2 do djs need\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Houston Weddings&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Houston Weddings","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/category\/houston-weddings\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2900,"url":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2900\/dj-vlog-houston-13\/","url_meta":{"origin":2159,"position":4},"title":"#13 Public Comment","author":"DJ Francisco Perez","date":"","format":false,"excerpt":"Public Comment This is a VLOG in Spanish, En Espa\u00f1ol, covering a question frequently asked. This video we take the time to answer a public coment. This is a Clip from a Live Facebook stream we did a few days ago titled, How To Hire a DJ in Houston, this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Houston Weddings&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Houston Weddings","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/category\/houston-weddings\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"DJ in Houston | #13 Public Comment","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-13.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-13.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-13.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-13.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-13.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2869,"url":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/2869\/what-type-of-music\/","url_meta":{"origin":2159,"position":5},"title":"#4 What Type of Music","author":"DJ Francisco Perez","date":"","format":false,"excerpt":"What type of Music will the DJ play the Day of My event? This is a VLOG in Spanish, En Espa\u00f1ol, covering a question frequently asked. What type of Music will the DJ play the Day of My event? This question is important because some djs are more versed in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Houston Weddings&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Houston Weddings","link":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/category\/houston-weddings\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"DJs en Houston","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2019-10-10-VLOG002-Thumbnail-clip-04.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8aA1-yP","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2159","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2159"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2159\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6907,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2159\/revisions\/6907"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2159"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fhpentertainment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}