Wedding Vendor Disputes
California Wedding Entertainment Claims

Wedding DJ No-Show or Disaster? Get Your Money Back Plus Damages.

Your DJ failed to show, sent someone else, played the wrong music, or ruined your reception with unprofessional behavior. California law entitles you to a full refund and compensation for your ruined celebration.

$1,000-$5,000
Typical DJ Contract
Up to 3x
Fraud Damages
4 Years
Written Contracts

🎵 Common DJ/Entertainment Failures

Wedding DJs and entertainment vendors breach their contracts in many ways. If any of these happened at your wedding, you have a valid claim:

Complete No-Show

The DJ never arrived at all. No music, no MC, no entertainment. Complete breach of contract entitling you to full refund plus emergency replacement costs.

Bait-and-Switch DJ

You hired a specific DJ based on their reputation, but a different (often less experienced) person showed up. This is fraud under California law.

Equipment Failure

Speakers didn't work, microphone cut out, no backup equipment. Professional DJs must ensure working equipment—failure is breach of contract.

Wrong Music/Ignored Requests

You provided a detailed playlist and do-not-play list. The DJ ignored both, playing inappropriate music or missing your special songs.

Unprofessional Behavior

DJ showed up drunk, made inappropriate comments, dressed unprofessionally, or otherwise embarrassed you in front of guests.

Ended Early

Contract said 5 hours, DJ left after 3. You paid for services you didn't receive. Partial breach entitles you to partial refund plus damages.

Missed Timeline Events

Didn't play your first dance song, missed the cake cutting announcement, failed to coordinate with other vendors as agreed.

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Your Reception Only Happens Once
Unlike other vendor failures that can sometimes be fixed, a ruined reception cannot be redone. California courts recognize the unique nature of wedding events and allow damages beyond just the contract price.

⚖️ California Laws That Protect You

Civil Code Section 1689 - Contract Rescission
When a vendor fails to perform the essential purpose of the contract, you can rescind (cancel) the contract entirely and demand a full refund. A DJ who no-shows or sends a substitute without consent has failed the essential purpose.
Civil Code Section 3300 - Contract Damages
You can recover all damages "proximately caused" by the breach. This includes not just the refund but also emergency replacement costs, the value of upgraded services you paid for but didn't receive, and general damages for reception disruption.
Business & Professions Code Section 17200 - Unfair Competition
Bait-and-switch tactics, false advertising, and deceptive business practices violate California's unfair competition law. If the vendor showed you videos of one DJ and sent another, that's actionable fraud.
Fraud - Bait and Switch
If you hired a specific DJ based on their marketing materials, reviews, or sample performances, and a different DJ was substituted without your consent, this constitutes fraud. Fraud allows recovery of up to three times your actual damages.
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Statute of Limitations
For written contracts: 4 years (CCP 337). For oral contracts: 2 years (CCP 339). For fraud: 3 years from discovery (CCP 338). Don't wait—send your demand letter promptly after the wedding.

$ What You Can Recover

California law allows you to recover all damages caused by the DJ's breach:

Damage Type Typical Amount
Full Refund - Contract price for services not rendered $1,000 - $5,000
Emergency Replacement DJ - Last-minute entertainment costs $500 - $2,000
Upgraded Services Not Received - Lighting, photo booth, etc. paid for but not provided Variable
Reception Disruption - General damages for ruined celebration $1,000 - $5,000
Bait-and-Switch Fraud - Treble (3x) damages for intentional fraud Up to 3x actual damages

Additional Recoverable Costs

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Small Claims Court Option
Most DJ disputes fall within California's small claims limit of $12,500. You don't need a lawyer, filing fees are low, and cases are heard quickly. This is often the best option for wedding vendor disputes.

📝 Demand Letter Template

Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy for your records.

