Your Wedding – Frequently Asked Questions
We try to answer some key questions you may have ahead of your wedding event. The questions are based on feedback from previous events and discussions we have with our clients before deciding to book us. We cover – costs, services, music selection, meeting your DJ, performance times, equipment, deposits, contracts, insurance, add-ons, attire, music requests and plenty more. If you have any additional questions not covered here, please send us a message via our contact form.
How much should a wedding DJ cost for a full day?
The cost of a wedding DJ for a full day can vary from event to event based on factors like location, experience, equipment, room size, performance time and the specific services offered. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from £500 to £1000 for a 5 hour performance time, or more for a full day of wedding DJ services. This range can encompass different packages, including ceremony music, music for the meal, welcome reception, lighting, and additional services such as saxophonist or live singer. It is essential to discuss your requirements with us beforehand and obtain a quotation tailored to your event’s needs to get an accurate estimate. Please remember you are not just paying for the DJ’s performance time, included in the price will be the arrangement of music beforehand, travelling to and from the venue (we are based in Kilmarnock), setting up the sound and lighting before the event and the removal of the equipment at the end of your event. Additionally, all of our sound and light kit is of a high quality, we have invested heavily to ensure our music and light provision for your event is extremely reliable and looks professional.
Should you meet with DJ before wedding?
Yes, meeting with your DJ before the wedding is highly recommended either with a face-to-face, video call or phone call. Be wary of a DJ who does not want to meet you beforehand. You will be able to establish the character of a DJ with a meeting and we will answer any questions you may have. A pre-wedding meeting serves several important purposes:
- Discuss Expectations: Meeting in person allows you to communicate your vision, preferences, and any special requests you have for the music and the overall atmosphere. This ensures that the DJ understands your style and can tailor the playlist accordingly.
- Personal Connection: Meeting face-to-face helps build a rapport with the DJ, making it easier to communicate and collaborate effectively. A positive connection can lead to a more enjoyable experience on your big day.
- Equipment and Setup: You can discuss technical aspects such as equipment setup, sound quality, lighting, and any venue-specific requirements. This helps prevent any surprises or issues on the wedding day.
- Timeline and Transitions: Going over the timeline of the event and important transitions (e.g., entrance, first dance, cake cutting & buffet) ensures that the DJ is well-prepared and can smoothly coordinate with other vendors.
- Music Selection: You can share your must-play and do-not-play songs, as well as discuss the general vibe you want for different parts of the event.
- Last-Minute Details: It is a chance to address any last-minute changes, concerns, or questions that might arise before the wedding.
In essence, meeting with the DJ beforehand helps you establish clear communication, meet all of your expectations, and ensure that the entertainment on your wedding day aligns perfectly with your vision.
How much does a DJ charge for 5 hours?
We don’t usually charge by the hour. We prefer to offer a package price for a set performance time and supply of equipment and add ons you have requested in advance and prices will vary as every wedding is completely different. You can expect to pay between £500 – £1000 for a regular package from 7pm – midnight. All day events and add-ons will cost more.
Is it worth having a DJ at a wedding?
Yes – certainly! We would say this as you are reading this information on a Wedding DJ website! Joking aside, having a DJ at a wedding can be a valuable addition that enhances the overall experience in several ways:
- Professional Entertainment: A skilled DJ brings expertise in reading the crowd, selecting the right music, and creating an energetic and free flowing atmosphere that keeps guests engaged and dancing throughout the event. I have DJ’d for over 30 years and my experience is invaluable when it comes to special events and working a crowd.
- Smooth Transitions: DJs can seamlessly manage transitions between different segments of the wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, ensuring a cohesive flow of events.
- Customised Playlist: A DJ can curate a playlist tailored to your preferences and the mood you want to create. They can accommodate special song requests and adjust the music based on the crowd’s response. We encourage you to provide an outline playlist of music. It does not have to be tune for tune, but instead an indication of music you prefer: Rock, 80’s, Dance, Indie, 90’s or a traditional wedding soundtrack.
- Equipment and Lighting: Professional DJs often provide high-quality sound systems, lighting setups, and sometimes even visual effects that contribute to the ambiance and create a more immersive experience.
- Crowd Interaction: DJs can interact with the crowd, making announcements, encouraging participation, and adding an element of entertainment beyond just playing music.
- Backup Plans: DJs are equipped to handle unexpected situations, such as technical glitches or last-minute changes in the schedule, ensuring that the event continues smoothly.
While a DJ does come with a cost, their ability to set the tone, manage the energy, and create memorable moments can greatly enhance your wedding celebration. Ultimately, the decision to have a DJ depends on your preferences, budget, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create for your special day.
Is a wedding band better than a DJ?
