Frequently Asked Questions — Premier Disco
Got a question before you book? Here are answers to the things people ask us most often. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch directly and we’ll come straight back to you.
About Premier Disco
Our venue has said we can use their in-house DJ at no extra cost. Should we?
This might seem like an easy win but it rarely is. Venues hire their in-house DJs based primarily on price — the lower the cost to them, the higher their margin. That tends to mean less experienced DJs with lower quality equipment. A good professional DJ doesn’t sell themselves short, and the difference in quality on the night is usually significant.
When you book Premier Disco you’re booking James directly. He’ll take time to understand exactly what you want, build a relationship with you before the event, and deliver something entirely tailored to you — not a generic playlist that works for any function at that venue.
What types of events do you cover?
Weddings are our speciality — from ceremony music through to the last dance of the evening. We also cover corporate events, private parties, charity fundraisers, anniversary nights and birthday parties. Beyond DJ services, we offer race nights, Banging Bingo, SpeedQuizzing quiz nights, silent discos, ceilidh calling and charity fun night packages. Most of these can be combined into one event.
Can we come to see you work before we book?
It sounds like a sensible idea but in practice it rarely helps. Every event is different — the music, the crowd, the atmosphere all vary enormously from one booking to the next. If you came to a corporate quiz night and you’re planning a wedding, you’d learn very little. And attending someone else’s private event raises obvious questions about their privacy.
A much better approach is to read our reviews and testimonials from past clients, watch the videos on our site, and have a conversation with us directly. That will give you a much clearer picture than watching one event that might be completely different from yours.
Do you have references?
Yes — our testimonials page has reviews from clients across a wide range of events. We also have Google reviews which you can find by searching for Premier Disco. We’re happy to point you to specific reviews relevant to your type of event if that’s helpful.
On the Night
What time will you arrive to set up?
We always arrive well ahead of your guests — typically 90 minutes to two hours before the entertainment begins, depending on the venue and the complexity of the setup. Everything will be tested and ready before anyone walks in. If a venue needs us to arrive at a specific time we’ll coordinate directly with them.
How do you dress for events?
We dress appropriately for each event. For weddings and formal occasions that means smart attire. For more casual events we’ll dress accordingly. If you have a specific dress code or preference, let us know in advance and we’ll follow it.
Can we have extra time at the end of the night?
If the venue allows it, yes. Finish times are ultimately decided by the venue — if they have a hard stop, that applies to everyone. For private venues where there’s more flexibility, we can often extend, subject to practical considerations like noise restrictions and prior commitments. It’s best to discuss this in advance rather than on the night, and any additional time is charged per 30 minutes at the agreed rate.
We don’t want a lot of chat from the DJ. Is that fine?
Completely fine. How much we use the microphone is entirely up to you. Some clients want a DJ who drives the energy vocally throughout the night. Others want the music to do the talking and minimal interruptions. We’ll follow your lead — just let us know your preference when we speak before the event.
Do you do party games or use props?
Yes — the Wedding Shoe Game is a popular addition to wedding receptions, and we can incorporate other interactive moments depending on the type of event. For events that are built around participation — quiz nights, race nights, Banging Bingo — that’s the whole point. See our Charity Fun Night and Banging Bingo pages for more.
Music
What music do you have?
An extensive library covering all genres and eras — pop, rock, soul, funk, disco, 80s, 90s, 00s, current chart, R&B, hip hop, country, indie, Motown, ceilidh and much more. We own our music outright rather than streaming it, which matters — if the wifi drops, the music doesn’t. If you have something specific in mind, ask us and we’ll confirm whether we have it.
Can we choose our own music and submit a playlist?
Absolutely. We actively encourage it. Your playlist, your must-plays, your do-not-plays — all of it is taken seriously and built into the plan for the night. We’ll also take requests on the night from you and your guests. The only thing we’d ask is that your playlist is a guide rather than a rigid script — experienced DJs read the room and sometimes the best move is to respond to what’s working in real time.
We want our own music rather than the usual wedding clichés. Can you do that?
Yes, and honestly we prefer it. A playlist built around your actual taste is always better than a generic wedding playlist. If you love a particular genre, era, or artist — build your playlist around that and we’ll run with it. The classic wedding tracks exist because they work for most crowds, but they’re not compulsory. Your event, your music.
Practicalities
What’s included in the price?
Full professional DJ setup including sound system, lighting and all cabling. Everything needed for your event arrives with us — there are no hidden extras or equipment you need to source separately. For specific packages like race nights or quiz nights, see the relevant service pages for a full breakdown of what’s included.
How much do you charge?
Pricing depends on the type of event, the duration, the location and any additional services. We don’t publish a standard rate because no two events are identical. The best approach is to get in touch with your date and a brief outline of what you’re planning and we’ll come back to you with a tailored quote. For more on what affects the cost, see our Wedding DJ Cost guide.
How do I pay?
We take a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due before the event. All payments are ring-fenced — your money is always held separately and available to be returned if needed. Full details are on our Cancellation Policy page.
Do you have insurance?
Yes — full Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is in place. This protects you, your venue and your guests. All equipment is also fully PAT tested, with certificates available on request for any venue that requires them. Never book a DJ or entertainer without PLI.
Do you have any requirements for the venue?
We need a standard power supply (13 amp sockets), a suitable performance area, and reasonable access for loading in equipment. We’ll liaise directly with your venue coordinator before the event to confirm all of this and make sure there are no surprises on the day. If your venue has specific requirements around noise limiters or curfews, let us know and we’ll plan accordingly.
How far do you travel?
We’re based in Musselburgh, East Lothian and cover all of central Scotland — Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Stirlingshire, the Borders and beyond. Travel is included within a reasonable radius; for events further afield we’ll confirm any additional mileage charge when we quote. If you’re not sure whether your venue is in range, just ask.
Still have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch and we’ll get back to you promptly. Or if you’re ready to check availability for your date, we’d love to hear from you.