I’m gonna cut right to the chase. The Average Wedding DJ cost is around $1000.

However, this figure means absolutely nothing!

Would you pay $1000 for a wedding DJ that has little experience, malfunctioning equipment and a terrible reputation?

Of course not!

Continue reading to learn all of the DJ qualities and services that you must take into account to avoid being overcharged by a wedding DJ.

Wedding DJ Cost On Average

How much Does It Cost For A DJ Per Hour?

The average wedding DJ’s cost per hour is around $150. 

However, a DJ may charge less if they are performing at an event that is not a wedding. Most DJs charge around $100 per hour for “non-wedding” events. 

It’s important to note that most DJs have a minimum number of about 5 hours that they require for booking. 

For example, if a client needs a DJ for only 2 hours, there is a good chance the DJ will still charge the minimum rate for a full 5 hours at $500. 

How Many Hours Do You Need A DJ At A Wedding?

The average number of hours that you need a DJ at a wedding is around 6 to 7 hours. 

If you need their audio services for the ceremony, then that would add about one additional hour to their time. 

Below is a basic example of a wedding timeline to help you calculate your costs. 

Do You Really Need A DJ At Your Wedding?

The answer to this question really depends on the needs and interests of each individual couple.

It is possible to simply set up a speaker and hook it up to a playing device and you’ve got music for the entire night. 

And that’s about it. 

If you are looking for someone to coordinate, entertain and emcee all of the events to take place during your wedding, then you will definitely want to hire a pro DJ. 

The other benefit in hiring a wedding DJ is he or she can read the crowd and play the most appropriate music at the best time to keep the dance floor packed. 

They also take requests on the spot to keep the dancers’ momentum going. 

Furthermore, a DJ should be hired if you are looking for someone to really motivate everyone to dance the night away.

DJ Prices for A Wedding

Extra Wedding DJ Costs That Are Unacceptable

There are many wedding DJ charges that make up a basic wedding DJ package price.

However, in my opinion, you should never be charged an additional fee for a service that is required for a DJ to perform the most basic duties of their job. 

With that said, I’m going to cover the services that I think you should not pay extra for as well the services that should have additional fees attached to them.

Wireless Microphone

The first time I heard of a DJ charging extra for a wireless microphone, my jaw hit the floor.

Every wedding DJ should have a wireless microphone. Furthermore, I would NEVER recommend paying extra for one.

If the DJ says they are much more expensive than a microphone with a wire, I wouldn’t accept this response.

The average price of a wired mic is about $100 and the average price of a decent wireless mic is around $400.

That’s not a very big difference in price and I also don’t think it’s enough to justify charging their clients an extra fee.

Dance Floor Lighting

I’ve been to many weddings as a guest. I’ve seen great DJs and not so great DJs in action.

However, one thing they all had in common is they all had dance floor lighting. Why? Because if you are a DJ, ya gotta have it!

First, almost every venue wants to dim or turn the lights off once the dancing starts.

On that note, the room would be too dark without any dance floor lighting.

Second, basic dance floor lighting is not heavy and it takes very little time to set up.

There is no reason to charge extra for this very necessary service needed for all weddings in my opinion.

DJ Consultation

It’s important to note, that in order for a wedding DJ to deliver the best performance possible, they should have a consultation with their clients before the wedding day.

This can be done over the phone or in person. I personally like to meet the couple I am serving at their wedding venue for this meeting.

However, these consultations usually take only about 30 minutes to an hour and I don’t think there should ever be an extra fee for them.

Set Up and Tear Down Time

I hate to break the news to my fellow DJs, but they (or their assistant) must set up and tear down their equipment.

There is no way around it. Furthermore, if a DJ wanted to charge me an extra fee to assemble a basic DJ setup, I would refuse to pay it.

However, if they are adding services that are in addition to a basic setup, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to pay extra for their set up time.

Song Requests

An experienced wedding DJ will have a massive song library. If you hire a pro they will almost always have every requested song on-hand already.

It’s possible that during a wedding they may have to download a few songs to fulfill requests.

This might cost them a mere $5 per wedding. With that said, the average DJ’s upfront charge is about $1000.

For that reason alone, I would never suggest allowing a DJ to charge extra to download music.

The Subwoofer

This is one of the most frequently added expenses to a wedding DJ package and it makes me laugh.

First, most venues don’t need them.

Second, one subwoofer will usually provide more than enough bass, so you may want to question if you need to pay for a second one.

Finally, many wedding DJs will try to convince you that subwoofers are super heavy and take a ton of time to set up.

However, these speakers usually have attached wheels and roll across floors easily.

The DJ can also use a dolly to move the sub to the proper location. Plus it only takes a matter of minutes to set them up.

I should also mention, as a personal preference, I almost always use two subs.

For me to charge my client extra for me to use them would just be wrong in my opinion.

Meal Requirements

After DJing hundreds of weddings, I can honestly say I have always so kindly been offered a meal.

With that said, I’m beside myself when I hear some DJs add it in their contract that they MUST be served dinner.

I think this is completely uncalled for and it sends a very tacky message.

If the DJ is served a meal, it should be regarded as a kind gesture of appreciation by the client, not a clause in a contract.

DJ Prices for A Wedding

Extra Wedding DJ Costs That Are Acceptable

Travel and Lodging

Most DJs will travel up to an hour without charging an extra fee.

However, if the travel time is more than an hour you may be charged for travel expenses.

If it’s more than two hours the DJ may need to charge a lodging fee.

The reason for this is because they will be driving home in the middle of the night and may need to get some rest to make it home safely.

Multiple Setups

Some banquet facilities have separate areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing areas.

This may require a significant amount of extra equipment, set up and tear downtime.

It is perfectly acceptable for the DJ to charge a fee for each area within the venue requiring their services.

Novelty Items and Supplies

It’s always so much fun to add props and novelties to your dancing experience.

DJs may offer an option to add items like jumbo light sticks, party hats, and slip-on sandals for when your feet start getting tired.

The costs of these supplies can really add up, so this is a very reasonable extra wedding DJ charge.

Upgraded Dance Floor Lighting

As I mentioned earlier, every DJ should offer a basic dance floor lighting package at no extra charge.

However, certain venues and client requests may require more lighting than the basic package provides.

If a DJ needs to bring additional lighting equipment to meet these needs, there should be an extra charge associated with these services.

Just make sure to ask to see a picture of the basic lighting package before adding extra lights.

There may be a chance you won’t need to upgrade your lighting package and you can save some money.

Wedding DJ Cost On Average

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