When planning an epic wedding, you need to consider both major and minor details. This includes everything from the flowers, favors, and centerpieces, to the photographer and music.
The wedding DJ you hire could make or break the entire feel of your wedding. You want your guests engaged, entertained, and dancing all night long!
But when it comes to booking your wedding entertainment, how much of your budget should you set aside? Keep reading for some helpful insight on the average wedding DJ cost and what it includes.
The Average Cost of a Wedding DJ
When talking about prices, the “average” cost of something is often objective. And most times, the old adage holds true — “You get what you pay for.”
When calculating wedding DJ costs, a lot comes down to what services they offer, location, reputation, and experience. Some wedding DJs play music and not much else. Others will provide your procession music, wedding party announcements, and fun additions like strobe lights, fog machines, and props.
With that being said, the average cost of hiring a wedding DJ is around $600 for a base package. But this is a very loose estimate. Here’s a brief scale of wedding DJ cost by experience level for a 4-hour event.
- Beginner wedding DJ: $350 – $700
- Amateur wedding DJ: $700 – $1,200
- Experienced wedding DJ: $1,200 – $1,500
As you can see, these prices vary quite a bit. Let’s take a closer look at what factors determine the cost of your wedding DJ.
Factors that Affect Wedding DJ Costs
Not all wedding DJs offer the same services or amenities. When researching cost, you need to decide what you want the DJ to do, where your wedding will be, and how long they’ll be on-site.
Check out some other factors that will impact the cost of your wedding entertainment.
Experience and Reputation
If the wedding DJ you want is booked solid for months (or even years) in advance, chances are, they’re in high demand. That means they’ll likely charge more than your average DJ.
Established wedding DJs with years of experience will cost more than a newcomer looking for exposure. If you’re open to giving new talent a chance, you could save a few hundred dollars. But you’ll also open yourself up to the potential for wedding mishaps.
Experienced wedding DJs know how to keep the crowd engaged and having fun all night long.
Time
Just like most contractors, the wedding DJ you hire might charge you by the hour. Most DJs have a minimum price you have to meet.
For example, even if your wedding is only 3-hours long, you might have to pay for 4-hours. If the event surpasses the 4-hour mark, you may be charged for each additional hour they’re on-site.
This is common for parties that utilize the same DJ for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
Venue Size and Equipment
If you’re planning a wedding that’s larger than life, your wedding DJ will need to plan accordingly. Outdoor weddings require certain acoustics and equipment to create the perfect atmosphere.
The most common pieces of DJ equipment are speakers, microphones, and extension cords. The larger the venue, the more items they’ll need.
Complicated areas also require more planning, time to set up, and frequent sound checks, all of which could impact the cost.
The Perfect Wedding is Priceless
The memories you’ll make on your wedding day are priceless. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need a budget.
When considering the cost of a wedding DJ and entertainment, understand that the company you hire will set the tone for the entire event.
The professionals at Sound Waves Entertainment are dedicated to making your wedding dreams a reality.
Click here to request a quote and let us help you plan the most important day of your life.