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How much does a good DJ cost?

posted 2 years ago in Music
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    Helper bee
    bridetacular    September 25, 2010  

    I can't bring myself to spend $1000 on a dj, but that's what I'm finding...

     
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    Honey bee
    hotchildinthecity    June 12, 2010   New York, NY

    The one we booked is $850, but the other one we interviewed was $950.  These were both very popular DJs in our area, so this seems to be about the going rate.

     
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    Helper bee
    bridetacular    September 25, 2010  

    That makes sense.

    I actually had one website have two different packages, but the only difference between the packages was that in one, the DJ stayed sober for the wedding.

     

    Really.

     
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    Bumble bee
    Br1tSh1n1ngStar    10/17/09   New Jersey

    Mine was amazing.. he was so good I couldn't have found someone better and he was like 800 inculding cocktail hour.

     
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    Blushing bee
    brooklynbride1984    September 18, 2010   Brooklyn

    holy maccaronnniii you gals got some great prices compared to the guy i just saw yesterday.. my DJ wanted 1,600 for 4 hours and 300 more for the ceremony.. Lawrrdyy lawwwrdddy .. me and my FI sat there for an hour and he was great personable and all had a sample to show us.. but then he pulled out the book with the prices.. BOoooooooooooooooooooo my budget is at most 700 and that is alot we were thinking the Ipod deal but then i was wondering how and what will i walk out to ? ehh good luck gals

     
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    Helper bee
    lrwedd    September 4, 2010  

    I got mine for 600 BUT I was recommended to him by his sister AND I knew him.  But I think his going rate is between 700-1000.

     
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    Helper bee
    tenmylove    August 22, 2009   Wisconsin

    I kind of feel we got ripped off with our DJ. We tried calling one DJ and he never returned our call so my DH's brother suggested one of his friend's (who is well-known in our area). We were happy to here he was available so we booked him without question; he was $850. Considering this is the same price that DJs are costing in the NY and LA areas I feel that is a bit steep for eastern WI, but oh well, said and done. He was an average DJ, but $850 for his services when he said he was "throwing in the dinner hour music" seems to be pushing it now that I know what the going rate is elsewhere.

     
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    Honey bee
    krissycake    November 21, 2009   orlando,fl

    It's regional, but usually safe to say $700-1200ish.

     
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    Sugar bee
    GaBGal    September 25, 2010  

    We are in Upstate NY and paying $650/five hour reception. He does know my sister but it is not a special rate.

     
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    Helper bee
    bridetacular    September 25, 2010  

    See, that seems reasonable. I've budgeted $750 for the night. I'm not looking for someone to wear costumes or do games or anything - just keep the crowd moving :D

    My ceremony site is rigged up with an iPod dock. I just have to find a brave soul to operate the thing. Probably a friend I bribe with liquor or something.

     
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    Helper bee
    nicole61183    9.18.10   Ann Arbor, MI

    The first one I called wanted $1400!  I thought he was nuts!  There is no way that I would spend that much money for a DJ!  The other 2 places I contacted told me 700 and 800.  I emailed the $700 one and told him I didnt want to spend that much and he's bargining with me.  So far, its at $600!

     
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    Busy bee
    lampshade127    March 27   Houston

    Ours is $600 + a meal for 4 hours. We booked after a bridal show so we got $200 off their usual rate.

     
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    Bumble bee
    Mrs. Louboutin    July 2010  

    Ours is $2,200.  He also is providing music during the cocktail hour, which is in a different location than the reception. 

     
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    Busy bee
    hcritton    09/06/09   Seattle, WA

    We only paid $500 for ours for 4 hours and I feel like I got more than my money's worth. I would just find out how much you can afford and do lots of reviews. We had the same guy that another friend of ours used at his wedding so I knew he would be good. When I was looking initially I got quotes from the low $400's all the way past $2000 all for the same amount of time, same day.

