10 Questions to Ask a DJ Before You Book

Most people book a DJ off a website and a vibe. Then they find out on the night what they actually paid for. Ask these ten questions first and you will know exactly who you are hiring.

1. How many events like mine have you done? Not events total. Events like yours. A wedding, a corporate awards night, and a birthday luau are three different jobs.

2. Will you be the DJ at my event? Some companies book you with one person and send another. Get the name in the contract.

3. What happens if you are sick on the day? A pro has a backup DJ and a plan. If the answer is a shrug, walk.

4. What gear do you bring, and what is the backup? You do not need the spec sheet. You need to hear the word backup without hesitation.

5. Do you MC, or just play music? Announcements, introductions, keeping the timeline moving — find out if that is included or extra.

6. How do you handle requests and do-not-play lists? The right answer respects your list and still leaves the DJ room to read the crowd.

7. When do you arrive and how long is setup? Late setup in front of your guests is amateur hour. A pro is invisible before doors open.

8. What exactly does the price include? Hours, gear, travel, overtime rates — and in Hawaii, whether the GE tax is in the number. The final quote should be the final bill.

9. Have you worked my venue before? Not a dealbreaker if they have not — but a pro will ask about power, load-in, and sound restrictions before the day, not on it.

10. What happens when the timeline slips? It will. The answer tells you whether they run events or just attend them.

Ask me any of these. I have been answering them for decades, and the answers come with receipts. Reach out and let us talk about your night.