What to Ask Your DJ or Entertainment Vendor Before You Book
What to Ask Your DJ or Entertainment Vendor Before You Book
Booking a DJ or entertainment vendor isn’t just about finding someone with speakers and a playlist. The right DJ can make your event unforgettable in the best way possible. The wrong one? Let’s just say people remember that too.
Before you sign a contract or send a deposit, here are the most important questions you should ask your DJ or entertainment vendor to make sure your event is in good hands.
1. “Have You Done Events Like Mine Before?”
A great DJ isn’t just someone who plays music. They actually understand the flow of your type of event.
A wedding DJ needs to know how to pace a reception, cue grand entrances, and handle emotional moments. A corporate event DJ needs to be polished, professional, and volume-conscious. A birthday or school dance DJ needs to know how to keep energy high without chaos.
Ask:
Have you done events like mine?
How many?
What challenges usually come with this type of event?
Experience matters more than you think.
2. “Do You Bring Backup Equipment?”
Technology is amazing… until it isn’t. Speakers fail. Laptops crash. Cables die. A professional DJ plans for that before anything goes wrong.
A solid answer should include:
Backup laptop or controller
Extra cables and microphones
Redundant sound systems for larger events
3. “How Do You Handle Song Requests (and Do-Not-Play Songs)?”
This is a big one, especially for weddings and formal events.
Some DJs take every request. Others follow a strict playlist. The best DJs know how to balance guest requests without killing the vibe.
You’ll want to ask:
Can I provide a must-play list?
Can I provide a do-not-play list?
How do you handle inappropriate or awkward requests?
Your DJ should be able to say “no” when needed and say it in a way that’s polite.
4. “Who Will Actually Be DJing My Event?”
This question surprises a lot of people.
Some companies send a sales rep to book you, then assign a DJ later. This is very common, but you should know who is showing up.
Ask:
Will it be you or another DJ?
Can I meet or speak with them beforehand?
How are DJs trained or vetted?
You deserve to know who’s controlling the music at your event.
5. “What’s Included in Your Pricing?”
This one can save you from unexpected surprises.
Not all DJ quotes are created equal. Some include:
Setup and teardown
MC services
Wireless microphones
Lighting or effects
In some cases, these may be separate fees that aren’t included in the original quote.
6. “How Early Do You Arrive to Set Up?”
A professional DJ doesn’t show up right when the event starts.
Setup takes time, especially when lighting, photo booths, or special effects are involved. Early arrival also allows time for sound checks and coordination with planners or venues.
A confident DJ should already have a plan for this.
7. “What Happens If You Can’t Make It?”
No one likes to think about emergencies—but this is an important question.
Ask:
What’s your backup plan if you’re sick or have an emergency?
Do you have other DJs available?
Is this covered in the contract?
A professional entertainment company always has a contingency plan.
8. “How Do You Read the Room?”
This is where great DJs really shine.
A playlist is nice. Knowing when to switch things up is better.
Ask how they:
Adjust music if the dance floor clears
Handle mixed-age or mixed-genre crowds
Build energy throughout the night
If their answer focuses on flexibility and crowd reaction, you’re on the right track.
