Kono Vidovic 
Your wedding DJ can make or break the reception. A great DJ reads the room, keeps the dance floor full and seamlessly transitions between your ceremony, cocktail hour and party. A poor one kills the mood and leaves guests checking their watches. Before you sign any contract, ask these 25 essential questions.
If you’re ready to book a professional, you can book Kono for your event or explore custom DJ mixes for weddings if you want something unique prepared in advance.
Questions by Category: A Quick Reference
| Category | Questions to Ask | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Experience & style | Wedding count, specialisation, demo recordings | 50+ weddings, genuine wedding focus, polished demos |
| Music planning | Must-play / do-not-play handling, MC role, guest requests | Clear system, comfortable as MC, flexible policy |
| Logistics | Equipment grade, backup gear, space/power needs | Professional kit, redundant systems, site visit willingness |
| Pricing & contract | Full cost breakdown, cancellation policy, insurance | Transparent pricing, backup plan, liability cover |
| On the day | Supplier coordination, venue visit, appearance | Proactive coordination, pre-visit for complex venues |
Experience and Style
1. How many weddings have you DJed?
Experience matters enormously. A DJ with 50+ weddings under their belt has handled the unexpected - from technical failures to last-minute song requests - and knows how to keep things running smoothly.
2. Do you specialize in weddings or is it just part of your mix?
Some DJs focus primarily on clubs or corporate events. Wedding specialists understand the unique flow: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, first dance, parent dances and the party. That structural knowledge is invaluable.
3. Can we hear recordings of previous wedding sets?
Any experienced wedding DJ should be able to share demo mixes or recordings. Listen for smooth transitions, energy management and how they handle different parts of the day.
4. Do you have experience with our musical preferences?
Whether you love indie folk, classic soul, Afrobeats or old-school hip-hop, your DJ should be comfortable and enthusiastic - not just technically capable - with your chosen genres.
5. Will you be the DJ at our wedding, or will you send someone else?
Some DJ companies book through a central agency and assign whoever is available. Always confirm you’re contracting with the specific person you’ve met and auditioned.
Music Planning
6. How do you handle our must-play and do-not-play lists?
A professional DJ welcomes these lists. They should have a system for tracking your preferences and a clear process for how requests are managed on the night.
7. Can guests make requests on the night?
Establish clear expectations: open requests, filtered requests (DJ decides what fits) or no requests beyond your pre-agreed list.
8. How do you handle the transition from dinner to dancing?
This is one of the most critical moments. A skilled DJ builds energy gradually, reads the room and knows when to make the call to turn up the tempo.
9. Will you act as MC for announcements and introductions?
If you need someone to announce the first dance, introduce speeches or coordinate with your caterer, confirm your DJ is comfortable in this role.
10. Do you take into account the demographics of our guests?
A mix of 70-year-old grandparents and 25-year-old friends requires a DJ who can navigate multiple generations without alienating either group.
Logistics and Equipment
11. What equipment do you use, and is it professional-grade?
Ask about speakers, mixers, lighting, backup systems and how they’re transported. Professional equipment significantly affects sound quality.
12. Do you have backup equipment?
Equipment fails. A professional DJ always carries backups - a spare laptop, extra cables, backup hard drives with music.
13. How much space do you need for your setup?
Ensure your venue can accommodate the DJ’s requirements. Get dimensions and power needs in writing.
14. Do you provide your own lighting, or do we need to arrange that separately?
Some DJs include dance floor lighting; others charge extra or don’t offer it. Clarify upfront.
15. How long does setup and breakdown take?
Factor this into your venue timing. Most professional setups require 60–90 minutes for load-in.
Pricing and Contract
16. What is included in your price?
Get a complete breakdown: travel, setup, hours covered, overtime rates, equipment, lighting and any additional fees.
17. What happens if you’re ill or have an emergency?
Ask about their contingency plan. Do they have a network of trusted colleagues who could step in?
18. What is your cancellation policy?
Understand the terms if you need to cancel or reschedule, and what happens if they cancel on you.
19. Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due?
Typical deposits range from 25–50% to secure your date. Understand the payment schedule clearly.
20. Do you have liability insurance?
Many venues now require DJs to carry public liability insurance. Always confirm.
On the Day
21. Will you visit our venue beforehand?
For complex venues - large estates, outdoor settings, unusual layouts - a site visit prevents day-of surprises.
22. How do you coordinate with our other suppliers?
Your DJ needs to work closely with your venue coordinator, photographer and caterer. Ask about their communication process.
23. What do you wear to weddings?
Ensure their appearance aligns with your wedding’s formality and style.
24. Can you accommodate a live ceremony musician alongside your DJ setup?
If you have a live musician for the ceremony and want the DJ for the reception, technical coordination is required.
25. What makes your service different from other wedding DJs?
This open question reveals personality, passion and professionalism. The answer tells you a great deal about whether this DJ is right for your wedding.
Key Takeaways:
- Always confirm you’re booking the specific DJ you meet, not a stand-in
- Ask for demo recordings and check their wedding-specific experience
- Get backup plans for equipment failure and DJ illness in writing
- Clarify MC responsibilities, request policies and overtime rates
- Verify liability insurance - many venues now require it
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a wedding DJ?
For popular dates - summer Saturdays, bank holiday weekends - book 12–18 months in advance. Sought-after DJs fill their calendar quickly.
What is the average cost of a wedding DJ in the Netherlands?
Quality wedding DJs typically charge between €600 and €1,500 for a full evening, depending on experience, location and services included.
Should I meet the DJ in person before booking?
Absolutely. Chemistry matters. You need to feel confident that this person understands your vision and can represent your day professionally.
What if I don’t have a clear music preference for my wedding?
An experienced wedding DJ can guide you through the process. Share your favourite artists, the vibe you want - and let them build a set that reflects you as a couple.
Can I get a custom mix prepared before the wedding for specific moments like cocktail hour or dinner?
Yes - this is a great option for couples who want a specific sound during dinner or cocktail hour without leaving it to chance on the night. A professionally crafted custom DJ mix for your ceremony or dinner can be prepared in advance to your exact brief, giving you complete control over those moments.
What’s the difference between a DJ and a live band for a wedding reception?
A DJ offers unlimited song selection, consistent volume control and seamless transitions - practical advantages for a multi-hour reception covering multiple generations. A live band creates a uniquely energetic, one-of-a-kind atmosphere but costs significantly more and has a limited repertoire. Many couples choose both: a band for the first hour of dancing, a DJ to carry the night through to midnight.
How do I handle guest song requests at my wedding?
Decide upfront and communicate clearly with your DJ. Options range from fully open requests, to a filtered system where the DJ decides what fits, to a closed list (your selections only). Most experienced wedding DJs recommend the filtered approach - it keeps the floor filled without losing the coherent musical arc you’ve planned.
Ready to book your wedding DJ? Book Kono for your event or get in touch to discuss your day.
