There are many important factors to assess when looking at a wedding DJ rate sheet to determine if you are being quoted a fair price.
I am going to cover the top components that should be included on every DJ rate sheet.
If any of these components are missing from the rate sheet, it is possible the DJ may add unexpected “upcharges” to your DJ package.
Wedding DJ Rate Sheet
Factors To Assess
Prices
This is the the obvious component of a DJ rate sheet. It is worth mentioning anyway, because I have seen DJ packages advertised with NO PRICES!!
If the DJ does not include prices on their rate sheet, they might increase their charge above their standard price. (For example, higher prices during busier seasons).
Everyone loves to see prices listed for services they are hiring in advance.
It gives them confidence that the person they are interviewing is upfront and straightforward with their service quotes.
Set Up and Tear Down Time
This is one of the most common factors of a DJ package that gets overlooked.
You must ask if the DJ you are interviewing if they charge extra for set up and tear down time.
If this time is not included as part of your wedding DJ package, it’s possible you may be charged extra for it.
One that note, set up time usually takes one to two hours. Tear down time usually takes about one hour.
This could possibly add an extra 3 hours of service time to your DJ bill. Be sure to ask about any extra charge for this time.
Travel and Lodging Expenses
Most DJs will travel up to about an hour without charging a fee for travel and lodging.
If this component is not included on a wedding DJ rate sheet, I would not be too concerned as it usually is not.
However, this factor must be addressed before hiring your DJ as it will often affect your total DJ cost.
A DJ will almost always charge extra if they have to travel over an hour or two.
In addition to covering their travel costs, the DJ will need to rent a lodging space.
They will be traveling home in the middle of the night and it’s important that they have a place to stay to ensure safe travels.
Dance Floor Lighting
Some DJs charge extra to add dance floor lighting to their wedding package.
If dance floor lighting is not included on the wedding DJ rate sheet, be sure to ask if there is an additional cost for it.
Many people assume that dance floor lighting is included with the DJ set up, but many times it’s not.
Some DJ’s also offer different dance floor lighting packages.
With that said, be sure to ask for a simple description of their basic dance floor lighting setup.
It also a good idea to see if they have upgrade lighting options available as well.
Wedding Ceremony Audio System
Almost all DJs will charge an extra fee to provide the sound system and microphones for a wedding ceremony.
It is common to think that this service is included in a basic wedding DJ package, but it usually is not.
A DJ must indicate on their rate sheet the separate fee charged to provide the sound system for the wedding ceremony.
If they don’t, they will often learn at a later date that the couple that hired them thought this service was part of their DJ package.
This could cause a lot of confusion in the wedding planning process and increase your total charge unexpectedly.
Wireless Microphone for Toasts
In my opinion, a DJ should never charge extra to bring a wireless microphone, because they are going to have one with them anyway.
However, I am still amazed that the number of DJs that will charge extra to bring a wireless microphone.
Be sure to look on the wedding DJ rate sheet to see if a wireless microphone is part of the DJ package.
If it is not, then you may be charged extra for one.
DJ/MC Planning Materials
Every wedding DJ that I know will provide music and master of ceremonies planning materials to their clients.
I have not heard of any of them charging an additional fee for this service.
However, I still think it’s a great idea that these materials are featured on the wedding DJ rate sheet.
Most couples ask if they have the option to make a list of all the songs they want played at their wedding.
With that said, it’s important for them to see on the rate sheet that planning materials are included with every DJ package.
Furthermore, it will give them confidence that the DJ will tailor their services to deliver a personalized performance.
Subwoofers
I’ve never charged extra to bring subwoofers with my set up.
However, I can understand why many DJ do.
“Subs” can be very heavy and difficult to transport. They can also significantly add to the DJ’s set up time depending on the layout of the venue.
If you do not see subwoofers listed on the wedding DJ rate sheet, be sure to ask if there is an extra fee for them.
Probably over half of the DJs will charge a fee to add them to their setup.
DJ Consultation and Venue Visit
Every DJ should review the song selections, timeline and venue floor plan with their clients several weeks before the wedding day.
It so important for them to be familiar with your venue prior to providing their services.
If your DJ has never been to your venue, I recommend that they make a venue visit with you and your fiance’ during your consultation.
Furthermore, if you are not available to meet at the venue, they should still visit the venue on their own before the wedding day.
This service is almost always included with every DJ’s wedding package, and they should feature it on their rate sheet.
This will give their clients “peace of mind” that they will take the proper planning steps for their wedding.
Additional Services
DJs usually offer several other services including uplighting, photo booths, monograms, projectors and other special dance floor effects.
In addition, it’s important for them to include these services on their wedding DJ rate sheet so their client know they are offered.
The DJ might feature several packages on the rate sheet that include these additional services.
Furthermore, “Bundling” several services with one wedding vendor can often save you money!
Finally, they may also have individual pricing for these services on their rate sheet indicating how much each service will cost if not included with a DJ package.
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Hello! My name is Tony Coppola and I’d like to take this time to tell you a little bit about myself and CC King Entertainment.
I began my musical journey when I was 12 years old as a singer and drummer.
Ten years ago, I built a home recording studio and named it CC King Studio. Shortly after, I DJ’d my first wedding and CC King Entertainment was born!
After DJing hundreds of weddings, my business allowed me to leave my 16-year career as an occupational therapist.
I ALWAYS go the extra mile to personalize my wedding services and have the honor to work with an amazing team of wedding DJs.
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