When planning your wedding, there is a lot to think about! You want your ceremony to be beautiful, and you want your guests to have fun at the after-party. If you opt for a wedding reception DJ hire, who you choose can make or break the tempo of your reception. However, be sure to have your questions ready before you make your final choice.

This article is by Phil Tucker and is an updated republish of an existing post.

Average Wedding Reception DJ Cost

Chances are you have never hired a disc jockey service. Many people are tempted to ask about the average wedding DJ cost as their first question when interviewing a prospective disc jockey service, but this is not the best way to start your interview. Price is important, but it should not be “the” determining factor.

You want to get all of the information and the most for your money. One potential DJ may charge less because the company is less experienced or is not as well equipped to handle your function. Some DJ services charge more because their service has a great reputation, stay busy and have an exceptional sound and light show, with many years of experience.

Remember the law of supply and demand.

You should, by all means, shop around and look for the best overall wedding reception package that fits you. Just make sure you know what you are getting when you book your wedding music. We have put together this list of questions to help you interview prospective DJ services. We hope you find the professional that is right for you as you ponder your wedding DJ cost, experience, and offerings.

Questions for Your Wedding Reception DJ

Do you use professional gear?

If the DJ tells you name brands that you can buy at the local electronics store (Best Buy…etc.) chances are they are not using pro audio gear. Home hi-fi gear is not made to hold up to the demands of repeat performances of professional use.

Do you have back up gear in an emergency?

Chances are nothing will happen at your event, but if it does, is your DJ prepared to troubleshoot the problem? Do they have back-up equipment on location to get the party back on track? (They should have extra cables, fuses, basic tools, CD player, amplifier, mixer … etc.)

Is your DJ hire service insured?

If the DJ hire service is professional and reputable, they will be insured. Most disc jockey services will at least have liability insurance for $1,000,000. Some will also have their equipment insured.

Are we guaranteed the DJ of our choice?

Some DJ companies have more than one disc jockey working for them. While the company may have been in business for years, your DJ may have been hired last week, so be sure who you are getting. Most companies have references on the specific DJ who will be assigned to your wedding reception.

How many years of experience do you have?

This is a commonly asked question. The question should be how many events have you performed? A seasoned DJ will have performed at hundreds of events.

May we call three of your references?

A good DJ hire service keeps current references. The list that they provide for you should have at least ten or more names and not be more than six months old. This is a good indicator of the quality you can expect.

If you are not comfortable with calling strangers, ask if they have any venues, photographers or video services that recommend them. Most wedding planners and other professionals work with a lot of different DJ services every weekend.

How will our wedding reception DJ be dressed?

Specify the type of apparel that your disc jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a “themed” event, make sure your entertainer is informed.

How early will you be set up?

Most DJ services like to have the opportunity to do a sound and light check before any guests arrive. The last thing you want is a DJ hauling equipment through your receiving line and or guests.

Do you allow requests?

Consider the policy of requests. The best DJs will take requests from the audience and work them into their routine. But don’t expect the DJ to play every request. An excellent DJ blends requests with songs that will get your guests up and moving.

What type of music is available?

Remember it is not the number of CDs or albums they carry but the content of the media. Ask them how many hit songs they carry and what type of music they have. Ask them how do they stay current with the new hits.

A good DJ service will carry a wide variety of music and will have as many as 2000 hits or more. There are professional DJ services that are available to professional disc jockeys. These services provide the latest hits played on the radio stations with new additions released monthly.

Remember that during the dancing segment of your reception a DJ will average 15 songs per hour, so you should hear nothing but hits all night long. This will keep your dance floor full all night and everyone will have a great time.

Do you provide a written contract?

It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.

Need more wedding advice?

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