Music is one of the most crucial elements of any wedding or event. The right events and wedding DJ can elevate the atmosphere, keep guests engaged, and ensure seamless transitions throughout the night. However, choosing the wrong DJ can lead to technical issues, an uncoordinated timeline, or an uninspired dance floor. To help you make the right decision, here are the essential do’s and don’ts of hiring a wedding and events DJ.
The Do’s of Hiring a Wedding & Events DJ
1. Research the DJ’s Experience and Reviews
Every Dj has their own story to tell, and you can see a lot of that in their reviews and social media content. Look at online reviews, watch videos of their past performances, and ask for references. A well-reviewed DJ with experience in weddings and events is a safer bet than someone with no track record.
2. Meet with the DJ Before Booking
A face-to-face meeting (or video call) allows you to gauge their professionalism, personality, and how well they understand your vision. The right DJ will listen to your needs and offer suggestions to enhance your event. If you’re hiring a Dj through an entertainment business or similar, ask your regular contact to have a meeting including the assigned Dj.
3. Discuss Music Preferences and Playlists
Most Dj’s or entertainment companies will have some sort of platform or form to help navigate all of the important music preferences associate with your wedding. event. Be clear about the genres and songs you want (or don’t want). A professional DJ will curate a playlist that aligns with your taste while also reading the crowd to keep the energy up. At VanBuren Entertainment, we use a specialized platform called Vibo for this, giving our clients the power to organize their music, event timeline, and more right in the palm of their hand.
4. Ensure the DJ Has Professional-Grade Equipment
Sound quality matters. Ask about their sound system, microphones, and backup gear. A DJ with top-tier equipment ensures crisp, uninterrupted audio throughout the event. In many cases, a DJ with top tier gear also has a lot of experience, as gear at this level of quality is expensive and sometimes even hard to acquire.
5. Clarify the DJ’s Role in Event Coordination
A good DJ does more than just play music—they also act as an MC, keeping the event on schedule and making announcements when needed. Discuss how involved you’d like them to be in guiding the flow of the evening.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Always sign a contract that details pricing, set times, cancellation policies, and any additional fees. A contract protects both you and the DJ from last-minute surprises. If you’re working with an entertainment company, they will usually have other additions to the contract like included travel time, backups, and other covered contractual topics to ensure a more detailed expectation for both the client and the company/ DJ.
7. Ask About Backup Plans
From equipment failures to emergencies, things can go wrong. A professional DJ should have a backup plan, including spare equipment and contingency measures in case they can’t make it to the event. We usually send an assistant depending on the type of event and its complexity, and even extra equipment in case anything fails during setup and testing. We also have our DJs arrive early enough to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances that may require an extra stop.
8. Consider Your Venue’s Sound Restrictions
Some venues have strict noise limitations or curfews. Check with your venue to ensure your DJ can operate within their guidelines to avoid unexpected cutoffs. Our DJs will always adhere to the venues noise ordinances.
The Don’ts of Hiring a Wedding & Events DJ
1. Don’t Hire Based on Price Alone
While budget is important, going for the cheapest option can result in poor sound quality, limited song selection, or an unprofessional experience. You want a DJ who is lively on the mic, over-prepared with song selection, over-equipped with sound equipment and expertise, and knows how to read a crowd. Invest in a DJ who will deliver value and professionalism.
2. Don’t Assume Every DJ Can Handle Weddings or Formal Events
Some DJs specialize in clubs or house parties, which might not translate well to a structured event like a wedding. Ensure they have experience managing formal timelines, introductions, and diverse audiences if you’re hiring for a wedding. Same goes the other way as well. A DJ only versed in weddings may fail to have the appropriate song selection and/ or mixing skills required to keep a club floor packed and drink orders flowing at the bar.
3. Don’t Forget to Discuss Do-Not-Play Lists
Avoid awkward moments by providing a list of songs you don’t want played. This ensures your event’s atmosphere aligns with your vision. Many DJ’s have contingency plans for song requests that fall under your do not play lists. We make sure all our DJs are equipped with the “jargon” to keep your guests feeling heard and your songs to taste.
4. Don’t Ignore the Importance of Good MC Skills
A DJ who lacks confidence on the mic can create dead air or struggle with announcements. If your DJ will be acting as the MC, ensure they have a strong stage presence and clear communication skills. Some even bring a person dedicated to emceeing the event. We make sure our DJs are prepared for the job fully, and aren’t afraid to take the mic, or are assisted by someone who can flawlessly emcee the event.
5. Don’t Overlook Venue Logistics
Make sure your DJ knows where to set up, how much space is available, and if power outlets are within reach. If you are provided a floor plan by the event coordinator or venue, you should share it with your DJ as soon as possible. Discussing logistics in advance avoids last-minute scrambling.
6. Don’t Rely on Streaming Services for Music
DJs should have their own music library instead of relying on internet-dependent streaming platforms, which can fail due to poor connectivity or licensing issues. We keep all of our music online and offline to ensure seamless music transitions, quality sound and an all around clean-running event.
7. Don’t Assume a Friend or Family Member Can Do the Job
Just because someone owns DJ equipment doesn’t mean they can handle the pressure of a live event. A professional knows how to handle unexpected situations and keep the energy alive. Also keep in mind that playing music from a Spotify/Pandora playlist leaves dead space between songs and kills the vibe, especially on the dancefloor. You might be able to get away with this for cocktail hour or dinner, but once that dance floor starts, you’re going to want a DJ who can seamlessly mix your preferred music to keep the event lively and moving.
8. Don’t Neglect Guest Preferences
While your music choices should take priority, a great DJ reads the crowd and adapts accordingly. Be open to allowing the DJ some creative control to keep guests engaged and the dance floor full.
Hiring a wedding and events DJ is about more than just finding someone to press play. The right DJ brings professionalism, experience, and energy that will make your event memorable for all the right reasons. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a smooth and successful celebration, free of musical mishaps and technical troubles. If you’d like to find out more about how we handle