DJ Contract - How do I know the limits of my responsibility?

It's actually quite common. You have a little kid running uncontrolled- they start messing with the DJ equipment- you are liable for their actions.

It's the same with all your vendors- except the venue, maybe. Your guests get drunk, and you can be held legally liable for the accident the caused on the way home.

If you have someone over to your home, and they fall down the stairs- you are legally liable for their medical expenses since the injury occured on your property.

This isn't a phrase that should worry you. It's actually normal, and expected. It also means your DJs contract is thorough- so I can assume he is truly a professional.

Um, wow. Yeah I would be totally put off by that as well! I unfortunately am no help to you, but am hoping to bump this so some of the vendors will look at it. I'm sure they will have some words of advice like always.

Don't overthink it. He's just covering himself in case out of control drunk guest crashes into his speaker system or something.

By the DJ they mean if your guest get too tipsy and are violent(which happens) and the dj gets hurt, I would assume that's the only responsibility you would have to take, being it would be YOUR guests that hurt him....and as for the equipment, taking responsibility for the equipement if it gets messed up by you or one of your guests it should be a given...

What about checking with your renters/homeowners insurance to see if that would kick in as personal liability? Most of the venues we looked at required personal liability insurance for the renter.

We have a similar phrase in our contract. It's primarily designed to cover us (and our equipment) in case drunk uncle Harry fried our board when he spilled his beer. We spend a lot of time and money getting a sound system that works for you on your wedding day. We shouldn't be held liable for someone's negligence or inability to control their liquor (which we're not providing). That's part of the reason we don't allow anyone to put drinks on our speakers. We love to see you dance, but speakers shake and glasses have a tendency to slip off and spill their contents.

Unfortunately, as the person responsible for the party, you have liabilities. Most of the time they don't have any effect; but sometimes, things happen.

I too, have it in my contract. It gives the happy couple "incentive" to keep drunks and trouble makers away from the DJ booth. I've had drinks spilled into my mixing board, and "drunk Uncle Harry" doing a "pole dance" on my speaker stands.

If I fall and break my leg, it's on me... not the bride and groom. Most "Professional" vendors have this sort of clause in their contracts... authored by real attorneys, for the benefit of everyone involved. Amateurs don't carry insurance for this.

Thanks so much for your feedback, everyone! It was most helpful to get some outside perspective. :0)