The music that will be played at your wedding is more important than you think. It is one of the key elements of your big celebration that will define the entire event. It will dictate the wedding tempo and create the atmosphere you want. The band and the DJ that you choose to play at the most meaningful event of your lives should be one of your top priorities among the hundreds of things you choose for your big day.
One of the first questions you will ask yourselves when planning your wedding and organizing the wedding budget is: How much does a wedding DJ cost? The average wedding DJ cost is around USD 1,000. The price can go as low as around USD 500 and as high as over USD 2,000.
In this article we shall discuss the wedding DJ topic and give expert ideas on how you should approach pricing of DJ including whether you should tip a wedding DJ.
Factors that influence the wedding DJ prices
Below are factors that affect the average wedding DJ cost.
1. Duration
In general, the longer the celebration lasts, the higher the total cost of DJ for wedding is. In addition, the hourly rate for this type of professional for a wedding is usually higher than hiring a DJ for another type of event like birthdays or anniversaries.
2. Rate type
The wedding DJ prices can be given as a single budget for the entire event. This is a basic rate that includes a minimum number of hours, usually three or four, but it can go up to six or seven if the wedding is going to last all day.
The other option is when they indicate a rate per hour so you can decide on the number of hours you will need their services. In both cases, the DJ you hire will likely charge an extra hour, usually higher than the basic rate, in case they have to stay longer than agreed on the wedding celebration.
3. Indoor or outdoor
The average wedding dj cost can be higher if the DJ has to play outdoors, since the installation of additional equipment, such as power cables or other equipment, may be necessary. It may also happen that the DJ plays in more than one venue, for example, first indoors for the ceremony, then outdoors for the party. In these cases, the equipment or part of it will most likely have to be rented, which may have extra costs.
4. Additional services
Many DJ companies offer additional services, such as lighting and special effects, disco balls, a confetti cannon, or a smoke machine. So in case you were wondering why the numbers you see are higher than the average cost of wedding DJ, it might be that these services are included in the general rate. But then again, they might be optional and contracted separately.
5. Special requests
The wedding DJ prices may increase if the couple requests music that the DJ does not have available in their music library. This probably won’t happen if they’re asked for one or a few particular tracks for a certain time of the night, but it’s considered a special request if they have to revamp their entire repertoire. This can usually be avoided by hiring DJs with similar tastes in music as the bride and groom.
6. Number of attendees
Events with a large number of wedding guests and, consequently, a larger venue and more space to cover, may imply a higher wedding DJ cost. When this is the case, additional speakers, microphones, or other elements of sound equipment have to be included to ensure that the music reaches all guests and it is of good quality.
7. Number of DJs
For weddings or parties that last all day and part of the night, it may be necessary to hire an additional person to ensure the presence of a DJ at all times. With a higher number of DJs you should expect the average wedding dj cost to be higher.
8. Reputation and experience of the DJ
Expect a well-known DJ with a lot of professional experience to charge you more than a DJ who is just starting out. The experience in these cases is determined by playing music precisely at wedding celebrations rather than other events.
A professional wedding DJ will make the chosen songs have impeccable quality so you won’t have to worry about repetitive, distorted, very low, or very high sounds.
9. Location of the wedding
Where the wedding takes place is also a point to consider. The displacement between the different locations of the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception can increase the costs of the service.
In the same way, if the wedding takes place in another town other than the DJ’s, you will have to cover the travel costs. For this reason, it is best to hire local professionals.
Do you tip a wedding DJ?
Read your wedding DJ contract carefully to find out if the tip is included in the total price. If that’s not the case and the DJ has managed to keep your party rocking with most of your guests dancing the night away and having the time of their lives, show your appreciation with a tip.
If you are wondering how much to tip your wedding DJ, the general recommendation is 10-15%. Don’t forget about dinner and drinks for them as well when you count the number of meal servings at your wedding.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, the average wedding dj cost is around USD 1,000. However, the factors we’ve mentioned above may slightly raise or lower the prices.
However, be guided not to go for the cheapest DJ around as he/she may lack the required experience and don’t break the bank paying for the same. Ultimately, music should connect people and bring the happiness mood; amplifying this by contracting a person who will do it professionally will be the best bang of your money
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a wedding DJ in charge of?
DJ’s main role is to play music at the wedding reception. That role is often extended to making announcements for important parts of the wedding like introducing toasts, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet, etc. The DJ is often considered to be the presenter at weddings.
How many hours should a DJ play at a wedding?
The length of the DJ services depends on the bride and groom’s preferences. If they plan to have a wedding band playing as well, around 3-4 hours will be enough for the DJ to play music at the afterparty.
Why are wedding DJs so expensive?
Wedding DJs’ high prices regard to their experience, professionalism, high-technology equipment, duration of their services, or any other additional requests you may have.
What to expect from a wedding DJ?
To play the right music at the right time, play the important songs that you have agreed before, make announcements when necessary, and keep the party ball rolling.
Who traditionally pays for the wedding DJ?
According to traditions, the groom pays for the wedding DJ or band.
Should I tip my wedding DJ?
Yes, a tip of 10-15% will be expected from the wedding DJ unless that amount is not included in the total contract price.
