Questions to ask your wedding DJ before considering them

Let’s be real… wedding planning is a beast. Hopefully, you’re only doing it once, which means the pressure to make everything perfect can get intense. Unless you moonlight as a professional wedding guest, chances are you haven’t paid much attention to all the moving parts at the last few weddings you’ve attended.

That’s where I come in.

To help make your life a little easier, I’ve rounded up a list of the top questions you should be asking any wedding DJ before you consider hiring them. I “borrowed” this list from a few industry sites (hey, we’re all in this together), and I’ve included my actual answers so you can compare as you shop around.

This isn’t about scare tactics or pushing you to book me. It’s about helping you ask better questions, spot red flags, and find the DJ that actually fits your vibe.

Let’s get into it…

Top Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ

(and how I personally answer them)

1. Do you offer a written contract?

You bet. Every event is secured with a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer fee. If a DJ won’t give you a contract… run.

2. Will you be the DJ at our wedding?

Yes. If you book Prestige Worldwide Entertainment, you’re getting me…Jerry Karns. I’m not a company that brags about having 20 DJs and then sends whichever guy isn’t busy that day. Your wedding matters, and I treat it that way.

3. Have you ever DJ’ed under a different name?

Nope. I’ve worked with other companies in the past, like Audio 1 Sounds and Eclipse Audio, but I’ve always DJ’ed under my own name. No shady rebrands to dodge bad reviews here.

4. Can we meet before we sign anything?

Absolutely. I actually prefer it. Meeting in person (or via video chat if needed) helps both of us decide if we’re the right fit. Chemistry matters, even with DJs.

5. Will you hold our date while we decide?

Dates are first come, first serve. If someone else inquires about your date while you’re deciding, I’ll try to follow up with you and try to give you a chance to finalize the booking. No pressure tactics… just transparency. With the volume of inquiries I get though, It’s quite likely I won’t remember to follow up. I’m not in the practice of hounding people.

6. How long have you been DJ’ing, and how many weddings have you done?

I started in 1995 and have done around 500 weddings. Weddings are my main focus these days, and I bring decades of experience to every event.

7. How many weddings do you do per year?

On average, about 25 to 30 weddings a year.

8. How many other types of events do you do?

Around 10 to 15 other events like Cheerleading Competitions, private parties, or corporate events. But weddings are definitely my specialty. In this area not many people get married in the winter, those events fill in the cold months.

9. Do you do more than one event in a day?

Not for weddings. Once your wedding is booked, that day is yours. I may do multiple smaller events in one day for other types of gigs, but weddings get my full attention.

10. What makes you different from other DJs?

My goal is to include everyone at your wedding in the celebration. I don’t just play music… I guide the flow of your day, interact when needed, and keep the dance floor full. I’m not just a button-pusher…I’m your vibe manager.

11. Have you played at our venue before?

Maybe… maybe not. But either way, I’ll arrive early enough to figure it out. I always give myself plenty of time to set up and troubleshoot, so you don’t have to worry.

12. Do you also act as the emcee?

Yes. I’m confident on the mic and prefer to be the one handling announcements so things stay smooth and on schedule.

13. What’s your announcement style?

Flexible. We’ll talk about the vibe you’re going for, and I’ll adapt to match. Whether it’s high energy or more low-key, I’ll deliver it the way you want.

14. What if nobody is dancing?

I have tricks. Whether it’s song selection, crowd interaction, or shifting the vibe, I have more than one way to fire up a dance floor. You’ll never see me give up or panic.

15. What happens if you can’t make it?

I have a network of trusted professional DJs I can call on in an emergency…just like they would call on me. It’s a rare situation, but I have a plan in place if it ever happens.

16. Will we meet again before the wedding?

Yes. I usually meet with couples about a week before the wedding to finalize everything. That way, we’re all on the same page and you don’t have to stress the day of.

17. Can we see you perform at another event?

Nope… and I wouldn’t be inviting strangers to your wedding either. I do have videos and photos from past events you can check out right here. Just be aware it’s typically Cell Phone video’s in between things so it’s far from professional quality footage.

18. Can we talk to your past clients?

Of course. I have references available upon request.

19. How do you keep your music up to date?

I subscribe to Promo Only, a professional DJ music service. I get new, radio-edited tracks every week across all major genres.

20. How involved can we be with the music?

As involved as you want to be. But real talk… if you need to hand me a four-page playlist, you might be hiring the wrong DJ. Let me read the room so you don’t have to. A list of Must Plays or Don’t plays though is appreciated.

21. When do we need to submit requests and details?

Once we lock in your date, you’ll get a planning form. We’ll meet a week before the event to finalize your timeline and music preferences. You can give them to me at that meeting.

22. Do you take song requests from guests?

Yes… but I reserve the right to veto. If a song doesn’t fit the crowd, the vibe, or the five-year-old flower girl in the room, I’ll skip it. Or it might be put on hold until it matches the mood.

23. Can we give you a “Do Not Play” list?

Of course. No Chicken Dance? No problem.

24. When do you arrive to set up?

I typically arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours early. I’d rather be ready and waiting than rushing and sweating.

25. What do you wear for setup and teardown?

Usually a polo and pants or shorts for setup, then I change into formal wear for the event. For teardown, sleeves rolled up and tie loosened… but still presentable.

26. How much is the Retainer?

I require a 20%, Non refundable retainer fee. The Retainer fee will be applied to your final performance fee.

27. What’s included in your pricing?

You can see a full breakdown on my Rates page.

28. What do you charge for overtime?

Additional hours are $100 per hour. If the party’s still going strong and the venue allows it, I’m happy to keep it rolling.

29. What do you need from us?

Everything I require, such as like power, shelter (if outdoors), and space, is clearly listed in the contract. No surprises.

30. Do you need a meal?

I’d love one, but I won’t demand it. If you’re not planning to feed me, just give me a heads up so I can bring snacks.

31. Do you take breaks?

Only to hit the restroom. Other than that, I’m working the whole time and the music never stops.

32. Do you drink or smoke at events?

Nope. I keep it professional. I’ll have a celebratory drink later… after your party is over.

33. Do you bring backup equipment?

Yes. I always bring a full backup system. If something fails, I’m ready.

34. Do you have a wireless mic?

Yes. Perfect for toasts, announcements, or awkwardly emotional best man speeches.

35. Do you provide lighting?

Yes. I include party lighting at no extra charge. I do not offer uplighting or photo booths though… I prefer to focus on doing one thing exceptionally well…keeping the music and energy on point.

Still have questions?

No problem. Reach out anytime and let’s chat. Dates are filling up fast… and I’d love to help make your wedding reception everything you want it to be.

👉 Click here to contact me