How To Choose a Wedding DJ
- josephdenatale
- Jun 13
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Planning a wedding comes with a million little decisions—but few impact the energy of your celebration quite like your wedding DJ.
The right music, vibe, and flow can take your event from just "nice" to completely unforgettable. Whether you envision a packed dance floor, a classy dinner party, or a mix of both, your DJ is the one who makes it all come to life.
If you're wondering how to choose a wedding DJ, you're not alone. This guide will walk you through the key things to look for, the questions to ask, and how to find someone whose style matches your vision.
Key Takeaways
What qualities separate a good wedding DJ from a great one
The top questions to ask before booking
How far in advance you should book (hint: sooner than you think)
Common red flags to watch for
Why your DJ’s personality and vibe matter
How to decide between a DJ, a live band—or both!
What Makes a Great Wedding DJ?
Choosing the right DJ goes beyond just finding someone who can play your favorite songs. A great wedding DJ is a skilled entertainer, an organized professional, and a behind-the-scenes MVP who makes your whole event run smoother.
Experience
Look for a DJ with solid experience in weddings specifically. This isn’t the same as club or radio DJing—it’s about timing, flexibility, and understanding how to manage the flow of an event. They should know how to keep things moving, read the room, and pivot when the vibe shifts.
Mixing Ability
Music-wise, mixing ability is a must—but versatility is key. The best DJs can smoothly blend tracks from different genres and generations.
About 90% of weddings feature guests ranging from age 20 to 70+, so being able to jump from Motown to Top 40 to '90s throwbacks without missing a beat is crucial.
Organization
Your wedding DJ is arguably your most important vendor for a flawless day-of experience. Your DJ needs to work well with your other vendors, keep track of the timeline so you don’t get behind schedule, and be involved in all of our special moments.
That’s why organization is so important. At Joseph & Erika, we use an industry-leading wedding planning app called Vibo to coordinate music preferences, timelines, and special requests with our couples.
One of the first things we do after booking is set up a customized planning project in the app, which becomes a central hub for song selection, timeline coordination, and communication. We also check in regularly to make sure our couples are feeling supported and never overwhelmed by the planning process.
Visual Presentation
Lastly, the look matters! Your DJ is part of the room—so clean, professional equipment and presentation help set the tone.
Questions to Ask Your DJ Before Booking
It’s easy to get overwhelmed during vendor interviews. These five questions will help you cut through the fluff and find the right fit for your celebration.
What’s your approach to music style and flexibility?
Will they adapt to your vision or push their own style? Can they handle all-ages crowds, cultural traditions, or a mix of genres?
What’s your emcee style like?
Are they interactive and high-energy on the mic, or more reserved and minimal with announcements? Which one fits your vibe?
What’s included in your wedding package?
Ceremony sound, cocktail hour music, reception DJing, uplighting—what’s covered and what costs extra? Do they offer any other fun services like adding a Live Saxophone or other instrumentalists to the DJ set?
Do you have backup plans?
Do they bring extra gear? What’s the plan if they get sick or have an emergency?
How do you coordinate with other vendors?
Strong communication with your planner, photographer, and venue ensures a seamless night. How do they make that happen?
How Early Should You Book a Wedding DJ?
Locking in your DJ isn’t just about reserving a date—it’s about giving yourself time to collaborate, plan, and build a shared vision for your event.
Peak Season (May–October)
If your wedding lands on a Saturday in the spring, summer, or fall, aim to book your DJ 12 to 18 months in advance. Popular dates go quickly, especially in the Boston area, and waiting can mean losing out on your first-choice vendors.
Off-Season or Non-Peak Dates
For weddings from November through April, or events on Fridays or Sundays, the timeline may be more flexible. Booking 6 to 12 months out can still secure great talent.
That said, the earlier you book, the more time you’ll have for planning and customization—and the less stress you’ll face as the big day approaches.
Red Flags To Avoid When Hiring a DJ
Even if someone seems fun and friendly on the surface, these red flags can signal trouble. Ask the right questions and pay attention to early interactions.
Red Flag #1: No Contract
A reputable DJ will always provide a written contract outlining services, timing, payment terms, and backup plans. If they won’t, run away!
Red Flag #2: Poor or No Reviews
An absence of online reviews—or a pattern of negative ones—is a major red flag. Consistency and professionalism should show up in their testimonials.
Red Flag #3: Slow or Vague Communication
You should never feel like you’re chasing someone down for answers. Delays, confusion, or vague replies during the booking process are signs of trouble to come.
Red Flag #4: Sloppy Presentation or Outdated Gear
Your DJ is a visual and audio presence. If their website, branding, or actual equipment looks outdated or unprofessional, it could reflect how they’ll show up to your wedding.
Matching a DJ's Vibe To Your Wedding Style
Every DJ brings a unique energy—and that energy has to align with yours.
Think about the kind of mood you want: high-energy club? Chic and sophisticated? Relaxed backyard bash?
Then ask: does the DJ get that vibe? Can they match it?
Emcee style is part of this too. Some couples want a DJ who’s super interactive on the mic. Others want someone who barely speaks and just keeps the music going.
There’s no right answer—just what fits your comfort level.
Here’s how to tell if someone’s a good match:
Read reviews and look for personality notes (not just music skill)
Ask to get on a video call so you can talk face-to-face
Scroll through their social media to get a sense of their taste and vibe
You’re not just booking a playlist—you’re hiring someone who will be front and center for the biggest party of your life.
Make sure their energy matches yours!
DJ vs Live Music: What’s Right for Your Wedding?
For many couples, this isn’t an either/or—it’s a both/and. But understanding the strengths of each can help you decide what fits where.
The Power of Live Music
Live music adds ambiance, intimacy, and a personalized touch to any wedding moment. A string quartet for the ceremony, a jazz trio for cocktail hour, or an acoustic duo during dinner can transform the emotional atmosphere of your event.
The Flexibility of a DJ
When it comes to dance time, DJs offer unmatched flexibility. They can shift styles instantly, accommodate spontaneous requests, and keep the dance floor packed from start to finish.
A Boston wedding DJ can mix everything from golden oldies to high-energy club bangers without missing a beat.
Why Not Both?
More and more couples are opting for a blend of both. Live music for the key emotional moments, DJ for the all-out celebration.
At Joseph & Erika, we specialize in integrated DJ and live music packages. One team, one timeline, one flawless experience.
We are both performers and planners—bringing decades of music expertise, professionalism, and personal care to your wedding day.
Conclusion: How To Choose A Wedding DJ
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most couples in figuring out how to choose a wedding DJ. You know what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and why the right vibe makes all the difference.
At Joseph & Erika, we’re all about blending professionalism with personalization. Whether you want a high-energy dance party, live wedding musicians for your ceremony, or both—we’ve got you covered.
Ready to start planning the soundtrack to your wedding day?
Contact us here to check availability and explore your options.
FAQs
1. What are the biggest red flags when learning how to choose a wedding DJ?
Avoid DJs who don’t offer a contract, have consistently poor reviews, are slow to respond, or can’t provide videos or references. These are warning signs of a lack of professionalism.
2. How can I make sure a Boston wedding DJ fits my style?
Watch sample videos, read reviews, check their social media, and schedule a video call. You’ll get a sense of their energy, emcee style, and professionalism.
3. Can I hire live music and a wedding DJ together?
Yes! Many couples choose both to create a dynamic, seamless experience. At JNE Entertainment, we offer bundled DJ + live music packages to give you the best of both worlds.
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