There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to your wedding day, and often times, it can feel overwhelming! If this is your first time planning a wedding, you might be unsure of what questions or topics to bring up with your vendors. Before (or if you forget some, after!) you’ve hired your DJ, emcee or band, make sure to ask them these ten important questions!
1. Will you guarantee to play or not play songs that I’ve requested?
Maybe there’s an anthem you can’t wait to sing along to with your ladies, or there is a ballad that you associate with an ex. Whatever situation it might be, make sure to ask your vendor to guarantee that they will or will not play certain songs should you ask.
2. Can you help me select music for the processional, father-daughter dance, etc.?
Some of you out there might know 100% which songs you’d like played during your ceremony and important dances during the reception, but some of you might not! There’s no shame in asking your DJ for suggestions, so it’s important to know if they’ll be available to guide you in those choices or not.
If you’d like some Wedding Song Suggestions, check out our list of popular songs for the Ceremony Procession, First Dance and Father-Daughter Dance.
3. Do you have a standard set list you play or perform for weddings?
If your vendor has done many weddings they probably have a go-to list of tunes to play. If they’re leaving the list completely up to you, make sure to do your research both online and at other weddings if possible. Creating a list of songs you like sounds easy enough, but blending them together and in an order that will engage your guests is a whole other task that you might need help to tackle.
4. Do you take requests from guests, and if so, can we make a “do not play” list?
Sure, everyone has decent taste in music, right? Wrong! If you have a list of songs you absolutely don’t want to be played, make sure to give your band or DJ a “do not play” list. If you’re worried about other songs or genres being played that you aren’t a fan of, simply tell them to not take requests.
Pro tip: If you want your guests to be able to request songs but also have some oversight in advance, include a line on your RSVP cards or wedding website where they can make suggestions. That way they have the opportunity to share in your big day, and you can be 100% sure any songs you don’t like won’t sneak through.
5. When will you arrive and depart on the day-of?
It’s important that this vendor shows up at the right time on your wedding day, whether that be for the ceremony or the reception. They should arrive with plenty of time to set-up (ask if that time is included in your rental rate!) and to prepare to play or speak. For the end of the evening, ask when they plan to leave. If you’re considering staying at your venue later than planned or are having an after party, will your vendor be around? If you’re unsure upfront, ask about overtime charges should you want them to stay late.
6. Do you (and your band, if applicable) require a meal?
Wedding costs are usually calculated “by the head,” meaning you are paying for each individual person. If you’re having an 8-piece band, a DJ and an emcee, that can add up to the price of an additional table of guests! Make sure to ask in advance if meals are expected or required so you can accommodate for them in your budget, and also up the meal count with your caterer or venue.
7. What will you wear on the wedding day?
Most vendors will go for a semi-formal look, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you’re having a more formal wedding or wish to have control over the attire of your vendors, make sure to share that information with them in advance.
8. What sort of equipment do you need, and who is responsible for providing that?
Depending on your venue and the nature of your wedding, you might be needing a stage, speakers, a microphone, audio equipment, etc. Make sure to ask upfront what your vendor is providing, and what you need to arrange for on your own. Many venues will have this equipment available to you for free or at a cost, so it’s important to know who is responsible for it when it comes to your budget.
9. What is your payment policy?
Most vendors will require a deposit up front to secure your date, with the rest of the payment being due the day-of. If you can, try and arrange for the payment to be completed either before or even after your wedding day. Some vendors may ask for final payment the day-of, but try and avoid this at all costs! You don’t want to be handing out checks on your special day, and it’s inconvenient to arrange for a family member or friend to do it.
10. Will I receive a written contract?
Many things in life do not require a formal, written contract, but hiring your wedding vendor is not one of them! You truly never know what could happen leading up to or on the day-of your wedding, and it’s important to have a clear, signed contract should anything go awry. If your band, DJ or emcee can’t or won’t provide you with a contract, you might want to think twice about using them.
The hard part about planning a wedding is that everything is new! You don’t know what to ask or consider, and sometimes you can forget details that are very important because of it. Take our advice and reference these ten important questions to ask your DJ or music vendors before your wedding day. When you do and the day goes off without a hitch, it’ll be music to your ears!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
