The toughest part of any wedding is the planning. It’s easy to say, “yes”. However, before you get to the wedded bliss part, you have to go through the gauntlet that is planning, which includes planning for music. If you’re looking for a wedding DJ in NYC, we have some important questions you should always ask. 

Many people don’t realize that DJing is an art. It’s one of those things that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. DJing is about more than simply playing songs or scratching a record. It’s a subtle science of choosing the right songs for the right venue, an especially important part of the equation for weddings. 

‍Important Questions for Your Wedding DJ in NYC

The suggestions below will give you plenty of information to make a complete, informed decision about your potential DJs, ensuring a memorable wedding and reception. 

Background

The first thing you need to know about your DJ is how experienced, professional, and talented they are. These are the bedrock questions that will immediately give you a clue as to whether a specific wedding DJ might be right for you. 

‍How long have you been DJing weddings? 

This is the first question that should be on any couple’s list. Be specific about their experience with weddings. They might have 10 years of overall experience and six months of wedding experience. 

‍Have you worked at our venue? 

Every location has different space constraints and acoustical considerations. It’s a major plus if the DJ already knows the layout, acoustics, and rules of your venue. 

‍Can we get references? 

You can and should ask for references. Just like any other contractor, it’s important to get reviews from real customers. A reputable DJ will have no problem giving you references. 

‍Who will be our DJ? 

This might seem like an odd question, but if you’re considering working with a large DJ company, the person you speak with may not be the person who DJs your event. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, make sure you talk to the actual DJ to see if they can answer your questions. 

Music Style

Just like everyone else, DJs have their own musical style and taste. It's important to get an idea of where their choices lean to ensure you find a DJ whose style matches your vision. 

‍What’s your style? 

Talk with your potential wedding DJ in NYC about their style, including the types of venues they’ve played and their mixing style, to get an initial feel for a matching vision. This information helps you determine the perfect DJ for a great overall wedding experience.

‍Can we give you a list of must-play and never-play songs?

While DJs specialize in curating song lists or an overall vibe for an event, they can and should be open to working with any songs that you do and don’t want played at your wedding. 

‍Do you take requests? 

This is a vital question to ask. Some DJs prefer a finalized set list, while others are perfectly happy to work requests into their lineup. 

‍What’s your crowdwork style? 

A DJ’s crowdwork style is just as important as their song choice for a night full of energy, fun, and, of course, dancing. A seasoned pro knows how to keep people excited and engaged. When asked this question, an experienced DJ should be able to give you an immediate overview of how they work. 

Pricing Questions

Of course, you’ll want to know what your potential DJ offers and what they charge for their service. It’s important to cover as many bases as possible initially to avoid any surprises later. That being said, a reputable DJ will almost always bring up anything regarding pricing that you forget to ask. 

‍What does your package include? 

Not all DJs offer the same services. It’s important to ask specific questions about their DJ services. Pricing can change dramatically depending on the services offered, so be sure to know what you want and what you can get. 

‍Do you emcee? 

Some DJs only curate playlists and do crowdwork. Others, however, may offer emcee services to assist with announcements and help keep the reception on track. This may or may not be an extra charge. 

‍Do you provide lighting? 

Some venues offer special event lighting, but it’s not guaranteed at all of them. It’s important to know if a DJ includes this service or if you’ll have to look elsewhere. 

‍Is setup and breakdown included? 

Some DJs roll the time it takes to set up and break down their equipment into the total cost. However, others bill it separately. Knowing your DJ’s pricing helps ensure you stay on budget. 

‍Do you offer overtime options? 

While your initial pricing is for a set amount of time, many DJs and venues offer additional-time pricing. Check with both the venue and potential DJs to determine if this could be an option for you if the reception is going particularly well. 

Brass Tacks

After you’ve nailed down times, pricing, and available services, you’ll want to get down to the meat of the matter - the logistics. These questions will help ensure you don’t have any surprises on your big day. 

‍Do you have backup equipment? 

While many venues offer on-site audio equipment, it may not be enough for your needs. You may also choose a venue in a unique location that doesn’t have equipment. It’s important to be sure your DJ has the equipment they need for your reception. 

‍How much room do you need? 

Space is at a premium when it comes to reception planning. Everything from tables to the guests takes up space. Knowing how much room your DJ will need helps you keep things smooth and feeling less crowded. 

‍Do you require liability insurance?

The answer to this question should always be yes. Electrical equipment can be dangerous if the unexpected happens. Insurance is a must. 

‍Will you do a soundcheck on the wedding day? 

A good wedding DJ in NYC will always say yes to this question. A soundcheck on the morning of the wedding is the only way to ensure that everything is as it should be before the ceremony. 

‍What’s your cancellation policy? 

It’s vital to know and understand your DJ’s cancellation policy. How much notice do they need? What’s their policy on Acts of God? These are imperative questions to ask your potential DJ. 

‍How much is your deposit, and when is it due? 

Knowing how much you owe in advance and when you owe it will help you keep your wedding finances in order and limit any potential conflicts with payments and budgeting. 

Ensure You Pick the Perfect Wedding DJ in NYC

The above questions will give you a head start on picking the perfect DJ for your wedding and reception. With these questions, you’ll have all the information you need to choose a DJ who fits your style, needs, and budget. 

If you’re looking for a wedding DJ in NYC that will make your wedding and reception as special as the love you and your partner have for one another, we’re here to help. 

Dash of Clash Platinum Wedding DJ Entertainment has the knowledge, experience, and DJs to make your wedding one for the ages. With 35 years of experience, over 10,000 weddings, and more than 2,500 5-star reviews under our belt, we can confidently say we’re the right choice. 

‍Contact us to learn more about our services, upfront pricing, experience, and commitment to ensuring your wedding is one filled with amazing memories that last a lifetime.