How to take song requests as a DJ
Requests can make a night — or derail it. Here’s how to collect them without breaking your flow, set clear expectations, and say no without upsetting anyone.
The short answer: give guests one clear way to request (ideally away from the booth), tell them what you will and won’t play, review requests when you have a moment between mixes, and only play what fits the room. Decline the rest politely.
Four ways to take song requests
| Method | Works well for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| At the booth (guests ask in person) | Small, relaxed events | Interrupts your mix, hard to hear, easy to forget |
| Request cards (paper slips or a notebook) | Weddings and private parties | Messy handwriting, lost slips, no way to reply |
| Text or social DMs | Regular crowds who know you | Shares your number, mixes requests with other messages |
| QR code request page | Any event, especially busy ones | Guests need mobile data or WiFi; put the code where people can see it |
Many DJs combine two methods: a QR code for most requests, plus a friendly “ask me” for guests who don’t want to use their phone.
1. Tell guests how to request
Guests can’t follow a process they don’t know about. Put the method where people will see it: a sign at the booth, table cards, a screen near the dance floor, or a quick mention from the MC or host. Keep the message simple, for example: “Want to hear something? Scan to request a song.”
2. Set expectations upfront
- Say what the night is about. “Latin and party classics tonight” sets the tone before a single request arrives.
- No promises on timing. Make it clear that you’ll play requests when they fit the music and energy, not instantly.
- Agree the rules with your client. For weddings and corporate events, get a must-play and do-not-play list before the day.
3. Review requests between mixes
The worst time to deal with a request is in the middle of a transition. Batch them: check your list when you’ve got a few minutes of runway, decide what fits, and queue it up. Writing down who asked (or noting their table) lets you give them a shout-out when it plays.
4. Know when to say no — and how
It’s fine to decline. Common reasons:
- It would empty the dance floor or kill the energy you’ve built.
- It’s on the client’s do-not-play list, or it clashes with the venue’s rules (for example, explicit lyrics at a family event).
- You’ve just played it, or something too similar.
Keep it friendly and short: “Great pick — it doesn’t quite fit right now, but I’ll see where I can work it in.” If you can’t play it at all, say so kindly rather than leaving the guest waiting all night.
5. Should you charge for requests or accept tips?
It depends on the event:
- Weddings and corporate events: usually free requests. Your client is already paying you, and guests expect to request at no cost. Optional tips can still be welcome.
- Clubs and bars: paid requests can work well, especially if guests can pay more to hear a song sooner. Be transparent about what they’re paying for.
- Either way: if money is involved, make it clear when the guest is charged and what happens if you don’t play the song.
6. Don’t forget music licensing
Playing music in public usually needs a licence. In New Zealand, public performance licences for venues and events are typically handled through OneMusic NZ. Check with the venue or your client about who holds the licence for the event.
Taking requests with DJ Request Pro
DJ Request Pro is a QR code song request app built for this exact workflow:
- Guests scan your QR code, search the song and send it — no app to download.
- Every request lands on your dashboard and waits for you to accept or decline.
- Choose free requests with optional tips, or paid requests where guests pick how soon they want the song.
- You keep 100% of every paid request and tip; guests pay a small service fee on top.
Playing a wedding? See wedding song requests with a QR code.
Song request questions DJs ask
Should DJs take requests at all?
Most do, because requests tell you what the crowd wants. The key is having one clear method and keeping the final call yourself.
How do I politely decline a song request?
Thank the guest, give a short reason (“it doesn’t fit the vibe right now”), and don’t promise a play you won’t deliver.
Can I play a remix or edit instead of the original?
Usually, yes — a version that fits your set still honours the request. If guests paid for it, make sure your terms say so.
How do I stop requests from interrupting my mix?
Move requests off the booth: a QR code or request cards let guests ask without standing next to you.
Take requests without breaking your flow.
Try DJ Request Pro free for 14 days.