A consultation with a wedding DJ goes by fast, and it's easy to come away with a good feeling but no real information. These questions will help you compare DJs fairly. We've grouped them by topic and added notes on what a good answer sounds like. We've been DJing South Florida weddings since 1997, and you're welcome to ask us every one of them.
Experience
1. How long have you been DJing weddings specifically? Wedding DJing is different from club or party work. Look for real wedding experience. (Our answer: since 1997.)
2. Have you worked at our venue, or one like it? If not, do they plan to visit or talk with the venue coordinator? Experience with a similar type of venue (hotel, club, beach, garden) helps.
3. Can we read reviews from recent couples and venues? Look for detailed reviews on multiple sites.
4. Will you personally be our DJ? Some companies send whichever DJ is available. Make sure you know who's coming, and get it in writing.
Music
5. How do you plan the music with us? A good answer involves collaboration: your favorites and dislikes plus their expertise.
6. How many songs can we request? Do you take guest requests? Flexibility is good, but a pro will also tell you when a request might empty the floor.
7. How do you handle a mixed crowd? In South Florida, ask specifically about Latin and multicultural music. See our approach to Latin and tropical music.
8. Will you follow our do-not-play list? The answer should be an unqualified yes. Our do-not-play list tips explain how to write one.
9. Do you play clean versions? Important if kids or conservative relatives are present.
MC and hosting
10. What's your MC style? Ask them to describe how they'd introduce your wedding party. Make sure their style fits what you want. More on that in our wedding MC guide.
11. How do you coordinate with our other vendors? They should talk with your planner, photographer and venue captain throughout the night.
12. How do you handle toasts? Wireless mic, level checks and a gentle wrap-up plan if a speech runs long.
13. How do you make sure names are pronounced correctly? Look for a phonetic run sheet.
Ceremony and cocktail hour
14. Can you provide sound for the ceremony? Including a mic for the officiant and vows, and music timed to the processional. See ceremony and cocktail-hour music.
15. How do you handle wind outdoors? Especially for waterfront and beach ceremonies.
Equipment and logistics
16. What equipment do you use, and do you bring backups? Professional-grade gear, maintained, with backups for critical items.
17. How much space and power do you need? Important for small venues and outdoor sites.
18. What time will you arrive and be ready? A pro is set up and sound-checked well before guests arrive.
19. Do you offer lighting? Dance-floor lighting and uplighting can transform a room.
Insurance and contracts
20. Are you insured? Can you provide a certificate of insurance (COI) to our venue? Many South Florida venues require it. (We're insured and can provide a COI on request.)
21. What's in the contract? Date, times, services, price, deposit, payment schedule and cancellation policy should all be clear.
22. What happens if you're sick or have an emergency? Ask about their backup plan.
Pricing
23. Is your price flat or hourly? What's included? Make sure MC, microphones and setup are included.
24. Are there overtime fees if the party runs late? Our packages are flat-rate with unlimited time, so there's no overtime clock. Many DJs charge by the hour, so ask.
25. What add-ons do you offer, and what do they cost? Uplighting, photo booth, ceremony sound and dance lessons. Our guide to Miami wedding DJ costs shows how prices add up.
After the consultation
Write down your impressions right away. Did the DJ listen? Ask about your crowd? Answer clearly? Did you like them? Then compare. The cheapest DJ isn't always the best value, and the most expensive isn't always the best fit. Our guide on how to choose a wedding DJ has more on weighing your options.
Red flags to watch for
Most DJs are honest professionals, but a few warning signs are worth noticing during your search:
- Vague pricing. If the quote doesn't say clearly what's included, how long the DJ will play and what overtime costs, ask for it in writing.
- No contract. A written agreement protects both of you. Be cautious with anyone who wants to work on a handshake.
- No insurance. Many venues require a certificate of insurance. A DJ who can't provide one may be turned away at the door.
- They don't ask about you. If a DJ doesn't ask about your crowd, your music or your timeline, they may be planning to play the same set they play everywhere.
- Reviews that only talk about price. Look for reviews that describe the dance floor, the announcements and how the DJ handled surprises.
- Pressure to book immediately. Popular dates do fill up, but you should still have time to ask questions and read the contract.
Ask us
Call or text (561) 464-7203 or request a quote. Learn more about our wedding DJ service.
