Check your band or DJ’s contract before you pay the deposit.

What to find in the contract

6 things to look for, what each one means, and what to ask the band or DJ before you sign.

1. 1

   When will they play, and for how long?

   The contract should give the number and length of sets, the start and finish times, and when setting up and sound checks happen. Check these against your venue's finishing time and any noise limit.

   Look for what an extra half hour or hour costs if the party is going well.

   What to ask before you sign

   • How many sets, how long, and with what breaks?
   • What time do you set up and sound check?
   • What does overtime cost?
2. 2

   What do they bring, and what does the venue need?

   Many venues ask performers for public liability insurance and electrical safety (PAT) certificates, and some have a sound limiter that cuts the power if music gets too loud. Check the band or DJ is happy to work with your venue's rules.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Do you have public liability insurance and PAT certificates?
   • Can you work with our venue's sound limiter?
   • Is background music between sets included?
3. 3

   How do song requests and the first dance work?

   Check whether you can choose a first dance, give a list of songs to play or avoid, and how far ahead they need it. A band may need several weeks to learn a song that isn't on their list, sometimes for a fee.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Can you learn our first dance, and does that cost extra?
   • Will you follow a do-not-play list?
4. 4

   Can band members be replaced?

   Bands often use stand-in musicians when a regular member isn't free. That's normal, but if you booked a particular singer, check whether the contract promises them or allows a substitute.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Is the line-up we heard the one we'll get?
   • If someone can't come, who decides on the stand-in?
5. 5

   What travel, food and space do they need?

   Contracts may ask for a hot meal, a room to change in, parking, or travel and accommodation costs for a distant venue. Check these are in your budget and possible at your venue.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Do you need a meal and somewhere to change?
   • Are travel or accommodation charged extra?
6. 6

   What does it cost to cancel, and what if they cancel?

   Check the charges at each stage if you cancel, and what happens if the band or DJ can't perform: a replacement act, a refund, or both.

   What to ask before you sign

   • What would we owe if we cancelled at each stage?
   • If you can't play, do you find a replacement or refund us?

This page is general information, not legal advice. Every band or DJ’s contract is different, and none of the above replaces reading yours. If a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.