DEMAND FOR COMPENSATION - WEDDING DJ/ENTERTAINMENT BREACH OF CONTRACT [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [DJ/Entertainment Company Name] [Company Address] [City, CA ZIP] Re: Demand for Refund and Damages - Breach of Entertainment Contract Event Date: [Wedding Date] Venue: [Venue Name and Location] Contract Amount: $[Amount Paid] Dear [DJ/Company Name]: I am writing to demand compensation for your material breach of our entertainment services contract for my wedding held on [Wedding Date] at [Venue Name]. CONTRACT TERMS: On [Contract Date], I entered into a written agreement with you for DJ/entertainment services. The contract specified: • Performance hours: [Start Time] to [End Time] ([X] hours) • Specific DJ: [DJ Name if specified in contract] • Equipment: [List equipment promised - speakers, microphones, lighting, etc.] • Services: [MC services, specific songs, timeline coordination, etc.] • Additional items: [Photo booth, uplighting, special effects, etc.] • Total contract price: $[Amount] I also provided you with: • Detailed playlist of requested songs • Do-not-play list • Timeline of events (first dance, cake cutting, toasts, etc.) • Special song requests for key moments YOUR BREACH: You materially breached our contract in the following ways: [Select/customize all that apply:] • COMPLETE NO-SHOW: Despite our contract, no DJ arrived at my wedding. My guests and I waited until [time] with no entertainment. I attempted to contact you at [times called/texted] with no response. • BAIT-AND-SWITCH: I specifically hired [DJ Name] based on their reputation, reviews, and sample performances you showed me. Without my knowledge or consent, you sent [Different DJ Name] instead. This constitutes fraud. • EQUIPMENT FAILURE: The [speakers/microphone/lighting] failed to work properly, resulting in [no music for X minutes/hours, inaudible announcements, etc.]. A professional DJ should have backup equipment. • IGNORED PLAYLIST/REQUESTS: Despite my detailed written requests, you played [describe wrong music] and failed to play [describe requested songs not played], including our first dance song. • UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT: The DJ [describe unprofessional behavior - appeared intoxicated, made inappropriate comments, dressed inappropriately, etc.], embarrassing me and my family in front of [number] guests. • EARLY DEPARTURE: The contract specified [X] hours of service. The DJ left at [time], [X] hours early, without explanation or consent. • MISSED TIMELINE: The DJ failed to [announce the first dance, coordinate cake cutting, introduce the wedding party, etc.] as specified in our timeline. DAMAGES: As a direct result of your breach, I have suffered the following damages: Full Contract Price Paid: $[Amount] Emergency Replacement Entertainment: $[Amount] Upgraded Services Paid For But Not Received: $[Amount] Extended Venue Costs: $[Amount] Reception Disruption Damages: $[Amount] [Other documented damages]: $[Amount] TOTAL DAMAGES: $[Total Amount] LEGAL BASIS: Your failure to perform constitutes material breach of contract under California law. Under Civil Code Section 1689, I am entitled to rescind the contract and receive a full refund. Under Civil Code Section 3300, I am entitled to all damages proximately caused by your breach. [If bait-and-switch:] Your substitution of a different DJ without consent constitutes fraud and unfair business practice under Business & Professions Code Section 17200, entitling me to enhanced damages. DEMAND: I hereby demand payment of $[Total Amount] within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive payment within 14 days, I will: 1. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau 2. Post detailed reviews on Yelp, Google, WeddingWire, and The Knot 3. File suit in California Small Claims Court (or Superior Court if damages exceed $12,500) 4. Seek all available damages including attorney fees if permitted Please contact me at [Phone/Email] to arrange payment or discuss resolution. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: • Signed DJ/Entertainment Contract • Payment receipts/proof of payment • Playlist and timeline provided to DJ • Video clips from reception showing problems • Guest witness statements • Communications with vendor (emails, texts) • Marketing materials showing DJ you expected to receive

🖩 Wedding Dj Entertainment Damages Calculator

Use this interactive calculator to estimate potential damages in your case. Enter your information below to get an estimate of recoverable damages.

