Book your wedding DJ as soon as your date is set or your venue is booked. For a wedding in high season, from April to the end of October, it is not unusual to plan more than a year in advance.
DJs are in very high demand during the high season. Booking early spares you replies such as “not available on that date”.
How far in advance should you book your wedding DJ?
High-season weddings
The high season starts in April and ends at the end of October. During this period of milder weather, it is not unusual for couples to book their DJ more than a year in advance.
The most sought-after dates
Within the high season, the most popular dates run from mid-May to early July and from late August to mid-September, around the start and end of the school holidays. If your wedding falls in one of these periods, do not delay.
Off-season weddings
Outside this period, demand is lower and availability is generally wider. The advice remains the same: get in touch as soon as your date is known.
In what order should you book the venue, the caterer and the DJ?
The venue comes first, since it often determines the date. After that, do not wait until all the other suppliers are finalised: the caterer and the DJ can be booked at the same time.
We strongly recommend booking your wedding DJ at this stage. To choose one, see our guide: how to find a good DJ for your wedding.
Countdown plan for your wedding music
These milestones are a guide only: the timetable depends on your date and your venue.
- As soon as the date or venue is set: check the DJ's availability and ask for a quote.
- When signing the quote: pay the deposit that secures the date.
- As the preparations progress: set out your wishes in our preparation questionnaire, with your preferred styles, your favourites and the music to avoid.
- In the final weeks: agree the running order (ceremony, entrance into the room, opening of the dance floor) and the timings with your DJ.
- Several days before the wedding: at Jour Précieux, we talk with the venue owners to check the conditions for setting up and using the equipment.
Getting married on a Friday or a Sunday
With dates becoming congested, a Friday wedding is an increasingly common alternative. As this day is less in demand, it can also allow some savings and open the door to a little negotiation with venues, caterers and suppliers.
Sunday can offer the same flexibility: check with your venue and your suppliers.
Booking your DJ: deposit and quote
We ask for a deposit to secure the date. It is the price of peace of mind for both parties, the couple and the DJ. At Jour Précieux, the deposit is 30%, paid by bank transfer when the quote is signed.
Couples sometimes also find themselves without a DJ because of a cancellation. Insist on a quote that binds both parties, as at Jour Précieux, your wedding DJ in Paris. If we are unable to carry out a service on the date stated in the quote, for an involuntary reason including force majeure, another DJ is offered to the clients, on the same terms and at the same rates, failing which the deposit is refunded in full.
To plan your budget, see our article on the cost of a wedding DJ.
What if you are looking for a DJ at the last minute?
There are many last-minute requests in high season, but they are often impossible to meet. Your chances are better off-season or on a less popular day. The simplest thing is to give us your date and venue so we can check our availability.
Frequently asked questions
How many months ahead should you book a wedding DJ?
There is no single lead time. Some couples book more than a year in advance, especially for the most popular dates. The right time is still when your date is set or your venue is booked.
What deposit should you expect for a wedding DJ?
At Jour Précieux, the deposit is 30%, paid by bank transfer when the quote is signed. This is what secures your date.
Can you book a DJ three months before the wedding?
Yes, if the date is still available. In high season, the shorter the notice, the narrower the choice.
When should you give your playlist to your DJ?
Early enough for him to have time to work on it: agree the date with him at the start of your preparations.
