DJ FAQs Answered

Featured photo credits: Photo by Stout Studios Venue: Lightner Museum

We've compiled this listed of DJ FAQs and answered them for you! While we certainly don't mind answering your questions over the phone or email, this may save you some time!

Our goal is to make booking a DJ the easiest part of your planning process, and the DJ the best part of your wedding (other than getting married!)

Tip: Feel free to hit "command f" to search for your specific question.

Is my wedding date available?

Check with the office for availability- typically, we do have availability due to our large staff. Saturdays in wedding season tend to book up by 3-6 months before. "Wedding Season" runs March-June and September-November in the South. In the North, April-September.

Who would be the DJ and how many weddings have they performed?

Ordinarily, and unless there is a specific request or an early assignment is requested, we assign our DJs about a month prior. We assign them based on availability, and the information we receive from you on the questionnaire as to which one would best suit your wedding and venue. Each DJ averages about 40 weddings a year. Most of our DJs have been with the company or have prior experience of over 3 years.

Do DJs perform at more than one event in a day?

This has been done in the past but is not common; I can think of only one or two times this year that a DJ has done two events in a day. An example would be a sunrise wedding from 6-10am, then an evening corporate event from 7pm-12am.

Have you played at my wedding venue before?

More than likely, the answer is yes! We've been in business since 2008, having performed for thousands of weddings and special events in this time. Check with the office to see if we've been to your venue; if not, we will be in touch with your venue coordinator to receive layout, load-in instructions, parking details, and other information.

What sets you apart from your competition?

Quite a loaded question!!! Usually I would say something about our unique all-inclusive packages, or our amazing track record , or our hiring-all DJs personally trained in-house.

However, I really think the best thing to help set us apart is a testimony. I, personally, am an Island Sound bride! (That's me and Brandon there on the left!) I hired Island Sound for my wedding 4 years ago before I worked here! I can honestly say that everything was smooth and exactly how I envisioned. The DJ perfectly captured mine and my (now husband) musical taste and preference. There weren't any hiccups throughout the night, and I actually forgot to add a song to my "Must Plays" list and somehow, magically, the DJ played it as we were leaving for our sparkler exit. My sister also got married the past June and I insisted she hire us; again, an amazing night and the DJ perfectly captured hers and my now brother-in-law's taste.

Can you describe your style?

Each DJ’s style is a little different, as they are each their own unique person! However, they are all trained the same way, by the same person, and are almost exclusively wedding DJs.

Our primary goal at Island Sound, above everything else, is to keep things from feeling awkward. We are Wedding DJs, not Radio DJs, Club DJs, Rave DJs, or Bar DJs. It would be awkward to have a Wedding DJ perform at a Rave, and it would certainly be awkward to have a Rave DJ perform at a wedding. 

Do you have a CD of your music or a video from a prior wedding where you performed, showing into's, audience interactions, etc.?

We have lots and lots of videos available to watch! Check out our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5WLMoB-osBn9yZqDuoYb3g/

Can you help me choose the music for my processional, recessional, father-daughter dance, etc.?

We can help make suggestions for special dances, such as father-daughter dance! However, in my experience, I would fill out the form with your fiance to decide on songs together. It makes it that much more special when you go to dance and can remember doing that together. My husband and I found our first dance song from a commercial when we were watching tv together!

How extensive is your music library or song list? What genres can you cover?

Our music library is any song you can think of! If we don’t already own it, we will purchase it at no cost to you. We can cover any genre. In 10 years, we have done a wide range of different weddings, spanning cultures, race, and religion.

Do you have a go-to list of wedding songs you play or perform for weddings?

We do not have any set go-to playlists. We know that no two weddings are alike, so we do not perform "cookie cutter" weddings with playlists. Island Sound really tries to tailor each wedding to your specific wants and wishes. For one wedding, they may demand a certain song be played, while one the very next day has that song on their “do not play” list.

If the DJ scheduled for my event is unable to perform for some reason, do you have a backup replacement ready to go? Please explain.

Yes! We always have an emergency on-call DJ ready to go! Emergency DJs are confirmed week-of; they receive all details, forms, and pick up their equipment.

