Don’t be the one to make these mistakes!
Planning a wedding can be a stressful endeavor, but avoiding some common blunders can alleviate some of that anxiety. Give yourself the best night of your life with the best entertainment available. Don’t fall victim to these top ten mistakes brides make when hiring a wedding DJ.
1. HIRING THE CHEAPEST DJ
Don’t Hire the Cheapest DJ
It’s the most important day of your life, and yes — every couple has a wedding budget. But when it comes to entertainment, the phrase “you get what you pay for” absolutely applies. The cheapest DJ doesn’t guarantee the experience you’re hoping for. In fact, it often guarantees the opposite.
Most experienced, professional DJs charge $875–$1,800 in NWPA & NE OHIO, depending on the hours needed, the equipment required, and the lighting or add-ons involved. A real DJ should explain what’s included so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
When you’re shopping for a DJ, picture how you want the entertainment to feel — the energy, the flow, the dance floor — and you’ll get a quote tailored to that vision.
And remember this:
Your guests won’t remember the chair covers. They won’t remember the plates. They WILL remember how much fun they had.
Your entertainment creates the atmosphere. It sets the tone. It’s what guests talk about for months — sometimes years.
So don’t cut corners on the one part of your wedding that decides whether your celebration is unforgettable or forgettable.
Your guests will thank you.
2. WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO HIRE A DJ
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Hire Your DJ
Much like choosing your venue, you should hire your DJ as early as possible. Most professional DJs book out quickly—often a year in advance during wedding season. A good rule of thumb is this: once you secure your venue, start securing your entertainment.
Hiring early gives you the time you need to talk with your DJ, plan the flow of your event, and make sure the music fits your vision. Remember, a wedding DJ is far more than someone who plays songs. He’s also your emcee and timeline coordinator, helping create a smooth, organized, and fun atmosphere.
Giving your DJ enough time to prepare sets the stage for a far more successful ceremony and reception—for you and your guests
3. BELIEVING ALL DJS ARE THE SAME
All DJ’S ARE NOT THE SAME
Every DJ has their own set of skills and strengths, but the best wedding DJs follow a proven plan. They don’t just play music — they work with your wedding planner, coordinate with the venue, stay in sync with the caterers, communicate with the photographer, and support everyone involved in making your reception run smoothly.
A great DJ’s job goes far beyond entertainment. That’s why it’s important to ask each DJ how they can make your wedding amazing. Every DJ will have a different answer, and that answer will tell you everything you need to know.
Choose the DJ whose vision matches yours, and you’ll be glad you did.
4. HIRING A FRIEND OR RELATIVE
DON’T!
It may sound like a great idea on the surface, but hiring a friend or family member to DJ your wedding comes with real risks. In my 40+ years of DJing, I’ve seen this happen over and over again: the friend or relative gets cold feet and backs out at the last minute — leaving the couple scrambling.
Even if they mean well, a non-professional DJ simply doesn’t have the experience needed for a wedding. Just like you wouldn’t ask a friend to build your house instead of hiring a contractor, you shouldn’t put the success of your reception in the hands of someone inexperienced.
Professional DJs know how to manage timelines, handle technical issues, read the crowd, and keep the night running smoothly. They have backup equipment, accountability, and the confidence that only comes from years of experience.
Don’t risk going music-less because a friend’s iPod freezes or they panic before the reception. A professional will always be prepared, always show up, and always give you their best.
5. ASSUMING THE DJ HAS THE MUSIC FOR YOUR EVENT
Never Assume!
Wedding DJs should always have a wide variety of music ready to go, but if you have specific tastes or expectations, you must communicate that ahead of time. A good DJ builds his playlist around your needs—whether it’s catering to different age groups, focusing on certain genres, or matching the exact vibe you envision.
Share your must-play songs, your do-not-play list, (keep the DNP list short) and your overall style preferences. It’s your event, and your DJ should be prepared to deliver entertainment that fits your reception vision perfectly.
6. NOT COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR DJ
KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN!
You should meet with your DJ in person at least a few times before your wedding. These meetings help you plan properly, coordinate the flow of your event, and clearly outline your expectations. But communication shouldn’t stop there.
It’s important to stay in touch with your DJ in the days and weeks leading up to your wedding. If anything changes or you think of new ideas, song requests, or schedule adjustments, keep your DJ informed so he can prepare.
You don’t need to know everything from the beginning. But as your vision develops, make sure your DJ is in the loop — that communication is what ensures your reception turns out exactly the way you want.
7. NO WRITTEN CONTRACT
NO CONTRACT POSSIBLY NO DJ!
Having a written agreement ensures you have a DJ for your special event. It also means your DJ takes himself – and the success of your event – very seriously. The contract should include all the details of his service, including the logistics like the date of your event, start and finish times, location, price, as well as any other special requests that were agreed.
8. NO LIABILITY INSURANCE
YOU COULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF THE DJ ISN’T INSURED!
Professionals handle themselves in a professional manner, and as such, will make sure they’re prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Some venues may even require DJs to have liability insurance. Ask your DJ if they’re covered and avoid any possible problems.
9. NOT HAVING A BACK-UP PLAN
DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR DJ HAVE A PLAN B!
While your DJ should have a plan but also be flexible, unexpected things can happen. What happens if the DJ gets sick? What happens if his equipment breaks down? They may be rare occurrences with professionals, but life happens and sometimes things may be out of anyone’s control. Talk to your DJ and find out what his plans are in the event of problems or unplanned circumstances.
10. NOT TRUSTING YOUR DJ
MICROMANAGING YOUR DJ IS NOT A GOOD IDEA!
You’ve found a DJ, you’ve made a plan together and your event is just around the corner. At this point, you’re encouraged to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. Trust that your DJ has everything under control and allow him to do his job. The night is all about you, so leave the worries and stress to the paid staff and focus on making memories to last a lifetime!
