The Ultimate Wedding DJ Checklist for Perth Couples
Planning a wedding involves dozens of moving parts, and your entertainment is one of the few elements that influences almost every part of the reception.
A great wedding DJ does so much more than play music. They’re responsible for setting the mood, keeping your reception flowing, making announcements, reading the room, and helping create those unforgettable moments you’ll look back on for years to come.
After being part of hundreds of weddings across Perth and Western Australia, we’ve learned that the best celebrations all have one thing in common: great planning. To help make the process a little easier, we’ve put together the ultimate wedding DJ checklist. Whether you’re just starting your planning journey or you’re ticking off the final details, this guide will help you feel confident you’ve covered everything.
Before You Book Your Wedding DJ
Choosing the right wedding DJ starts with asking the right questions.
Do They Specialise in Weddings?
A great club DJ isn’t always a great wedding DJ.
Wedding entertainment requires a completely different skill set. Your DJ should know how to manage formalities, work alongside your venue and other suppliers, coordinate key moments throughout the evening and keep guests of all ages entertained.
Do They Match Your Style?
Not every wedding has the same atmosphere.
Some couples want a relaxed cocktail-style reception, while others want a packed dance floor from the first song. Ask how your DJ tailors their music and MC style to suit different weddings, rather than relying on the same playlist every weekend.
What’s Included in the Package?
Every company packages their services differently, so make sure you know exactly what’s included.
Ask about:
☐ Professional sound system
☐ Wireless microphones
☐ Dance floor lighting
☐ Ceremony audio (if required)
☐ MC Services
☐ Set up and pack down
Knowing exactly what’s included helps avoid surprises later on.
What’s Their Backup Plan?
Ask what happens if your DJ becomes unwell or can’t attend due to an emergency.
One of the advantages of booking through an entertainment agency is knowing there’s a professional team behind the scenes, with backup DJs available should the unexpected happen. That extra peace of mind can be invaluable.
Do they have reviews from real couples?
Look beyond the star rating. Pay attention to comments about communication, reliability, professionalism and how well the DJ managed the reception.
Consistent feedback from real couples often tells you everything you need to know.
Your Wedding DJ Contract Checklist
Before paying your deposit, make sure your agreement clearly includes:
☐ Wedding date and venue
☐ Performance times
☐ Setup and pack-down times
☐ Equipment provided
☐ MC services (if included)
☐ Payment schedule
☐ Cancellation policy
☐ Overtime fees
☐ Public Liability Insurance
Having everything documented gives both you and your entertainment provider complete clarity.
Planning Your Music
One of the biggest misconceptions is that couples need to create an entire playlist.
You don’t.
A professional wedding DJ knows how to read the room and adapt throughout the evening. Your role is simply to provide the direction.
Choose Your Must-Play Songs
Make sure you’ve selected music for key moments, including:
☐ Reception entrance
☐ Bridal party entrance
☐ First dance
☐ Parent dances
☐ Cake cutting
☐ Final song
These are often the songs you’ll remember long after the wedding.
Share Your Favourite Music
Help your DJ understand your style by sharing the music you genuinely enjoy. The more they understand your taste, the more personalised your reception will feel.
Create a Do-Not-Play List
This can be just as important. If there are songs, artists or genres you’d rather avoid, let your DJ know well in advance. Whether it’s a song with bad memories or simply one you can’t stand, it’s your celebration.
Decide on Guest Song Requests
Every couple is different. Some enjoy guests making requests, while others prefer leave it entirely in the DJ’s hands. Discuss your preference in advance so everyone is on the same page.
Reception Timeline Checklist
One of the easiest ways to create a seamless reception is by providing your DJ with a detailed timeline.
Include important moments such as:
☐ Guest arrival
☐ Reception entrance
☐ Speeches
☐ Dinner service
☐ Cake cutting
☐ First dance
☐ Parent dances
☐ Reception games or traditions (e.g. bouquet toss, garter or shoe game)
☐ Open dance floor
☐ Grand Farewell or special send-off (e.g. guard of honour, sparkler exit, or bubble exit)
Sharing your timeline also helps your photographer, videographer and venue coordinate
the evening smoothly.
Ceremony Audio Checklist
If your DJ is also providing ceremony sound, don’t forget to discuss:
☐ Bridal entrance timing
☐ Processional music
☐ Signing music
☐ Recessional music
☐ Wireless microphones
☐ Outdoor speaker setup
☐ Wet weather plans
☐ Power access (if required)
Planning these details early helps avoid unnecessary stress on the day.
If Your DJ Is Also Your MC
Many Perth couples choose to have their DJ act as MC as well.
If that’s the case, provide them with:
☐ Correct name pronunciations
☐ Bridal party introductions
☐ Speech order
☐ Cultural traditions
☐ Special announcements
☐ Surprise moments
☐ Supplier contacts
The more information they have, the more naturally the reception will flow.
Venue & Logistics Checklist
Before the big day, make sure your DJ has all the practical information they need.
Confirm:
☐ Venue access and bump-in time
☐ Performance location (indoors or outdoors)
☐ DJ booth location
☐ Equipment setup location
☐ Dance floor location
☐ Speech location
☐ Location for canapés (if applicable)
☐ Power supply and available power outlets
☐ Loading or parking instructions
☐ Venue sound restrictions or curfews
☐ Contact person at the venue
☐ Whether the ceremony and reception, or different parts of the reception, will take place in separate locations
☐ Vendor meal for the DJ
Sharing these details ahead of time helps your entertainment team arrive prepared and ensures everything runs smoothly from the moment they arrive.
Final Entertainment Checks Before the Big Day
Around two weeks before your wedding, touch base with your DJ to confirm:
☐ Final reception timeline
☐ Must-play and do-not-play songs
☐ MC notes and announcements
☐ Guest age groups and overall music preferences
☐ Final guest numbers (if they’ve changed significantly)
☐ Venue access details (if there’s any changes)
☐ Contact numbers for your venue or coordinator
☐ Any recent schedule changes or special requests
☐ Any accessibility requirements or cultural traditions
☐ Dress Code
A quick final check ensures everyone is working from the latest information, so there are
no surprises on the day.
On the Day
By the time your wedding day arrives, the planning should already be done.
Trust your DJ to manage the music, coordinate formalities with your MC and venue, and adapt to the flow of the celebration. Rather than worrying about what’s happening next, you can focus on enjoying every moment with your family and friends.
The best wedding receptions feel effortless and that’s exactly what thorough preparation is designed to achieve.
How Streamline Entertainment Helps
Great wedding entertainment starts long before your guests hit the dance floor.
When you book with Streamline Entertainment, we’ll guide you through every entertainment detail ahead of the big day – we take the time to understand your vision, music preferences and reception plans, ensuring your DJ or MC arrives fully prepared for your celebration.
Our planning process is designed to make things simple, ensuring your entertainment fits seamlessly into the flow of your celebration. That means less last-minute stress for you and more time to enjoy every moment with your family and friends.
Final Thoughts
Planning your wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Use this wedding DJ checklist as your planning guide, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a reception that’s relaxed, memorable and uniquely yours.
Whether you’re looking for an experienced Perth Wedding DJ or simply have a few questions, our team is always happy to help.
Give us a call on 0459 890 668 or email functions@streamlineperth.com to start the conversation.
