Top Questions Your Wedding DJ Will Ask

Do you have a preference for the specific DJ who performs?

When it comes to wedding DJ entertainment, we make sure that all clients know who will be performing at their event before signing on with us. At DJ Cutt Entertainment, we never switch up your hired performer at the last minute. A non-refundable retainer of 40% and an online booking system ensure maximum satisfaction, not only for your big day but during every step of the planning process.

‍

What are you looking for?

This is one of the first questions we ask every couple. What have you seen at past weddings that you want to incorporate, and what would you like to stay away from? This goes for the music and for other elements of the DJ experience. There are many aspects of a wedding that are DJ-related that couples do not always think about, including the flow of events, transitions between moments, and how the MC handles the room. The more you can communicate your ideal wedding vision to your DJ, the happier you will be with the end result.

‍

What length of DJ Package will you need?

Most wedding packages start around 5 hours, which is just about enough time to cover all the events at a typical wedding. Most of our weddings run between 6 and 7 hours depending on the events planned. The best way to build a timeline is to work backwards, especially if your venue has a hard cutoff time. For a more detailed breakdown of how to structure your day, see our wedding timeline planning guide. Here is a basic formula to get started:

• Start with the dance party and figure out how much time you need to allocate for it.
• Speeches will depend on how many people are speaking and whether you give them a time limit, which we recommend.
• Dinner will depend on your guest count and service style. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
• The grand entrance and cocktail hour can serve as a buffer that is adjusted depending on the rest of the schedule. The cocktail hour is usually 30 to 45 minutes.
• Whatever time you want to start the ceremony, put a half hour earlier on your invitations, because most weddings run 15 to 30 minutes behind.

‍

What is your budget?

Most DJ pricing is based on the number of hours in your package. If you have a rough idea of how many hours you will need, we can give you a solid estimate. DJ Cutt Entertainment offers a 5-hour package starting at $1,195, with overtime billed at $150 per hour past that. Many of our packages also include event lighting, a photo booth, and videography. It is always a good idea to get a full price sheet before you sign your contract so there is no confusion.

‍

What kind of music do you want for your wedding ceremony?

The ceremony is usually about 20 to 40 minutes once the service starts. Most DJ companies will play background music as your guests are being seated, so it is a good idea to communicate what type of music you would like during this time. This is also a good time to discuss who will need to be mic'd up for the ceremony, whether you prefer wireless handheld mics or lapel mics, and whether anyone will be giving special speeches or if you will be holding a candle lighting or sand pouring ceremony.

‍

What about Cocktail and Bridal introductions?

After the ceremony, your guests will move into a designated area for the cocktail hour, whether or not alcoholic beverages are served. This time acts as a buffer that lets the bride and groom sign the marriage license and get photos taken with the wedding party. We always tell our clients to take 10 to 15 minutes to go back to their bridal suite for some quiet time together, because it is the only alone time you will get for the rest of the day. Once dinner is ready, it is time for the bridal introductions, also known as the grand entrance. We can announce just the bride and groom or the full wedding party depending on your preference. This is something to communicate with your DJ well in advance.

‍

Dinner and speeches

When it comes to dinner and speeches, we help our clients pick out background music for while dinner is going on. You will need to decide whether it is the day-of coordinator or the DJ who will release tables to get their food. Our company is comfortable going to each table and dismissing guests for dinner. When it comes to speeches, we like to gather everyone who is speaking ahead of time and walk them through how to properly use the microphones. We also establish the order of speakers so they know when to come up or who to call up next.

‍

Do you have any music requests?

Each company handles music requests a little differently. In our planning forms, we give the couple control over picking the music for the ceremony and dinner. We cap dance party requests at 25 songs. We also let our couples create a do-not-play list for songs they want to avoid entirely. All requested music we play will be in edited form. Guests are welcome to come up during the event to request songs. You can browse our music planning resources for ideas and inspiration before your consultation.

‍

Are there any venue requirements?

Many venues have a specific set of rules that DJs need to follow. This can vary widely whether you are getting married in Portland, Bend, Hood River, or on the Oregon Coast. Common venue requirements include liability insurance, decibel limits, setup time windows, and hard cutoff times for both alcohol service and vendor departure. DJ Cutt Entertainment carries liability insurance and will provide a copy of it with your planning forms so you can send it to your venue at your convenience.

What AV and DJ equipment do you need?

Not all weddings are the same or require the same amount of equipment. Depending on where each event is located, we will need different forms of gear. Our standard packages include a ceremony setup and a reception or dance party setup. Many times we also set up a separate system for the cocktail hour or dinner location depending on the venue layout. These are the key questions we will work through together during your consultation so that everyone is clear about expectations for the day.

‍

The More You Communicate, the Better Your Wedding Will Be

A great wedding DJ experience starts long before the day of your event. The questions covered above are the foundation of every consultation we do at DJ Cutt Entertainment, because the more we know about your vision, your timeline, your venue, and your music preferences, the better we can execute on the day. If you want to see what a fully prepared DJ setup looks like in action, check out our photo gallery for highlights from past events.

‍

Book DJ Cutt Entertainment for Your Oregon Wedding

DJ Cutt Entertainment serves couples across Portland, Salem, Vancouver, Washington, and beyond. Whether you need a DJ, event lighting, a photo booth, or cold sparks for your grand entrance, we have you covered. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.