We certainly think there is an argument in favour of choosing a DJ over a wedding band. We have performed at weddings where the guest has booked both a DJ and a band. Opting for a DJ for your wedding can offer a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice:
- Versatility and Range: DJs have access to an extensive library of music spanning various genres and eras. This allows them to cater to a diverse crowd and ensure that everyone’s musical preferences are accommodated. A band often have a set list of tracks and don’t deviate from the track list or respond to requests.
- Customisation: DJs can tailor the playlist to your exact preferences and the specific mood you want to create at different points during the event. They can seamlessly transition between songs and adjust the vibe and volume as needed. Some venues have noise limiters and a DJ can control the performance volume more efficiently than individual musicians.
- Continuous Entertainment: With a DJ, there is no need for breaks between sets like you might experience with a live band. The music can play continuously, maintaining a consistent flow of entertainment and energy on the dance floor.
- Special Requests: DJs are equipped to accommodate special song requests from you and your guests. Whether it is a meaningful song for you as a couple or a favourite tune of a family member, a DJ can easily include these selections.
- Technology and Sound Quality: Professional DJs come with top-notch sound equipment that ensures the best audio quality for your event. Additionally, they can incorporate lighting and effects that enhance the overall ambiance.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring a DJ is often more budget-friendly compared to booking a full live band. This can free up your budget for other important aspects of your wedding.
- Non-Stop Dance Party: DJs excel at reading the crowd and playing the right songs to keep guests dancing. Their expertise in maintaining a lively dance floor can create a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
In conclusion, a DJ’s ability to offer a diverse range of music, customise the playlist, provide continuous entertainment, and deliver a seamless dance experience makes them a strong contender for making your wedding celebration unforgettable.
How many songs are in a wedding DJ set?
There is no set number of tracks at a wedding event, but we usually get through an estimated 20 tracks per hour. We often play radio versions of tracks which are 2-4 minutes in length. If we are playing dance tracks, we will opt for the radio version and not the 10 minute dance mix! The age range at a wedding is wide and varied and we like to keep the atmosphere vibrant throughout the night and cater for all tastes with a well-curated soundtrack that will keep the dancefloor busy all night. If we perform for 5 hours, you can expect to hear 100 tracks.
Does the DJ play requests from the guest at a wedding?
Yes we do. We encourage the audience to ask the DJ for a favourite tune. We want to entertain everyone in attendance and make sure everyone has a memorable day or evening. We will announce the event running order for the wedding and mention that we can take requests for a guest’s favourite song. In some cases a song has been so popular that guests have asked for it to be played a second time! We have over 30,000 tracks built up over 30 years of performing and we cater for every genre of music.
Do you pay a DJ before or after an event?
We ask for a 50% deposit for all wedding bookings. When the deposit is paid, your date is secured and confirmed in our booking diary. The remainder of the balance is due on the day of your event. Some wedding couples are too busy to worry about paying suppliers on their special day and it is acceptable to pay the day or week before your event. You can pay with a few methods: cash, bank transfer or credit or debit card payments are all accepted and you will receive an invoice and conformation of payment. Additionally, you will receive a draft contract shortly after deposit is paid.
When should I book a wedding DJ?
You should aim to book your DJ as soon as you have decided on a ceremony date. Even if you do not have your venue confirmed, it is important to book your suppliers asap – including your music provider. We have bookings 2 & 3 years away from now for weddings and ceremonies. We can provide a costing based on times and services required. If your venue is further afield than Ayrshire we may need to add on additional fees for travel times.
How many songs do you pick for a wedding?
You can provide the DJ with an outline playlist, which will help provide a flavour of your musical preferences for your DJ. Some clients provide music for: entrance track, first dance & last track of the evening and we use our musical expertise to curate the soundtrack for the rest of your evening. On occasion, clients provide tracks or musical styles which they do not want to hear during the ceremony.
How do I make a wedding song playlist?
This is entirely up to yourself. Most clients will provide a digital playlist in Spotify or Apple Music and share the link with us. We have received playlists by email, written form and taken notes of tracks during a pre-event meeting with our clients. The format is not really important to us we can manage your preference any way you choose.
How many slow songs do you play at a wedding?
There is no straightforward answer to this question as every event soundtrack is different. We try and vary the music tempo as a high tempo set may have your guests burnt out early on. We mix up styles and tempo’s to suit the crowd on the evening.
Do DJs bring their own speakers to wedding?
On most occasions, we will supply our own speakers. Some venues already have a sound system installed and if suitable we will perform using the in-house speakers.
How long does a DJ stay at a wedding?
A DJ should be on hand for your full ceremony apart from a few toilet breaks depending on the duration of your event. A good DJ will be present at all times to keep an eye on the dancefloor, announce various parts of the ceremony (grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, buffet, last dance etc.) and make sure all guest questions are answered and alert guests to any emergencies or special instructions within your venue.
