A Good Night Starts

With A Good Brief

You don’t need to choose every song. A few thoughtful details help a mobile DJ understand your celebration, your guests and the moments that matter.

Start with the room, not the playlist

Write down the occasion, venue, approximate guest numbers and the mix of ages attending. Think about whether you want relaxed background music, a busy dance floor or a gradual transition between the two.

A few familiar favourites from different generations can help establish a useful brief. For Corporate events consider your running order and when the music needs to take a quieter role.

Map out the music moments

List arrival, dining, speeches and the start of the evening entertainment. At a wedding, add your first dance and any ceremony or reception music you want to discuss. Include times, but flag anything that is still flexible. Make sure any daytime music is explicitly included in your enquiry rather than assuming it comes with an evening disco.

Make three short lists

• Must-play: songs with personal meaning, including your first dance.

• Would-love: favourite genres, artists and tracks that fit the mood.

• Please-avoid: songs or styles you do not want to hear.

• Leave space for the DJ to respond to the room. Discuss whether guests can make requests and how those requests fit with your preferences.

Ask the questions before booking

• What sound equipment and lighting are included in this quote?

• What space, power supply and venue access are required?

• How are setup, breakdown and finish times agreed?

• Can the setup work with the venue’s sound restrictions?

• What happens if the schedule changes or the event runs late?

• Can any insurance or other documentation required by the venue be supplied?

• Keep the agreed scope in writing. An enquiry checks options; a booking should confirm exactly what has been agreed.