Guide · DJ Hire FAQ
The questions people ask once they're actually planning to book, not the big obvious ones about cost, but the smaller practical stuff that decides whether a booking goes smoothly. Short, straight answers below, with links to the fuller guides where there's more to say.
Do wedding DJs need insurance? Yes, and any venue worth its salt will ask before you even set foot in the room. Public liability cover protects you and your guests if anything goes wrong with the equipment, not just the DJ. I'm fully insured and DBS checked, with documents available on request so you can check before you book. If a DJ won't show you proof of cover, that's worth asking about rather than assuming it's fine.
Does a mobile DJ need a music licence? Most venues already hold the licence that covers music being played on their premises, which extends to the DJ performing there. It's still worth asking your venue directly if you're not sure, since the answer depends on their own setup rather than the DJ's. See DJ insurance explained for more on what venues actually require and how to check.
Do wedding DJs also MC the night? Commonly yes. I'll do the announcements and keep the running order on track with the venue: first dance, speeches, cake cutting, all of it, so you're not the one chasing people to the dancefloor on your own wedding day.
Do wedding DJs do the ceremony music too? It varies. Some DJs cover ceremony music as part of the day, others focus purely on the reception while a separate musician or the venue handles the ceremony. Worth asking directly rather than assuming either way, especially if your ceremony and reception are in different rooms.
Do wedding DJs take requests? Usually yes, within reason. Send your must-plays and do-not-plays beforehand, then on the night I read the room and take requests that actually fit the moment. There's a difference between listening to the room and just playing whatever anyone shouts.
Do wedding DJs provide lighting? Commonly yes as part of a full setup, dance floor lighting alongside the sound system. Worth confirming exactly what's included when you book, since it varies between DJs and some charge extra.
Do you tip a wedding or party DJ? No, it's not expected and it's not built into the price. If someone's had a great night and wants to say thanks, that's entirely up to them. Don't let anyone tell you it's some kind of unwritten rule, it isn't.
What should be in a DJ contract? Cancellation terms, what happens if the DJ is ill or can't make it, deposit and balance terms, and exactly what equipment and hours are included. A proper contract protects both sides, not just the DJ, and it's a fair question to ask before you commit. See deposits, contracts and what to expect for the full breakdown.
When should you book a wedding DJ? As early as you can once the venue and date are set. Popular Yorkshire Saturdays genuinely go early each year, so if you've got a date in mind, don't leave it to the last few months. If you're closer to the day than you'd like, message anyway. If the date's free, it's still worth asking.
For the bigger questions, see questions to ask before booking a DJ and how much does a wedding DJ cost.
Written by DJ Musha, a Huddersfield mobile DJ with 213 events under his belt.