5 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Wedding DJ

1) Booking too late

Popular dates go 6–12 months out (and peak Saturdays even longer). Late bookings can mean rush fees, limited gear availability, or a DJ who’s not your first choice.

When to book: Lock your DJ right after venue + planner—ideally 9–12 months out.
What you get early: Timeline help, room layout input, and vendor coordination from the start.

UGE Standard We hold your date with a simple contract + deposit and start planning immediately.

2) Not asking about backups

Gear fails—professionals plan for it. Always ask how your DJ handles equipment issues, power loss, and mic dropouts.

Ask about redundancy: Dual laptops or media players, spare mics, backup mixer/audio path.
Power planning: Separate circuits for sound/lighting, surge protection, and cable management.
Contingency plan: What happens if the primary rig dies mid‑song?

UGE Standard Redundant playback, spare wireless mics, extra cables, and a documented failover process.

3) Ignoring clean edits

Family‑friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. Decide your filter level (clean, radio edit, or original) and share must‑plays/“do‑not‑plays” up front.

Clarity: Label your playlists (Clean/Explicit) so there’s zero guesswork.
Special moments: Ceremonies + first dances should always use clean, high‑quality files.

UGE Standard We carry clean edits for radio and family events; explicit versions available for late‑night sets on request.

4) No clear timeline or MC plan

Your DJ should quarterback key moments with your planner and vendors: intros, speeches, first dances, cake, bouquet/garter, last dance.

MC flow: Names pronounced correctly, concise announcements, and smooth transitions.
Run of show: A shared timeline with buffer time for photography and venue cues.
Vendor sync: We cue caterers, photo/video, and venue staff before each moment.

UGE Standard Dedicated MC service with rehearsed intros and vendor comms so you can relax.

5) Treating lighting/sound as an afterthought

Great music needs the right production. Undersized speakers or harsh lighting can flatten the vibe and ruin photos/videos.

Room coverage: Proper speaker placement and fill so dinner is clear and dancing is full without being painfully loud.
Mics that work: Ceremony lav + handheld backup; tested for range and feedback before guests arrive.
Lighting that flatters: Warm uplighting, soft wash for the floor, and sound‑active effects tuned to the room.
Power & safety: Clean runs, gaffer tape, and safe loads on circuits.

UGE Standard Scaled sound systems, wireless mic kits, and photo‑friendly lighting packages sized to your guest count and venue.

Quick booking checklist

Reserve your date 9–12 months out (earlier for peak season).
Confirm backups: redundant playback, spare mics, power plan.
Decide on clean edits and share must‑plays / do‑not‑plays.
Approve a detailed run‑of‑show and MC notes.
Select lighting/sound package sized for your room + guest count.

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