Wedding DJ - What do you think they should Cost?

Question

I am interested in what you think a quality wedding DJ & MC with 14 plus years experience should cost. (including setup of sound, 5 hours, planning, intros, first & parent dances, toasts, cake cutting, and GB toss, travel time, and 2 million liability insurance)

And also how much you think the entertainment will make or break your event?

Answer 1

We spent $650 for our DJ and that was only for the 5.5 hours of the reception. All the MCing cordless MIC and we provided the running sheet with times, songs and the introduction list. It was really reasonable, set up was great, DJ was really helpful and friendly and wanted to help make our day special.

Our engagement party however we paid $250 and it was a complete nightmare, he only played what he wanted at a ridiculous volume and did not turn it down when we asked, had his friend there and they just danced themselves all night, in the end my husband asked him to leave and demanded the DJ conform to the function he was hired to do. It spoilt the night a little.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Standard rate seems to be about $1000, and I think that's far too much to pay for an entertainer. However if I could get a classy DJ who would be ok with the fact that he/she would be doing nothing other than playing music, wouldn't try to dictate the song list, wouldn't try to do any of the planning (i.e. dictate the schedule for the reception, the decorations or the lighting), then I'd say that's a fair price.  

Answer 3

Usually a couple of thousands. I went to a Bar Mitzah once and they had one of those they paid 2,000

Answer 4

A going DJ in my area (Central PA) is $100 to $150 per hour.  Some areas the going rate is less and some areas it is more.

I think entertainment is second only to food & drinks for making or breaking an event.

I went with a guy that has over 30 years radio experience and just as much as a DJ.

Answer 5

my husband is a dj with 20 years experience, he has played in nightclubs and other functions. Local receptions he charges $250 for 4 hours and if he has to travel he charges $300 for 4 hours. He also presents the couple with a cd of their wedding songs and if they have any special requests for particular songs he gets a list from them and makes sure that he has those songs.

Answer 6

im only paying $250 for mine. haha. but hes my friend and im on a budget.