wedding dance floor with guests dancing to wedding theme songs

10 Items to Have Ready for Your Chicago Wedding DJ

Hiring a Chicago wedding DJ comes with a long list of interview questions, but did you know that there are items your wedding DJ needs from you? Here’s a list of items your Chicago wedding DJ needs to know from you—and when they need to know it.

What Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know When Hiring

Don’t worry you don’t need to have every detail set in stone yet, but there are a few details you should have confirmed when hiring your wedding DJ.

Wedding Date

The best Chicago wedding DJ calendars fill up quickly, which is why you should have a set wedding date when you contact them. (Or, if you really want your favorite DJ, you can call them first and ask them for available dates!) You can choose a wedding date based on special dates in your relationship, other special family dates, your favorite season, or your professional commitments.

Location

Right after when, your wedding DJ is going to want to know where. Is your wedding confirmed at a popular Chicago wedding venue? Or in your backyard? If your choice is the latter, ask your DJ if there are any specific electrical requirements you need to have ready for them on your special day.

Dinner Music

If you need dinner music, let your wedding DJ. Some Chicago wedding DJs may charge extra for the time, while other DJs offer packages so you don’t have to worry about “extras.” (It’s all included!)

What Your Wedding DJ Needs to Know Right Before the Wedding Day

Wedding planning is a continual process—you don’t have to get every detail confirmed right away! This wedding planning checklist can help you break it down, and help you have these details ready for your Chicago wedding DJ before your big day. (Ask your wedding DJ for their specific deadline.)

Wedding Day Schedule

You and your wedding DJ need to synch schedules before your big day. Hopefully, you should have this finalized weeks before your big day. Your wedding DJ needs to know the order of events, and when cocktail hour, dinner, and the reception is planned for.

What to Play

If you have any favorite “must play” songs, this is your chance to speak up! Tell your DJ what you absolutely must hear, and any songs that have a special meaning to you, your fiancé, and your friends. (DJs love to share neat back stories!)

What Not to Play

Have any songs that sound like nails on a chalkboard? Tell your wedding DJ! You can use this DJ song list or just make a list of never-ever-play songs.

Wedding Party List (and Pronunciations)

Let your wedding DJ know who is standing up in your wedding, plus any friends or family you want announced. If anyone on the list has a hard-to-pronounce name, give them some pronunciation aids so the announcements go smoothly.

Special Dance Songs

If you’re having a traditional wedding dance, let your wedding DJ know what songs you would like played for your first dance (here’s how to pick the perfect first dance song), parent-child dance, and any other special moments.

Surprises

Have a special surprise planned? Let your DJ in on the secret so they can have fun with it and set the stage for your BIG surprise. (If you need an idea for a fun wedding day surprise, use this list of surprises for inspiration.)

Volume Limitations/Curfews

Some wedding venues and municipalities have curfews or volume limitations. Let your DJ know now, so your wedding reception doesn’t get shut down.

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