Actual money lost or spent
Additional losses caused by the issue

📈 Estimated Damages Breakdown

Direct Damages $0
Consequential Damages $0
Emotional Distress (Est.) $0
Statutory Penalties (Est.) $0
TOTAL ESTIMATED DAMAGES $0
Disclaimer: This calculator provides rough estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual damages vary significantly based on specific facts, evidence strength, and many other factors. Consult with a qualified California attorney for an accurate case evaluation.

📋 Evidence Checklist

Gather these items before sending your demand letter to strengthen your claim:

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Collect Video Evidence Quickly
Ask your guests for any video they took during the reception. Cell phone videos showing equipment failures, the wrong DJ, inappropriate behavior, or periods of silence are powerful evidence. Guest videos may be deleted over time, so collect them within days of the wedding.

📅 What Happens After You Send the Letter

Days 1-3: Vendor Receives Letter

Certified mail confirms delivery. Many vendors respond quickly once they see you're serious about legal action.

Days 3-10: Initial Response

Vendor may offer partial refund, make excuses, or try to negotiate. Don't accept less than you're owed without good reason.

Day 14: Deadline Passes

If no satisfactory response, prepare to file in small claims court. Filing fee is typically $75-$100.

Days 14-30: File Lawsuit if Needed

Small claims cases are typically heard within 30-70 days. Bring all your evidence. Many vendors settle before the hearing.

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Reviews Are Leverage
Wedding vendors rely heavily on reviews. The threat of detailed negative reviews on WeddingWire, The Knot, Yelp, and Google often motivates quick settlements. Be truthful in any reviews you post—stick to facts you can prove.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue my wedding DJ for ruining my reception?
Yes. Under California Civil Code 3300, you can recover all damages caused by a DJ's breach of contract. This includes a full refund of what you paid, costs to hire emergency replacement entertainment, and compensation for the disruption to your reception. If the DJ's conduct was particularly egregious or involved fraud (like bait-and-switch), you may be entitled to additional damages.
What if a different DJ showed up than who I hired?
This is classic bait-and-switch fraud. If your contract specified a particular DJ by name and a different person showed up without your advance approval, you have strong grounds for a full refund plus additional damages under California Business & Professions Code 17200 (unfair business practices). The vendor cannot substitute performers without your consent, especially when you specifically hired someone based on their skill and reputation.
What if the DJ was drunk or unprofessional at my wedding?
A DJ who shows up intoxicated, makes inappropriate comments, dresses inappropriately, or otherwise behaves unprofessionally has materially breached your contract. You're entitled to a full refund and damages for ruining your reception. Document everything with video, photos, and guest statements. Particularly egregious behavior may support a claim for emotional distress damages.
Can I get more than my money back from a bad wedding DJ?
Yes. Under California Civil Code 3300, you can recover consequential damages beyond just the contract price. This includes emergency replacement entertainment costs, the value of services you paid for but didn't receive (like uplighting or photo booth you were promised), and general damages for disruption to your once-in-a-lifetime event. In fraud cases, you may recover up to three times your actual damages.
What if the DJ's equipment failed and there was no music?
Professional DJs are responsible for ensuring their equipment works. Equipment failure is not an excuse for non-performance—it's a breach of contract. You're entitled to a full refund plus any costs you incurred trying to salvage the situation. The DJ should have had backup equipment as part of their professional responsibility.
How do I prove the DJ didn't follow my requests?
Gather your written playlist and timeline that you provided to the DJ, any emails confirming song requests, video footage from guests showing what actually played, and guest statements about the music. Compare what was agreed to versus what actually happened. Screenshots of your planning documents and any DJ software playlists you submitted are valuable evidence.

DJ Disaster Ruined Your Wedding? I Can Help.

For significant damages or uncooperative vendors, I can assist with demand letters, negotiations, and litigation if needed.

Contact: owner@terms.law

📅 Schedule a Consultation

For complex entertainment disputes or claims involving fraud, book a call to discuss your options.

📝 Create Your Demand Letter

Generate a professional demand letter, CA court complaint, or arbitration demand