How do I find a DJ for my wedding?
There are many ways to start your search for an experienced wedding DJ. Friend recommendations or referrals, a Google search for wedding DJ services (make sure your DJ has good reviews), venue recommendations or wedding supplier fayres are a good place to speak with a wedding DJ. Once you’ve found some DJ options, give them a call and have a chat and check their availability & suitability to your ceremony.
Does a DJ speak at a wedding?
Most professional DJ’s will let their music do the talking, but at the same time, a DJ will introduce themselves and the running order of the event at the beginning of the ceremony. We will not be telling you the name of every song, when it was recorded and what chart position it reached! DJ’s should be clear and confident on the microphone with expert volume control so as not to startle guests. The DJ will keep you updated of the ceremony running order throughout the evening.
How important is a DJ at a wedding?
We think the DJ may be the most important person in the room after the married couple. No music = no ceremony. It is imperative the DJ provides the perfect soundtrack for your event and can respond to guest requests. We have a fair idea of what music will be played at a wedding, but guests will always pop up with a wee surprise request and we are more than happy to fit the track into the evening’s music. There is no greater reward being a wedding DJ with guests approaching you at the end of an evening complimenting you on the music selection.
Is it OK to not have a DJ at a wedding?
Some couples choose to run music from a playlist and a small speaker. Playlists played from Spotify will not blend your music to a professional level and a Bluetooth speaker won’t cut it in a big room. Does your Spotify playlist take requests or speak to guests? Probably not! A DJ will have all the music required for a great event AND supply a full sound system which will fill any room no matter how small or large.
Does the DJ provide a contract for a weeding booking?
Yes, you should receive a contract from a reputable wedding DJ. Our contracts cover: Date, location, performance time, set up times, equipment supplied (sound & light), music direction, cancellation policy, hire costs, deposits, insurance, special notes, venue advice and anything else which might be a vital component of your day.
Should I just use an iPod for my wedding music?
We advise against this for many obvious reasons. Yes you will save money on a DJ but there will be no crowd interaction and the event will be lacking one of the most important components, a DJ.
How far will a DJ travel for a wedding?
As our company title suggests (Ayrshire Wedding DJ) we operate mostly in Ayrshire – Scotland, but we have played in locations all over Scotland and with some prior planning we are happy to play anywhere you chose to have your event. Of course there may be additional costs associated with extra travel or overnight stays, but we will factor this into your price structure .
Does a wedding DJ provide Karaoke?
Karaoke is great fun but not something we offer. We can recommend a Karaoke host for your wedding or ceremony if required. On occasion, we have had a guest who would like to sing-a-long to a favoured track. This is no problem at all, we have spare microphones and it really does add to the evening’s entertainment. Just make sure you know the lyrics as there are no on screen guides and forgetting a line or a verse in front of a packed house usually gets a few laughs.
How will a DJ be dressed for an event?
We usually dress in black trousers and a black or dark branded polo shirt. We need to be comfortable for the 5-7 hours we are working and need some functional attire. Remember we will be carrying various pieces of sound and lighting into the venue, setting up and straight into our performance. If you insist on the DJ wearing a suit or tuxedo, that is no problem at all as long as we have a changing area.
Can a friend DJ at my wedding using the DJ’s Equipment?
Yes, that would be no problem as long as they are familiar with the equipment set up and in a lucid state of wellbeing. We use industry leading Pioneer hardware and software and we would be on hand to manage volume and introduce the special guest DJ if required.
Should the DJ have insurance for a wedding?
Yes, the DJ should have insurance, you should always check before booking your DJ. Insurance ensures the venue, guests & DJ are covered in the unusual event of something going wrong during your ceremony. Most DJ’s or suppliers will have dual cover for: Public Liability & Personal Indemnity. We can supply our insurance cover to view on request if you are making a booking.
Is the DJ equipment safe to use in a public space?
Yes, all of our equipment is new, or nearly new. All electrical equipment is PAT tested and regularly maintained and serviced. We take great pride in all of our equipment and invest heavily in our DJ set up for both sound and light.
Will the DJ have back-up equipment?
Yes, we have back up equipment and in the very rare event of component failure, the show will go on with minimal interruption. The only aspect we cannot mitigate against is a power cut, we do not carry a generator. We have on occasion provided generated power for remote locations such as a Castles and cabins.
Do you offer any additional services?
Yes we do. We offer performance enhancements for your ceremony or event. We offer a saxophonist, which is always popular. Our resident Sax Man, Dave T is an expert of his craft, with over 25 years’ experience wooing the crowds. Kim Wilson our singer is hugely popular and can sing some of your wedding classics and interact with your crowd. Additionally, we can record your event and gift to you in a wedding themed presentation USB flash drive, enabling you to relive the soundtrack of your big day! Please message us for pricing for our additional services.