- Last Updated:
- 12/10/2024
- Chelsea Ramsey, ACE CPT
“Mawage. Mawage is what brings us together today!”
And you are an integral part of making sure the reception goes off without a hitch.
Be the DJ who gets everyone falling in love and not falling over by avoiding these common pitfalls.
4 Common Wedding DJ Mistakes (& How Insurance Has Your Back)
Nobody’s perfect, so wedding DJ liability insurance is there to help make sure you’re covered even if you do accidentally commit one of these DJ fails.
Failing to Secure or Hide Cords and Wires
You forget to check your extension cords after finishing your setup, and one ends up running right through a high-traffic walkway. With all the guests in fancy dress, this could be a recipe for disaster.
If the grandmother of the groom or the bride herself trips over one of your wires and sprains an ankle or breaks a hip, you could be held liable. General liability insurance can help cover you in cases of trips and falls like these.
Leaving Electronics Exposed to Hazards
Your table is a little too close to one of the catering side stations for used glasses. A guest bumps into the stand, spilling a partially-finished beer across your laptop.
Even if you can get through the rest of the evening, your computer could start glitching. And then stop booting up altogether. With additional gear and equipment coverage you may be able to get help replacing your important hardware.
Damaging the Event Space
What happens if you ding a wall while carrying in a speaker? Or rip a rug, scratch a ballroom floor? The venue might want to hold you accountable for that damage. General Liability or Damage to Premises Rented to You coverage can help pay for those damages.
Not Assessing the Event Space
Failure to scope out the space you’ll be operating in means you won’t be able to do any risk assessments beforehand. On top of that, you may not be able to accurately plan your setup. These things can increase your chances of experiencing all the other previously listed incidents and more.
Avoid increasing your risk and mistake potential by finding out as much information ahead of time as possible. This includes things like where to park, where to unload your equipment, or where you’re supposed to set up.
Tips For Avoiding the Biggest Wedding DJ Fails
Get the Playlist Right
What could be worse for a wedding DJ’s reputation than getting the music wrong? Double- and triple-check you’ve got the right playlist on the day, with the necessary first dance songs and none of the nixed ones.
Bring Backup Equipment or Batteries
The maid of honor is in the middle of her speech when the mic cuts out. Don’t disappoint the wedding party — make sure to carry a backup mic or plenty of spare batteries.
Don’t Kill the Vibe
Don’t forget to read the room while you spin the soundtrack. And since most wedding DJs also act as an emcee, make sure to:
- Know the order of events or have a copy of the schedule
- Stick to the relevant or necessary info to avoid talking too much
- Plan your breaks ahead of time
- Don’t let your own music tastes interfere if the bride and groom have specific genre requests
- Avoid alcohol while on the job
Work With a Contract
Make sure you get paid properly by working with a contract. Without anything in writing it’s incredibly difficult to prove that you weren’t paid if your clients don’t submit the correct payment.
While there are templates you can download and customize for your DJ business, it may be worth the effort and cost to consult a contract lawyer. This way you can be sure you’ve got all your bases covered in a document you can present to potential clients.
Why Insurance Canopy
DJ insurance from Insurance Canopy provides you with crucial coverages to help protect you and your business in some of the most common nightmare scenarios.
Get an event or annual policy in minutes with instant proof of insurance, all for less than an average controller.
Common Questions About How Insurance Covers Wedding DJ Fails
Why Do DJs Carry Insurance for Weddings?
All wedding DJs need insurance to help cover the cost of a claim in the event someone gets hurt or the venue space gets damaged and they’re held liable for those damages.
What Could Get a Wedding DJ Sued?
A wedding DJ could get sued for third party injuries or property damage. The bride could stumble over one of your extension cords and break her ankle or your equipment could fall over and cause damage to a venue’s flooring. Or, your fog machine could cause condensation to build up on the floor, which then causes Grandma to slip and fall and break her hip. And more.
Do I Need Insurance If I Have a Liability Waiver in My Contract?
Yes! Liability waivers are a great tool for giving you a little extra protection for an event, but they can’t cover everything and don’t help cover any costs if you do experience a claim.
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
