The Ultimate Wedding DJ Checklist
Collaborate and Listen
You have the date selected, the dress and suit you want and what you will wear on the dance floor but wait! How can you boogie down if your wedding dj doesn't know what music you like? This free guide will help get you started and there's also a cool app to easily plan your wedding soundtrack too!
Get the free wedding dj Checklist
Think of this wedding dj template as your guide to the perfect soundtrack for your perfect day. What are your parents favorite songs? or the Favorite songs of your dear aunt and uncle? Do you and you crew have your favorite dance floor anthem? Put it on the list!
Is a Wedding DJ Necessary?
I mean, you have now done all the work and listed all the tunes you want played for your special day. Why do you still need a DJ? Because you need someone who not only gets you but someone who can bring your dance vision to life! With seamless mixes and transitions. Someone with the skill and expertise to read the crowd and time the big drops with expert precision.
There's an App for that
Gone are the days of a paper wedding dj checklists we live in the modern age! We have apps for that! A tried and true method to capture your favorite songs . Here's how to use it:
Talk to your wedding dj
download the app
with help from your wedding dj get started on making your playlists
Thats it, your wedding dj will instantly get all your music updates
All that being said. If you are the kind of person that loves the satisfaction of checking off a list. Then you'll love our list for you!
3 Months Prior: Creating the Ultimate Wedding Playlist
Lots goes into wedding planning. Don't miss the opportunity to spend time with your favorite or soon to be favorite song mixologist! They have been there before, they have seen so many wedding party entrances, wedding party walks. Share your ideas of what you'd like to walk into the reception doing and what soundtrack you want playing. They could even make a custom mix just for you. What wedding reception music would you and your guests like? If you are having a cocktail hour would some smooth jazz or neo soul fit the bill? Great planning will help your dj so much.
Crafting Your Cocktail Hour Music
This is the time to get your guests ready for the party to come. So crafting the perfect playlist to set the mood is crucial. With a few music request from you, you wedding dj can do the rest! Let them know how long the cocktail hour will be before the reception songs start and let the wedding dj do the rest.
Type of Music
If there is one thing your wedding dj knows, its music. They have seen hundreds of wedding guests get down on the dance floor to perfect dance songs. Your wedding dj knows what they are doing. They have crafted wedding playlists for decades. Still, like a good meal is enhance by the right amount of salt. They can expertly mix in your requested songs while keeping the party going!
You can also enjoy your wedding reception and dinner with the right amount of your favorite chill songs along the way.
Hammering Out Your Wedding Reception Hits
Do you want to see some smiles and head nods while your wedding guests are enjoying their meal? Provide some insight on what songs and music your guests will enjoy. Maybe its the song your mom and day or grandparents danced to. Or songs that warms your heart as you think about the love story that is you (two people becoming one, cheesy? ok I'll stop). Ask you can see this wedding dj checklist is has important details to keep your special requests played right on time on your special day.
Can we give you a list of must-hear and do-not-play songs?
You certainly can! That is one nice feature of the app your wedding dj can help you with. For whatever reason you must hear or must not hear a song or style or genre of music we got your back! Your wedding dj can make sure it will or will not be played even if it is requested.
What's your performance style?
Your wedding dj respects the dignity of the occasion and can maintain the balance of making sure you and your guests have a great time without it becoming a club or house party. Your day will be marked with thoughtfulness and care. Style and elegance not only from the hard work of your wedding planner but also because of the care your wedding dj will take to make the soundtrack of your day is perfect.
Deciding on Your First Dance
have you thought about what song will be your song? The first dance together. Did you know it doesn't need to be the full length of the song? Your wedding dj can make you a special edit or mix just for your first dance.
When will you have your fist dance? Have you always imagined it after dinner? All in their seats with a grand announcement that the first dance is about to begin. From the wedding reception to cocktail hour the time you pick to have your first dance can be the perfect time when you plan it out with your wedding planner and wedding dj.
If you are having a hard time deciding what song should be used for your fist dance your wedding dj can help. They have had the privilege to see may weddings and can provide you some great options that have worked in the past.
Will you take song requests from guests during the event?
For the most part, the answer is no. Not to be mean but this is an important occasion and it requires great pre-planning. When it is the day of your wedding its always best for the wedding dj to be focused on what you hired them to do. manage the music. There is a lot to keep track of.
Wedding music, reception and cocktail hour music, dinner music, father daughter dance song, mother son dance song. You would have already provided your dj a list of play and do-not-play songs giving them plenty of time to get everything ready for your wedding day. Not taking request ensures your wishes are met. So an option might be to ask ahead of time if any of your gust have any requests. Then on your wedding day you are all set!
Can you help us create a wedding playlist?
