Booking a wedding DJ is a big decision, and the details matter. Use this checklist of 27 things to confirm before you sign a contract with any Northern Virginia wedding DJ — whether it’s DJ’s of Virginia or another vendor. A professional DJ should be able to answer every item on this list without hesitation.
Before You Book
- Is the DJ available on your exact wedding date?
- Will this specific DJ personally perform at your wedding, or could you be assigned someone else?
- How many years of wedding DJ experience do they have?
- Do they carry general liability insurance? (Most venues require this.)
- Are they familiar with your specific venue, or venues of a similar type?
- What do their verified reviews on Google, The Knot, and WeddingWire actually say?
- Can they provide video or audio samples of their MC work?
Pricing & Contract
- What is included in the base package price?
- Are there any hidden fees for travel, overtime, or setup?
- What is the deposit amount and when is the balance due?
- What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- Is the contract in writing, with the specific date, time, and venue listed?
- Does the contract name the specific DJ performing, not just the company?
- What happens if the DJ has a personal emergency — is there a backup plan?
Equipment & Setup
- Does the DJ bring backup sound equipment in case of failure?
- Is the sound system sized appropriately for your venue and guest count?
- Do they provide wireless microphones for toasts and ceremony readings?
- What time will they arrive for setup, and how long does it take?
- Do they coordinate load-in directly with your venue’s event staff?
- Is uplighting, a photo booth, or other add-ons available, and at what cost?
Music & Style
- Can you submit a must-play list and a do-not-play list?
- Do they have experience with your cultural or religious wedding traditions, if applicable?
- How do they read the crowd and adjust music in real time?
- Will they take song requests from guests during the reception?
Day-of Logistics
- Will they coordinate directly with your photographer, planner, and caterer on timeline?
- Who handles announcements, introductions, and toasts — the DJ or a separate MC?
- What is their plan for transitioning between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception audio?
Why This Checklist Matters
Every item on this list protects you from the most common wedding DJ horror stories: no-shows, equipment failures, surprise fees, and DJs who show up without a real plan for your day. A professional vendor will welcome these questions — if a DJ seems evasive about any of them, treat that as a warning sign.
DJ’s of Virginia answers yes to every item on this checklist. DJ Dave personally performs at every wedding he books, carries full liability insurance, brings backup equipment to every event, and provides a detailed written contract with transparent, all-inclusive pricing starting at $1,099. Contact us today to check availability for your date.
(703) 832-6670 | info@djvirginia.com
