Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ & MC Before You Book

Booking a wedding DJ/MC in Europe comes with a few extra layers—languages, travel, venue rules—so the smartest move is to ask the right questions before you sign anything. Bring the checklist below to your calls and you’ll quickly see who’s prepared, who’s guessing, and who’s about to cause stress.

Start With the Basics (DJ, MC, or Both)

Some DJs are great behind the decks but don’t want the mic, and some MCs can talk all day but can’t build a dance floor. Get clear on who’s doing what, and what “MC” actually means in their world.

• Are you DJing and MCing personally, or is it a two-person team?
• How would you describe your MC style: low-key, high-energy, formal, funny, “only when needed”?
• Will we agree on the timeline and the key announcements ahead of time?
• If the schedule shifts on the day (late dinner, speeches running long), how do you handle it without making it awkward?

Music Planning That Won’t Turn Into a Tug-of-War

A good wedding DJ has a system: your must-plays matter, your do-not-plays are respected, and guest requests don’t hijack the night. It’s also worth asking how they handle mixed crowds, which is common at EU destination weddings.

• How do you collect our music preferences (playlist, questionnaire, planning call)?
• How many must-plays and do-not-plays can we give you?
• Do you take guest requests, and how do you keep them from derailing the vibe?
• Have you DJ’d for mixed-nationality crowds, and how do you balance different tastes in one room?

Gear and Setup (What They Bring vs. What the Venue Has)

Venues across Europe range from “fully equipped” to “here’s one power outlet and a strict curfew,” so spelling out equipment is not overkill—it’s basic risk management. You’re looking for a DJ who can explain their setup clearly and confirm what they need from the venue.

• What exactly do you provide: speakers, DJ booth/table, microphones, lighting?
• Do you bring wireless mics for speeches, and do you have a spare mic available?
• How much time do you need for load-in, setup, and soundcheck?
• What do you need from the venue (power, space, shelter if outdoors)?

Backup Plans (Ask Until It’s Specific)

This is the part couples often skip—until something fails. A pro should be able to tell you, in plain language, what breaks first, what they swap in, and how quickly the party is back.

• If your laptop/controller fails, what’s your Plan B in the moment?
• Do you carry spare cables, adapters, power supplies, and backups for key items?
• What happens if you’re sick or can’t travel last-minute—do you have trusted cover?
• If travel is involved, do you arrive the day before to reduce risk?

Languages, Pronunciation, and Bilingual Flow

If your DJ is also your MC, language confidence matters as much as music—especially for names, intros, and guiding guests through key moments. Many bilingual weddings work best when one language leads and the second language is summarized, rather than translating every line word-for-word.

• What languages can you comfortably MC in, not just “get by”?
• Can you do bilingual announcements smoothly (and keep them short enough to feel natural)?
• How do you handle name pronunciation—do you ask for phonetic spellings in advance?
• If parts of the day are in different languages (ceremony vs. reception), how do you coordinate that with us and the planner?

Venue Rules: Sound Limits and Curfews

A lot of EU venues—especially near residential areas—have noise restrictions, and sound limiters can change what “party volume” feels like. Ask early so you don’t find out at 11:00 pm that the system will cut out if the room gets too loud.

• Does the venue have a sound limiter, and have you worked with one before?
• What’s the venue’s dB limit or curfew, and how do you plan around it?
• If we have to go quieter later, what’s your approach (different setup, different style, moving indoors, etc.)?

Contract and Money: What’s Included and What Costs Extra

A solid contract protects both sides and keeps “surprise add-ons” from appearing later. Make sure you understand what’s included, how payment works, and what happens if plans change.

• Can we review a sample contract before we commit?
• What are the deposit, payment schedule, and accepted payment methods?
• What’s your cancellation/postponement policy?
• What’s itemized vs. included: ceremony audio, extra rooms, extra hours, travel, lodging?
• Do you carry liability insurance if the venue requires it?