12 questions to ask a wedding DJ before you book, with our answers
Every wedding directory publishes a list of questions to ask your DJ. Most DJs answer them in a phone call you have to schedule first. Here are the twelve that matter, why each one matters, and our answer to every one, so you can decide before you ever send a message.
The questions about the night itself
1. Is the DJ also the MC, and is MC included?
Why it matters: a reception without a host drifts. Some DJs charge extra for MC, some don't do it at all. Our answer: yes and yes. One person DJs and MCs on Essential+, Signature+ and Luxe; All-In adds a second person so one hosts while the other mixes.
2. Do you cover the ceremony and cocktail hour, or just the reception?
Why it matters: a lawn ceremony needs its own sound and mics, and a quote that covers "the reception" leaves you finding a second vendor. Our answer: every wedding package covers ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, including a separate ceremony setup in another location.
3. How many hours are included, and what is overtime?
Why it matters: the starting price is only meaningful with the hours attached. Our answer: packages are built around your timeline and the hours go on the agreement after the planning call. Overtime is $250 per hour, settled at the end of the night.
4. Can we give you must-plays and a do-not-play list? Do you take guest requests?
Why it matters: this tells you whether the DJ builds the night around you or runs the same set everywhere. Our answer: please send both lists. Guest requests are taken only if you want them, and never from the do-not-play list.
5. What genres do you actually play?
Why it matters: a DJ who is great at house may not know what to do with a cumbia request from your aunt. Our answer: open format: hip-hop, R&B, Top 40, house, Latin, throwbacks, OPM and Filipino favorites, country, jazz and soul for cocktails. Send your lists and we'll tell you honestly if something is outside our range.
6. How early do you arrive, and what does the venue need to provide?
Why it matters: a DJ still setting up when guests arrive is the most common complaint in reviews. Our answer: about two hours before start, with everything sound-checked before guests see the room. The venue provides power and load-in access; we bring the rest.
The questions about the business
7. Are you insured, and can my venue get a certificate?
Why it matters: many venues require it, and a DJ without it is a sign of how the rest is run. Our answer: Pretium Eventus LLC is a California LLC with insured equipment. Ask for the certificate with your quote.
8. How do deposits, payments and reschedules work?
Our answer: a signed agreement and a non-refundable retainer hold the date. The balance is due 14 days before the wedding, by cash, Zelle, Venmo or electronic transfer. One reschedule without penalty with 60 days' written notice, subject to availability.
9. Is there a travel fee for my venue?
Our answer: none anywhere in the nine Bay Area counties, Napa and Sonoma included. Oahu and other destinations add one flat fee quoted with the package.
10. What exactly comes with the photo booth?
Why it matters: "photo booth included" can mean a tablet on a stand with a print limit. Our answer: unlimited sessions, a custom strip with your names and date, on-site prints, digital copies of every photo, a prop kit and an attendant. Details on the photo booth page.
11. Who will actually be at my wedding?
Why it matters: larger companies sometimes send whoever is free. Our answer: the person you plan with is the person on the mic. All-In adds a second team member, named on the agreement.
12. How fast do you reply, and how do we hold the date?
Our answer: typically within the hour, seven days a week; on event days we answer between sets. Send the date and venue, get availability and one recommended package with the price, then a planning call, then sign and reserve.
Ask us the thirteenth question
How to read a DJ's directory profile
On The Knot, WeddingWire and Zola, read three things before the reviews: the starting price and what hours it buys, the Details block (equipment, genres, services, activities), and the travel area. Then read the lowest-rated reviews first; they tell you what the DJ does when something goes wrong. Our details are listed the same way on the wedding DJ page so you can compare directly.
Should we meet the DJ before booking?
A call is enough for most couples, and ours is included. If you want to meet in person before signing, ask; Bay Area dates can usually be arranged.
What should we send with the inquiry?
Date, venue or city, rough guest count and what you need (DJ, MC, booth, uplighting, ceremony sound). Must-plays can come later.
How far out do we need to book?
Six to twelve months for a peak-season Saturday. Sooner is fine for off-season and weekday dates.
Do you do non-wedding events?
Yes: corporate events, debuts, birthdays and private parties. See the corporate events page and the private events package.
Tell us about the night.
Date, venue and what you need. You'll hear back with availability, one recommended package and the price, typically within the hour.
Replies go out seven days a week. On event days we answer between sets.