The cost of a wedding DJ can vary greatly depending on the number of guests, their age and entertainment preferences. If your budget is tight, you may find that hiring a cheaper DJ is your only option. However, if money is no object, you’re in luck. In this article, we take a look at some of the costs involved in hiring a professional wedding DJ and how much they should cost you.
Professional Wedding DJ Services and Prices
A professional wedding DJ will provide music for your reception, including speeches, toasts, and dances.
They will also play music during the ceremony and reception. There are many factors that can affect the final cost of a wedding DJ, such as the size and style of your venue and the type of music you want to be played. If you’d like a more traditional wedding, you may want to hire a DJ who specializes in country, classical, or traditional pop music.
Alternatively, if you want something more unique and modern, hire a DJ who plays EDM, hip hop, or all-ages-friendly pop music. While guest music requests can definitely add to the cost of your wedding, it’s important to keep in mind that budget restrictions may prevent you from offering this option. This means you should hire a DJ who is experienced at playing music that fits your preferences and your guests’ tastes.
There are several online resources you can use to find a wedding DJ who fits your budget. You can use cost comparison services like Wedding Paper Divas or Shindigz to find affordable DJs in your area. You can also hire a DJ who travels far from your location, as they will often charge less than DJs who travel only a few hours away.
How to hire a wedding DJ
During your initial planning, you will discuss with your wedding DJ the type of music and entertainment you would like at your reception. This is important, as your guests will be looking to your DJ for entertainment when they arrive. If possible, try to hire a DJ who is a member of the Association of Wedding Industry DJs (AWID).
This organization of professional DJs will ensure their members are insured and has strict ethical guidelines. If you aren’t sure who to hire, AWID can help you find a DJ in your area. Another way to ensure you hire the best wedding DJ is to ask friends and family who have recently been married for their DJ recommendations. You can also ask your wedding planner for a list of local DJs you can contact.
You can also hire a wedding DJ online.
These days, most DJs offer a digital booking system that makes it easy to select your music and check their rates.
Equipment & Software
For a DJ to play music at a wedding reception, they need an array of equipment, including a sound system, CD players, and a laptop. Some DJs will use an assistant to operate the system, while others prefer to operate everything themselves. It’s important to find out which method the DJ prefers. You may also want to hire a DJ who uses a software service to pick and play music.
These services generally come with a free trial period, so you can see if they are a good fit for your reception. You can also hire a DJ who plays music off CDs, which is less expensive than software. However, this comes with the risk of malfunctioning equipment or a musty, old-fashioned sound.
The Final Cost
As you can see, the cost of hiring a wedding DJ can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the size of your wedding and the style of music you’d like played. In order to hire a professional wedding DJ, you’ll need to budget a minimum of $5,000, which will include the costs of the music, event insurance, and transportation. This amount may seem like a lot, but it should be enough to hire a reputable DJ who plays music you love.
A good tip is to book a DJ several months in advance, as this will likely result in lower costs as the DJ will have time to lower their rates and find someone new.
Conclusion
As you can see, hiring a wedding DJ can be an expensive venture. However, if you choose a quality DJ, they can provide a great service at an affordable price. When hiring a DJ, you want to ensure they are professional and insured. You should also ensure they meet all state and local licensing requirements, as well as have a valid alcohol license. Additionally, you want to make sure they have the experience necessary for the type of entertainment you would like at your wedding. In order to hire a professional DJ, you will need to budget between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the size and style of your wedding and the music you want to be played.