     
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    Bumble bee
    rabbit    September 3, 2010   Milwaukee, WI

    Check out your local craigslist!!! The DJs at the wedding expo we went to all wanted $1000+ for 4-5 hours of play, but when I checked out craigslist, I found a DJ for as low as $300 for 5 hours! I actually think we're going the "ipod with someone watching it for us" route to save money (a friend of a friend is a DJ and has offered to watch the ipod and make announcements for $50, so that's probably what we're going to do), but also because our reception venue has a built in sound system which kicks butt and my FILs are DJs in their own right, so they have all the equipment.

     
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    Newbee
    emily1977    06/19/10   NYC

    DJ Moe Choi aka Choimatic = 12K for 5 hours

    worth every penny.

     
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    Buzzing bee
    Miss Chapstick    September 2009  

    We were quoted between $700 and $1500, depending on the DJ. I personally thought it was absurd, especially since we just wanted a guy to play music. So, we opted not to have one and hooked up our MacBook instead. Our DOC handled our two music cues (first dance, family dance) and otherwise, it just played all night, and I don't think anyone even noticed.

     
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    Helper bee
    Halloween    October 31, 2009   Los Angeles

    I agree with brooklynbride on those great deals you're getting quoted.

    We paid our DJ $1200 (plus tip) for six hours.  The last two hours he left early and had his sidekick spin the music.

    He was worth it.  I already had one guest ask me for his info. for future reference.

     
    19.
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    Helper bee
    bridetacular    September 25, 2010  

    Well, we ended up booking with a great company, so we're pretty excited. They're $900 with lighting, but they have a standardized database of songs, event planning services, the whole nine yards.

    Exciting!

     
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    Wannabee
    carlydh718    September 30, 2010   orlando, fl

    we used shoutin entertainment for our wedding dj in orlando. It was less than $600 with the LED uplighting. they were great. find them at www.shoutindj.com   they were  referred to us by a close friend and im glad :) ive heard too many war stories

     
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    Busy bee
    Whimsical.Sprite    June 18, 2011   Midwest, United States

    I haven't looked into DJ rates in our area yet.  I figured I would leave the entertainment search up to the FI.  It is the one task I am putting him in charge of, so he better do it! lol

     
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    Honey bee
    abbyful    June 7, 2011   Kansas City

    $595 for our D.J.

     
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    Busy bee
    sueanddemetrius    September 17, 2011   NH/MA

    I really think the rates depend on what part of the country you live in.  We are paying 900 for ours. He will do the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. It bugs me that we also have to provide dinner for him too but I guess that's standard.

     
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    Worker bee
    Karina27    March 19, 2011  

    Were paying $1,270 for 6hrs and it includes our names in lights :)

     
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    Worker bee
    Celestial Event    October 7, 2006   Central Colorado Rockies

    $750 to $1500, depending upon many variables.

    The DJ may be the most important vendor you will contract.
    The quality of DJ’s vary dramatically regardless of price but if you can’t afford a wedding entertainment professional, rent a PA and DIY with an Ipod. Don’t hire a DJ just to have a DJ.

    Beware of some DJ Agencies who say you will have one DJ but send you another. Never hire a DJ off some web site out of Seattle when you are in Chicago.

    Personally interview at least 3 DJ’s face to face before you sign anything.

    Check if they have verified reviews on Wedding Wire, We DJ, Wedding Bee has a source. Ask if you can call a few of his clients.

    Any real wedding DJ should agree to do at least one face to face planning session with you and your FI and then some follow-ups over the phone.

    He should have photos or video of his work.

    He should have insurance and be able to provide proof.

    Is his audio equipment adequate for your venue and group size.

    He should explain how he will work together with you on your play list and don’t play list.

    Ask him if he will he help you choose the special events and moments that will take place at the wedding and schedule them to keep the energy up and your guests happy.

    If he is your MC and no video of his speaking skills are available, have him read your bridal parties names as he/she would for their introduction.

    He should be able to put your mind at rest knowing you will have someone you can count on to be there and do it right.

     

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