Do you take any breaks? How many and when?

The DJs do not take any breaks. If he needs to use the restroom, he will cue up the next song and be back before it ends. Our DJs are not allowed to smoke at events.

Do you act as the emcee and make all of the announcements?

We do! Wedding DJs—the good ones at least—are as much MCs as DJs. We control the flow of an event, making introductions and announcements with appropriate and friendly charisma, avoiding any semblance of cheesiness or awkwardness. 

What do you do to motivate the crowd if nobody is dancing?

The DJ will read the crowd appropriately to see what they respond to, whether that be changing from 90s throwbacks to Today’s Hits (depending on preference in the form). He will also let the crowd know that he can take requests (if approved to do so in the form).

Do you take requests from our guests?

We prefer to, because everyone wants to hear “their song” get played, but if you want to stick to a set list, or would prefer to not see your mom do the Wobble, that’s completely up to you!

Can we submit a "Do Not Play" list?

Of course! It’s on the last page of the form we will have you fill out.

What's your rate for 6 hours (30 minute pre ceremony, 30 minute ceremony, 1 hour cocktail party, 3 hour reception)?

For the timeline listed, it would be a 5 hour package- 1 hour total for ceremony, cocktail hour, 3 hour reception. 5 hours is $1525, 6 hours is $1725.
For other price points, please visit our brochure: https://islandsoundlive.com/pricing/

Does that rate include setup and breakdown between ceremony, cocktail and reception locations? The ceremony and cocktail hour are located on one floor and the reception is on another floor. What, if anything, isn't included?

Our packages are based on “play time;” from the moment the Dj presses play (or equipment is needed) until the end of the last song. There is no cost for travel, set up, or break down. Typically, when both ceremony and reception services are needed, the DJ will set up at the reception location first, then bring a speaker along with whatever else is needed to the ceremony. This transition is not abrupt and only takes a few minutes. The same can be done for the cocktail hour location. 

All of our packages include: Emcee Services, Including All Announcements and Introductions, Access to Island Sound’s Unlimited Music Library, Fully customizable music selection, Ceremony Setup with Lapel Microphone, Cocktail Hour Setup, Designer Facade, Atmospheric Dance Lighting, and One Cordless Microphone for Toasts, Speeches, Etc.

It also includes travel, set up and break down. All of our DJs arrive 2 hours prior to make sure everything is good to go. 

How much would you charge for overtime?

Overtime is $250/hour (time added day-of). However, some DJs will play longer for a tip!

Are there any additional fees that could accrue that I am not taking into account, like travel expenses or charges for special musical requests?

Nope! Everything is detailed in our brochure for costs; check out at the end, “Additional Services and Equipment” to see if you will need to add on anything extra. Typically, all that is necessary is the standard DJ package.

Are you insured?

We are fully licensed and insured and can provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with your venue listed as additionally insured, if desired.

Can you provide wireless mics for the wedding ceremony?

Yes! The package includes a lapel “lavaliere” mic for the officiant and two handheld mics, if needed. As long as time is covered, this equipment is available for use.

Do you bring backup equipment?

All equipment is tested before the event, on a weekly basis, to ensure everything is in working order. However, there are “fail safes” in place in the event of a malfunction. For example: The computer’s back up is an iPad.

What time will you arrive at the site and when you will you depart?

The DJ will arrive 2 hours prior and it only takes him about 30-45 minutes to break down.

Do you (and each band member, if you're booking a band) require a meal?

Meals are encouraged for events over 4 hours, but are not required. Just let us know on the form ahead of time, so he can eat before or bring a snack.

Do you do any promotional advertising for your company during the event? If so, please explain.

We do not. We can give guests business cards upon request, however, the booth and DJ’s suit will not have any signs/banners/etc. The most “advertising” would be our logo on his polo as he sets up, before he changes into his suit.

More Questions?

We hope this list of DJ FAQs answered helped make booking your DJ a breeze! Still have other questions? No problem! We're here for you full-time, 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. Email staff@islandsoundlive.com or call 877-634-7725.