I swear, every "questions to ask your DJ" list is the same. Pinterest, Instagram, wedding blogs—you name it. It's like someone hit copy-paste and called it a day."What equipment do you use?" "Do you have backup gear?" "Have you played at my venue before?" Blah, blah, blah. Sure, these things matter technically, but are they going to help you figure out if your DJ actually knows how to rock a party? Nope.
Instead of asking the same tired questions, try these five instead. They’ll not only cover the basics, but they’ll also help you see your DJ’s personality, style, and ability to turn your wedding into an unforgettable experience.
Questions to ask your wedding DJ
1. Tell me about your favorite wedding and why it was so special.
A DJ's favorite wedding says a lot about their style. Was it a high-energy house party vibe? A classy, jazz-infused evening? A wild night with unexpected surprises? This question gives you insight into what excites them and how they connect with couples.
One of my favorites? 2022, Coloma Resort. This one had all the feels. River front ceremony with a live musician, flawless audio (shoutout to me), a cocktail hour full of modern jazz, and a dinner playlist that introduced me to Khruangbin (now a personal favorite). Then, the dance floor? Absolute fire. Ten must-plays, lots of freedom, and a mix of classics, hip-hop, a few country tracks, and some EDM to end the night. We wrapped up at exactly 9:59 p.m. to a crowd that couldn’t stop saying thank you. 150 guests and 150 people getting down on the dance floor. Even the grandparents were feeling the vibe. That’s the kind of night I live for.
This question tells you a lot about a DJ and what they strive to create.
2. Tell me about your least favorite wedding.
No DJ nails every single wedding. Some gigs just don’t click. Maybe it’s a venue that insists the DJ play music at a super low volume, a restrictive playlist that doesn’t account for the guest experience, or a couple who didn’t fully trust their DJ’s expertise. Lots of my friends are DJs. We all share stories.
Here’s one that sticks with me: One half of the couple insisted that every song be played to the very end (super unusual), no remixes (wild, because sometimes remixes are better than the original), and no genre mixing (basically impossible). I didn’t set the right expectations, and by the time we had this discussion, we were too deep into the contract. I was like, “mixiing genres is kind of my thing, and it might be the main reason couples hire me.” They didn't care.
Fast forward to the wedding—everything’s going great. The guests are loving it, I’m in my zone, and the dance floor is poppin’ off. The groom gets picked up and is carried around the dance floor in a Superman-inspired lift. The night ends on a high note, or so I thought. A few months later? My first non-5-star review. Brutal. “We told him not to mix genres, and he mixed genres.”
I was destroyed. I have 100+ five-star reviews and one non-five-star. Here’s the thing. They gave me 9.5 hours of music for a 2.5 hour dance party. Everything from Elvis, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Kris Kross, classic rock, and some German Polka music. To this day, I have no idea how a DJ could play that reception and not mix genres. After the 3-star review was posted, I sent a down-to-earth apology email and asked for a phone call to discuss their less-than-stellar experience. No reply.
Lesson learned: My DJ style has to match my client’s expectations before they sign my contract. And couples? Plan your wedding music together!
Asking this question helps you understand how a DJ handles challenges and what they’ve learned from past experiences.
3. What three songs have you played most at weddings, and why?
This is my favorite question I’ve ever been asked. My top three:
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" – Stevie Wonder (It was my own wedding recessional song, and I love reliving that moment.)
"Don’t Stop Levels” SJ EDM Mashup (This is a classic wedding song with a classic EDM track. It’s a great way to appease mainstream music fans while keeping the dance floor experience unique. This one gets lots of “how did he do that” looks.)
"My Girl" (Baltimore Club Remix) (Same lyrics your parents love, but re-drummed with a higher energy beat that even 22-year-old EDM fans can’t resist.)
Wondering why I don’t list any newish music? There are tons of new bangers coming our every week. But very few stick around more than a summer or two. Are you looking for a modern hip-hop wedding? Let's talk about your reception early in the evening vs. later when your grandparents retire for the night.
This question tells you a lot: their musical taste, their experience reading a crowd, and how versatile they are in making all your guests happy.
4. What part of your DJ skills are you most focused on improving?
Nobody’s perfect. I'm focused on improving my MC'ing. Am I bad? No. Am I great? I have room to improve and have some ideas to enhance my client's experience by improving my communication style for large crowds. MCing is not "making announcements." That's easy. Selecting what to say, how to say it, and when to say is what makes a professional MC.
A DJ who’s always working to improve will bring that same creative energy to your wedding—always striving to make it the best experience possible.
5. What makes you different from other DJs in your market?
A real DJ should be able to answer this without hesitation. Here’s what sets me apart:
DJing is my career - Full-time passion and dedication to you and your wedding.
Authentic DJ Skills - I’ve DJ’d everything from breakdancing contests to parties at Burning Man, and opened for legends like DJ Z-Trip and DJ Spinbad—experience matters. I have 25 years of party rocking experience and might be the right DJ for your wedding.
Creativity - I approach weddings as an art form. Your wedding isn’t just another Saturday for me. It’s your once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and I treat it as such. No cookie-cutter playlists, no robotic routines—just a personalized, unforgettable experience.
This question helps you find a DJ who fits you—not just someone who checks the standard boxes.
Did You Actually Read to the End? Maybe I Should Be Your DJ.
If this post resonated with you, let’s talk. You can text me at (904) 257-3383 or send me an email: Matt@FutureStereo.com