Most wedding vendor problems come from things nobody asked about until the contract was signed. Take these questions to every wedding DJ or band you meet, compare the answers side by side, and get the important ones written into the contract.
When to book: couples usually book DJs, bands and entertainment companies about 8–10 months ahead, earlier for peak-season Saturdays (May–June and September–October).
The Questions
- Can we see a video of you performing at a wedding?
- Will you also act as MC and make announcements?
- Do you provide sound for the ceremony and cocktail hour, with microphones?
- Can we give a must-play and do-not-play list?
- How many hours are included, and what does overtime cost?
- What lighting do you bring?
- Do you carry liability insurance and backup equipment?
- What are your breaks (for bands) and what plays during them?
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Tips
- Check the venue’s noise curfew and power supply.
- Share pronunciations for every name announced.
- A DJ usually costs less than a band and needs less space.
Before You Sign
- Get the date, start and end times, exact services, total price and payment schedule in writing.
- Read the cancellation, postponement and refund terms.
- Check that the business name on the contract matches the one you researched.
- Pay deposits by credit card where possible, for buyer protection.