What happens at a wedding DJ consultation? (What to bring + what to ask)

You've narrowed your DJ list down to two or three options. Now somebody wants to hop on a call or meet in person. What are you supposed to actually talk about?

I've done hundreds of these consultations. Here's what a good one looks like, what you should bring, and the questions that tell you whether this DJ is the real deal or just winging it.

Why a consultation matters

A consultation isn't a sales pitch — or at least it shouldn't be. It's the moment where you figure out if this person can actually handle your wedding. You're not just buying speakers and a playlist. You're hiring someone who'll be on a microphone in front of every person you love.

Chemistry matters. If a DJ can't hold a conversation with you for 20 minutes, they're not going to hold a room for four hours.

What to bring (even if it's informal)

You don't need a binder. But showing up with a few things makes the conversation way more productive.

Your timeline (even a rough one). If you know your ceremony starts at 4:00 and the reception ends at 10:00, that's enough. Don't worry about having every toast and dance mapped out — that's part of what the consultation is for.

Your venue name and address. A good DJ will already know most Salt Lake City venues. If yours is new to them, they'll ask smart questions about load-in, power, and room layout.

Your vibe. You don't need a 200-song playlist yet. Just know what energy you're going for. "We want it to feel like a party but still family-friendly" is plenty to start.

Your must-play and do-not-play songs. Even if it's just three or four in each category, it helps the DJ understand your taste fast.

Your questions. Write them down. It's easy to forget things in the moment, and this is the time to ask everything.

What the DJ should ask you

Pay attention to what the DJ asks you. This tells you a lot about how they work.

A good DJ will ask about:

• Your reception flow. Not just "what time does it start?" but "what moments matter most to you?" Some couples care more about toasts. Some want the dance floor open as early as possible. A pro DJ adjusts around what you care about.
• Your crowd. How many guests? Age range? Will there be kids? Is it a dry reception? These details change how a DJ reads the room and plans the music.
• Your ceremony needs. Do you need ceremony sound? Wireless mics for vows? A separate speaker for the processional? A lot of couples don't think about this until late — a good DJ brings it up early.
• Your "do not" list. Not just songs. Things like: "Please don't do the garter toss." "Don't make the single people stand up for the bouquet throw." A DJ who asks about boundaries is a DJ who respects them.
• Vendor coordination. Who's your photographer? Planner? Caterer? A pro DJ knows they'll need to sync with these people on timing, and they'll want contact info before the wedding day.

If a DJ just talks about themselves for 20 minutes and never asks about your wedding, that's a red flag.

Questions you should ask the DJ

Here are the ones that actually reveal quality:

"Will you be the one at my wedding, or could it be a different DJ?" Some companies book you with one person and send another. Get this in writing.

"What does your setup look like?" Ask about speakers, subwoofers, microphones, and lighting. A pro should be able to describe their gear confidently. Bonus if they can show photos from past events at similar venues.

"What's your backup plan?" Laptop dies. Controller fails. Power goes out. Every experienced DJ has a backup plan. If they look confused when you ask this, keep shopping.

"How do you handle song requests from guests?" The answer tells you a lot. You want someone who balances guest requests with your preferences and reads the room — not someone who just plays whatever gets shouted at them.

"What happens if we go over time?" Ask about overtime rates and how they handle it in the moment. A good DJ will tell you their rate upfront and communicate with you (not your guests) if the night's running long.

"Can I see your contract?" Read it before you sign. Look for overtime terms, cancellation policies, and whether they can sub out your DJ.

"What do you do between now and the wedding?" The best DJs don't just show up. They'll do a planning session 2–4 weeks before your wedding to finalize your timeline, song lists, and special moments. If a DJ says "just send me a playlist and I'll see you there" — that's not enough.

Virtual vs in-person consultations

Both work. I do a lot of video calls, and honestly, it's easier for most couples — especially in Salt Lake City where everyone's juggling work, wedding planning, and life.

What matters more than the format is whether the DJ is engaged. Are they taking notes? Asking follow-ups? Referencing things you said earlier? That's what tells you they're paying attention.

How long should it take?

A solid consultation runs 20–40 minutes. If it's five minutes, the DJ isn't asking enough questions. If it's over an hour, someone's not being efficient.

You should walk away knowing:

• What's included in their package
• What their process looks like between now and the wedding
• Whether you actually like talking to this person

That last one matters more than people think. Your DJ is going to be in your ear all night. You want someone you trust and enjoy working with.

The real test

Here's what I tell couples: after the consultation, ask yourself one question.

"Did that feel like a sales pitch, or did it feel like someone who genuinely wanted to understand my wedding?"

The right DJ makes the consultation feel easy. They listen more than they talk. They give you clear answers. And they leave you feeling like your wedding is in good hands.