Asking about music taste is the obvious place to start, but many of the questions that matter most on the day are about your venue. A beachside ceremony, a winery lawn and a warehouse reception all bring different challenges. These are the questions worth asking your entertainment before you book, so nothing about the venue catches anyone by surprise.
For general questions about music, requests and style, see our guide on what to ask a wedding DJ. This checklist focuses on the venue side.
Have you performed at our venue before?
Experience with your venue helps with load-in, room layout, where speakers sound best and how the staff like to run the night. If your entertainer has not been there, ask how they will prepare — for example, by speaking to the venue coordinator or visiting before the day.
Where will you set up, and how much space do you need?
Confirm the DJ position, power access and how the dance floor relates to the tables. A good setup lets the DJ see the room and keeps speakers pointed at the dance floor rather than at the oldest guests’ tables.
Is our ceremony in a different spot from the reception?
Garden, beach and vineyard ceremonies often need their own speakers and microphone, plus power or battery equipment. Ask how the ceremony audio will work, what happens with the setup while guests move, and who handles the music cues for your processional and signing.
What is your wet-weather plan?
Coastal and outdoor ceremonies can change quickly. Ask how your entertainment adapts if the ceremony moves inside at short notice, and how much time they need to move equipment.
Does the venue have noise limits or a strict finish time?
Some venues have sound limits, set finish times or neighbours to consider. Your entertainer should know these in advance and plan the volume and the final song around them.
Can you work with our other suppliers?
Your DJ and MC should coordinate with the venue coordinator, photographer, videographer and celebrant so key moments are captured and nobody is left waiting. Ask how they share the run sheet before the day.
Do you have public liability insurance and tested equipment?
Many venues ask suppliers for current public liability insurance and tested-and-tagged equipment. It is worth confirming early so it does not hold up your booking.
Ready to check your date?
JLPE plays weddings across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast. See JLPE’s Geelong wedding entertainment for how we work, or send us your venue and date to check availability.