TOP 5 Wedding DJ Prices | What to pay for a wedding DJ
If you’ve ever searched this phrase or thought to search it, you’re in the right place.
These wedding DJ price ranges are the average for what couples are paying in the majority of the continental United States. Prices will vary based on add-ons and additional services offered. We polled DJs from a wide range of areas and with various different skill sets. Here’s what we’ve learned:
#1 $300 - $800
DJ Joe Dirt cheap
Event Size: 25 +/-
Event Types: House parties. Small spaces. Your parent’s backyard.
The Good: Party lights from Amazon. Spotify playlist. Portable Bluetooth speaker.
Things to Consider: You may need to provide some of the music. You’ll need to create a timeline for the day and make sure everyone follows it. Triple checking to make sure they arrived on time or at all.
This is your fiancé’s cousin. Or that guy (or girl) you used to know from High School. Maybe even your friend’s dad who used to be a DJ. This could also be the price of a good Bluetooth speaker 🤔.
At the higher end you’ll find beginner DJs looking to get their start. So, if you’re ok with it, this would be the perfect time to give that friend or family member the opportunity they’ve been looking for.
#2 $850 - $1500
Accountant by day “DJ Count” by night
Event Size: 40 - 60 +/-
Event Type(s): Small local weddings and parties.
The Good: Portable speakers. Music library of stuff they’re used to playing. A dance floor light that has 1 speed - FAST. Might wear a tie bow-tie with smiley faces or music notes.
Things to Consider: You may have to make your own timeline but they will be able to follow it. No backup DJ/equipment if something happens. Limited communication. Schedule your own meetings and follow-ups. Chic, conveniently located, public office at your local Starbucks and McDonalds.
Solid option if you’re on a budget and willing to take on some additional work. Here, you’re going to find most of your part-time DJs. Most will have a day job and do gigs on the weekends.
You’ll probably end up having to create your own timeline, manage your own follow ups, and make a lot of “day of” requests and changes when they’re there.
That said, they’ll have experience with weddings they’ve done in the past from friends, family, and referrals.
#3 $2,000 – $3,500
Music is life | Full-time DJs
Event Size: 100 - 250 +/-
Event Types: Barns. Gardens. Mansions. Ball Rooms. Banquets. Wineries. Destination events.
The Good: Will be very organized with planning the music of your wedding. Also, will pro-actively schedule follow-up and check-ins. Advanced sound and lighting for larger crowds. Will have a large up-to-date music library.
Things to Consider: This is a great choice for most weddings regardless of size, location, or type.
This is where it gets fun because full time DJs LOVE to DJ; it’s their passion and career. They’ll most likely spend the months leading up to your wedding crafting the music set list and perfecting the mix for the night. They’ll make sure every song matches your theme, vibe, and is relevant to you and your guests.
Expect to be offered a sit-down meeting where you’ll go over the details of your wedding. Since they’re so familiar with weddings, they’ll know exactly how to help you plan yours to make it successful.
They’ll provide key feedback on your song selection and know exactly where to place it to keep the flow of energy consistent throughout the evening.
#4 $2,500 - $8,000+
We didn’t come to play games | Wedding DJ Production Company
Event Size: 150– 450 +/-
Event Types: Mansions. Ball Rooms. Wineries. Grand Halls. Auditoriums. Banquets. Destination events.
The Good: Wedding planning apps and templates. Live Musicians. Co2 and cloud machines. Shooting sparker machines. Multiple Photo Booth options. Advanced lighting. Decorative services. Live performers (singers, dancers, etc.)
Things to Consider: The cost will vary based on packages and additional services offered. Many full-time DJs will work for a DJ company. Some DJ companies charge different prices based on the DJ you select. They are all skilled however some may specialize in certain types of music or events.
Here, you are adding the skills and experience of full-time DJs, with staffing power of a full-blown DJ entertainment company.
Three things:
1 – These groups will have a ton of experienced DJs on staff and backups ready at a moments notice. Backups are useful incase your original DJ is unable to perform.
2 – There will be at least one DJ on staff that’s had the experience of performing at your venue. They can pass that info along to whomever is your chosen DJ from that company.
3 - Experienced DJs and office staff will be available to assist you with planning. They’ll also pro-actively reach out to your venue and other venders to ensure proper coordination between everyone.
Lastly, they’re going to have a lot of “production” (think Ariana Grande concert) style toys available for your wedding like: Live musicians, singers, dancers, Co2, cloud machines, snow machines, TVs, DJ booths, and photo booths.
#5 $20,000 -/+
“We The Best” | Radio DJ / Celebrity DJ
Event Size: Whatever size
Event Type: Reception party. Destination events.
The Good: You might become IG famous for the day if they share your event.
Things to Consider: Might be difficult to manage and get a hold of for questions and coordination. Hopefully you have someone or some management company coordinating this celebrity appearance for you.
Although I’m sure you’d have to add another 0 at the end to get an appearance by DJ Khaled, someone you might be able to book is New Jersey native DJ Pauly D.
Celebrity/radio DJs are a real thing. While you’ll probably have to go through an agency, many have had success just by sliding in the DMs.
Written by Jay Murch