Don't think you have to come up with every song for your whole wedding! That's what your wedding dj is for. Your experienced wedding dj take your preferred songs and music style and expand it to fill the night with the perfect music at the right moments.
Have the wedding party (pun intended)
Its your special day! The day when bride and groom become one. It should be celebrated! With lots of laughs, smiles, funny dances and a great time. The Wedding Party should party! As everyone is on the dancefloor, weather or not they can actually dance, you'll be glad you booked a professional wedding dj.
Onsite Outdoor Wedding Ceremony
with more and more items moving to wireless functionality a wedding ceremony with a great sound system is possible outdoors as well as indoors. Let your wedding dj know what you envision for your wedding day and they can get the right package and equipment for you.
What time will you arrive at the venue?
Typically the wedding dj arrives hours ahead of the bride and groom. They meet with the wedding planner find out where their booth will be set up and move their equipment in place. Sound check and acoustic check is all done before the arrival of the wedding reception guests or before the wedding starts if they ceremony is being held at the same location as the reception venue.
Will you have a soundcheck on the day of?
When will the event start on the day of? During the wedding ceremony what music will be played for the wedding party, the groom and bridal party entrance? Your wedding dj will have that all your wedding music prepared and queued up.
Can we watch you perform before our wedding?
Great question, in some cases yes. Though this would be the exception. So in the off chance there is a gig coming up that you could attend to see you wedding dj in action its worth the ask. The usual route is to have a sample mix made so you can get a feel for how you wedding dj will perform at your wedding. Which is also pretty cool!
The DJ Checklist For: Wedding
With so much to keep track of we wanted to make your life a little easier. Check out the following check list. You can also download a PDF version of this for free.
Initial Planning
Set Your Budget
Determine your budget for the DJ and any additional equipment or services.
Allocate funds for potential overtime charges.
Research DJs
Search for reputable wedding DJs in your area.
Read reviews and testimonials.
Check DJ's websites and social media for samples of their work.
Create a Shortlist
Narrow down your list to 3-5 potential DJs.
Ensure they have experience with weddings similar to yours.
First Contact
Initial Inquiry
Contact the DJs on your shortlist.
Check their availability for your wedding date.
Ask about their experience with weddings and the type of music they specialize in.
Schedule Meetings
Arrange face-to-face or virtual meetings with each DJ.
Prepare a list of questions to ask during the meeting.
Meeting with DJs
Discuss Experience
Ask about their experience as a wedding DJ.
Request references from past clients.
Review Music Selection
Inquire about their music library and ability to accommodate your musical preferences.
Ask about their process for taking song requests from guests.
Assess Equipment
Discuss the type of equipment they use (sound system, lighting, microphones, etc.).
Ensure they have backup equipment in case of technical issues.
Understand Their Style
Observe their personality and interaction style.
Ensure they can match the vibe you want for your wedding.
Finalizing Details
Contract and Payment
Carefully review the contract terms and conditions.
Confirm the total cost, including any additional fees.
Understand the payment schedule and deposit requirements.
Timeline and Schedule
Discuss the timeline for the wedding day, including setup and breakdown times.
Ensure the DJ is aware of the key moments (first dance, cake cutting, etc.).
Special Requests
Provide a list of must-play and do-not-play songs.
Discuss any other requests or announcements.
Pre-Wedding Preparations
Coordinate with Venue
Ensure the DJ coordinates with your venue or wedding planner regarding setup logistics.
Confirm access times and any restrictions.
Create a Detailed Schedule
Work with the DJ to create a detailed timeline of the event. Check out this day-of-event cheklist.
Include all key moments and transitions.
Confirm Final Details
Reconfirm all details with the DJ a few weeks before the wedding.
Ensure they have a copy of the final schedule.
Day of the Wedding
Setup and Sound Check
Ensure the DJ arrives on time for setup and sound check.
Verify the sound levels and equipment placement.
Coordinate with Other Vendors
Ensure the DJ coordinates with the planner, photographer, and other vendors.
Enjoy the Day
Trust your Wedding DJ to manage the music and entertainment.
Relax and enjoy your special day knowing your DJ has everything under control.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that you hire a professional dj who gets you and your wishes. To make your day perfect.
Wedding DJs - Your secret weapon
When it comes to your special day you have wedding venues and wedding vendors selected. You've asked about upcoming wedding slots and have planned everything from your first dance to your final song of the night. You even imagine you guests dancing all night long even after you've left (hehehe). You got your list of must play songs. The one person who can bring all the planning together, besides your planner, is ... you guest it... your DJ! They have all the equipment, wireless microphone, guest requests and all the basic details needed to keep everyone dancing and smiling. Yup not only are you the bride and groom of the century you are a superhero (of sorts) with your DJ as your secret weapon.
Open slots are filling up fast. Book an consultation today and get another thing checked off your to do list!
