12 questions to ask a DJ before booking

Before you book a DJ, ask what the price includes, what equipment actually shows up, and what extra time and travel cost. Then ask the questions nobody enjoys asking: what happens if gear fails, and whether the DJ can meet your venue’s insurance rules. Ask every DJ you’re considering the same questions, and get the answers in writing.

ZION Entertainment’s answers are under each question wherever they’re already settled.

Price and what’s included

1. What exactly is included in the price?

Two DJs quoting the same number can be selling very different nights. One includes lighting, a microphone and travel, and the other charges for each. Ask for the list in writing so you can compare them fairly.

ZION Entertainment’s 3-Hour Basic Event is $350 and its 6-Hour Wedding Package is $750. Both include sound suited to the venue, decorative and dance-floor lighting, music requests, a do-not-play list, a consultation before the event and local travel. Corporate events are custom quotes. The full lists are on the packages page.

2. Is ceremony audio included, or is it extra?

The ceremony needs its own sound: music for the processional and a microphone so the back row can hear your vows. If a DJ charges for that separately, you want to know now.

ZION includes ceremony audio in the 6-Hour Wedding Package. A microphone runs into a JBL PartyBox 310, and the arrangements are confirmed with you in advance.

3. What does extra time cost if the party runs long?

You’ll be making this call at 9:50 p.m. with a full dance floor and your shoes off. Know the hourly rate now. Ask whether extra time can be added on the night or has to be arranged ahead.

ZION charges $85 per hour for extra time. For weddings, it’s subject to availability and agreed in advance.

4. Is travel included?

Ask how far the DJ travels for the quoted price, and how anything past that gets priced. A venue in Palmer or Wasilla can change a quote.

ZION includes local travel in Anchorage and Eagle River. Events further out are quoted individually.

The music

5. How do you handle requests and a do-not-play list?

You want to know whether the DJ takes guest requests during the event, and whether they’ll hold the line on a banned song when someone’s uncle keeps asking.

Both ZION packages include music requests and a do-not-play list, worked out before the event. Wedding couples also get special-song planning for moments like the first dance.

6. Will I meet the DJ who’s actually playing my event?

At a company with several DJs, the person who books you might not be the person who shows up. Ask who’ll be behind the table and whether you can talk to them first.

At ZION, the founder is the DJ: DJ Zion plays every event. You can meet him before the event over Zoom or in person.

Gear and setup

7. What equipment will actually show up?

“Professional sound system” can mean almost anything. Ask for the specific gear by name, and ask whether it fits your room and your guest count.

ZION brings a Mixon 8 Pro controller, two Alto 15-inch powered speakers and a Mackie 18-inch powered subwoofer, plus a JBL PartyBox 310 for ceremony audio.

8. What lighting is included?

Lighting can mean a few LEDs or a full stage rig, and your photos will look very different depending on which you get. Ask what’s included and what costs extra.

ZION provides decorative and dance-floor lighting, including LEDs and blacklights. It doesn’t offer stage production.

9. How do setup and teardown work at my venue?

Your venue may have a load-in window and a hard time when everything has to be out. Find that out from the venue first, then ask the DJ to work to it.

With ZION, setup and teardown arrangements are agreed with you in advance.

Booking and the fine print

10. How does booking work, and when is my date actually held?

Sending an inquiry and having a booked date are two different things. Ask exactly what makes it official.

To book ZION, send an inquiry through the availability form or call or text (907) 406-7211. Nothing is booked until DJ Zion confirms the date.

11. What happens if equipment fails or you get sick?

Ask every DJ this one. Speakers die and people catch the flu. You’re listening for an actual plan, like spare gear in the car and a name to call if they can’t make it, and you’ll hear quickly whether they’ve thought about it.

ZION is a one-DJ company, so ask DJ Zion directly what his plan is.

12. Do you carry liability insurance, and can you send proof to my venue?

Many venues ask DJs for a certificate of insurance before they’ll let them work an event, and some want to be named as an additional insured on the DJ’s policy, according to Insurance Canopy. Read your venue contract first so you know exactly what it requires. Then ask every DJ on your shortlist whether they can meet it, ZION included.

Once you’ve got answers you can compare, check your date on the availability page. Or call or text DJ Zion at (907) 406-7211 and ask him all twelve.