Now that you’ve said “Yes,” You can officially plan the wedding. You need to hire a DJ for your wedding and are probably thinking about how much you should budget for this expense. DJs from LIV Entertainment have traveled the globe spinning at weddings.
In this piece, we’ll share what we’ve learned about the global DJ market and tell you how much you can expect to pay for a wedding DJ, all variables considered.
The pressures of wedding preparation are real. You’ll need to decide on a location, cuisine, decorations, and possibly a theme or an extraordinary performer.
Anyone who has ever worked in wedding planning will tell you that the key to ensuring your guests have an excellent time is giving them something they won’t forget.
It’s a great chance to put your stamp on the event. Remember that you are celebrating at your wedding reception! The aim is to host a bash that your loved ones won’t soon forget.
Hiring a DJ is a great way to keep your wedding guests entertained. A DJ is a worthwhile investment if you want your guests to get up and dance or if you’re going to set the tone with some fantastic music during cocktail hour.
Knowing how much to allocate for a professional DJ can help you plan your wedding budget.
How Much a DJ Usually Charges at a Wedding
The “average” cost is often used as a neutral metric when discussing costs. Additionally, “You get what you pay for” is usually accurate.
The services provided, location, reputation, and experience of the DJ all play a role in the final price. Some DJs at weddings only play music.
Other people will take care of the music for the ceremony’s procession and reception, as well as the invitations and entertaining extras like strobe lights, fog machines, and props.
However, a DJ for a wedding will set you back an average of $600 for a basic package. Of course, this is just a rough guess. For a quick overview of the range of prices for a 4-hour wedding DJ set, see the table below.
- Wedding DJ for beginners: $350 – $700
- Inexpensive DJ for a wedding: $700-$1200
- Wedding DJ with experience: $1,200–$1,500
You can see that there is a wide range of costs here. Let’s get into the specifics of what makes up your wedding DJ’s price tag.
What Should We Expect to Pay for a Live Band at Our Wedding?
However, having a live band perform at your wedding will make for some truly unforgettable memories for all of your guests.
A professional live wedding band is highly recommended because of their extensive musical training and expertise in performing at weddings.
However, there is a cost associated with such a skill. An internal survey found that the average cost of a live band for a wedding was $4,300 in 2020, a $600 rise over 2019.
The resurgence of interest in the quality of the visitor’s stay is probably behind the decision to increase spending on live music.
Since filled dance floors were out of the question during the pandemic, guests are going all out with the entertainment, even if it means blowing the budget for the wedding.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Wedding DJ
Let’s examine the DJ’s fee and the factors that affect it, as well as the quotations you may expect to receive:
Reputation & Experience
How many positive comments have been made about them on the internet? DJs with a solid reputation will command a higher fee. On the other hand, you can save a lot of money by taking a chance on some newcomers.
However, there is always the chance of musical blunders if you hire a less skilled DJ. It just takes one good set from a professional DJ to keep the party rocking.
Location
City prices tend to be significantly higher than suburban ones. It’s more than just New York City and Los Angeles that we’re talking about. Several major cities have thriving marketplaces, including Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Denver.
It is understandable, given the increased demand and corresponding increases in corporate expenses (rent, freelance rates, and general cost of living mean higher overhead for DJs and any small business owner in the city).
Time
Like many other contractors, a DJ may charge you by the hour. The vast majority of DJs will have a base fee that you must fulfill, after which they will tailor their services to the specifics of your event, including the time and location.
Venue Size
Similarly, your DJ may charge more if your reception is held in a very large hall or outside. They may need to bring in specialized tools, additional wires, microphones, and speakers to ensure they cover the whole area. Setting up and testing the sound system will take longer if the venue is more intricate.
Equipment
The DJ’s equipment is not what you’re paying for, but it is a consideration in the cost. DJs who use more sophisticated gear to ensure high-quality sound can charge extra for their services.
Distant Travel
Your DJ should charge for travel time and gas if he or she travels to play at your wedding. Either they will include a per diem in their estimate, or they will ask that you pay it on their behalf.
Extensive DJ Packages
Does the DJ also need to serve as the host? Offer state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment? Do you have some sort of coordination with the other suppliers? How about the illumination? You’ll likely need more than the bare minimum to provide visitors with a memorable musical experience.
Frequently Asked Question
How much should a DJ Charge for 4 hours?
The going rate for a DJ for four hours of work in the United States is close to $400. It, however, may change based on the specifics of your event’s location and format. A four-hour wedding reception may cost roughly $500, while a similar-length corporate function could cost around $300.
How much should a DJ charge for 2 hours?
If you hire a DJ for 3.75 hours for a business function, you can expect to pay roughly $645. You can hire a DJ for a two-hour function at a smaller company for as little as $175. One helpful hint for a business gathering is to hire an emcee. You should consult your DJ since additional fees may be involved.
How much do you tip a DJ?
Norwood states that tipping musicians for the ceremony and cocktail hour, as well as bands and DJs, is not required but is appreciated. She recommends that a single DJ be paid between 15% and 20% of the total contract value.