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Wedding DJ Cost

How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost?

low cost Do-It-Yourself: $75-$400
low cost Typical: $100-$300 per hour

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Wedding Music Band

Live Ceremony Music

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Disc Jockeys are the typical choice for less expensive wedding reception entertainment. Oftentimes, a DJ not only provides the music, but also acts as a master of ceremonies. For this reason, it's important to choose someone who has a personality that suits your wedding style. The American Disc Jockey Association says DJ rates vary based on experience, emcee ability, equipment, music knowledge and personality.
 
Typical costs:
  • Professional DJ services range from roughly $100 to $300 per hour, depending on the location and amount of time requested and type of equipment requested. In general, the more time you book, the cheaper the price. Most expect a 50% deposit upon reservation.
  • Many couples on a tight budget opt to rent a sound system and have a friend act as both DJ and MC. Equipment rental varies by type and location, but average roughly $75 - $270 for a dual or 4-tray CD player, audio mixer and two speakers. Corded microphones run about $15 - $20 each; wireless or "lapel" microphones are about $40 each.
  • Some companies offer "jukebox" systems, with pre-loaded music lists to choose from. Rental costs range from $325 - $400 per day.
  • One of the newest trends is the "iPlay" type of sound system, which allows you to amplify pre-loaded music from an iPod. These systems, which can be rented for about $175 per day, are best for smaller, more intimate weddings, since the speakers are only between 10 and 12-inches and may not provide enough volume for a large reception.
What should be included:
  • Typical wedding DJ packages should include planning consultation, music list customization, multiple tray CD players, a minimum of one audio mixer and one microphone, at least 4 hours of music, plus set-up and tear-down time.
Additional costs:
  • Some DJs impose a higher per-hour charge (either 1-1/2 times or double their normal rate) for any performances that run overtime, and may require cash-only payments in those situations.
  • For DJs that are hired to play recorded music during the wedding ceremony, additional per-hour costs may apply if they are asked to attend the rehearsal.
  • Meals at longer events, meaning 4 hours or more, are often requested but not required. Be sure to check with your DJ ahead of time and include him/her in your caterer's head count if necessary. Some caterers will provide box meals for vendors like DJs.
Discounts:
  • Since most DJs are hired for weddings, proms, family celebrations and other events that typically take place on weekends, many offer discounts for weekday events.
  • A few DJs also offer discounts for referrals and repeat customers, usually between 5-10%.
Shopping for a wedding dj:
  • The American Disc Jockey Association, Brides Magazine and All Wedding Planning provide searchable databases of DJs by location.
  • The American Disc Jockey Association suggests asking about insurance and proof of liability, the specific type of equipment to be used at your wedding, details on backup equipment, required set-up and tear-down time.
  • The Wedding Zone suggests always meeting with prospective DJs in person, so you can determine whether their voice, professional appearance and personality are a match.
  • Party Pop has a state-by-state list of companies that rent audio equipment. You can also search the Yellow Pages for "audio visual" equipment rental companies.
Article updated July 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $450.00 total Great affordable DJ
Posted by: slamb0513 in Akron, OH.Purchased: September, 2005
Number of Hours: 5DJ: Academy DJs
I got married last September and we got a great national DJ for $450/hour. He was very good and handled everything with class. I believe they are a nationwide chain. Check them out at <a href="http://www.academydjs.com">http://www.academydjs.com</a>
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Amount: $750.00 total Professional and Affordable DJ
Posted by: sillygrl58 in Cleveland, OH.Purchased: June, 2007
Number of Hours: 5DJ: Audio Extremes Entertainment
My wedding was this past June and hired Audio Extremes Entertainment Jim and Mike were our dj's , we had a slide show which they played and hooked up to the sound system for us. They kept the dance floor packed the entire night. Nothing but good things to say about them. I think they dj for all of Ohio.
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Amount: $1,495.00 total WEDDING VIDEO DANCE PARTY
Posted by: a user in Ohio in Canton, OH.Purchased: November, 2008
I saw them at a wedding in North Canton, they had music videos playing on 2 plasma screens on each side of the dj setup and a killer light show, WOW, we had to use them and it was amazing. Money very well spent. They even played our slide show and set the pictures to each dance everyone raved abou Audio Extremes as our dj. thank you for a job well done guys.
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Amount: $600.00 total DJ
Posted by: Snaps in Brisbane australia, Other.Purchased: January, 2009
Number of Hours: 7DJ:
Kevin and Seano were very alasy , the setup was not intimidating and the music was exactly what we needed at just the right time . They only charged 200 for the practice run and were there for an extra 2 hours on the night . They played a picture show on the projector , and mixed the music with it there on the night . They held all the extra things we asked on the night with no notice and it was a great time . The lighting was extra tho , our total bill was 1500 including the venue and dance floor lighting.
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Amount: $2,000.00 total Great DJ & more!
Posted by: Nancy P. in St. Paul, MN.Purchased: August, 2007
Number of Hours: 6DJ: Jeff Richards
Jeff Richards of Party Time Productions is the best DJ that I have ever seen. He helped to coordinate the reception and gave us so much information about how to make or dreams come true. He did something called "The Love Story" that really had everyone involved with our day. My Dad danced for the first time that I can recall in 35 years. Our reception was classy, fun and wonderful.
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Amount: $1,200.00 total Best Wedding DJ EVER!!
Posted by: John & Holly P. in Cleveland, OH.Purchased: June, 2008
Number of Hours: 6DJ: Magic Galaxy Entertainment
Joe was the most fun and most outgoing personality that I have ever encountered in my life! We had 3 pre-wedding meetings to go over absolutely everything from a time line, to our songs, to the proper pronunciation of all names. He treated our wedding as if it was his own. He kept our whole reception running smooth and ON TIME! Our introductions were flawless, and fun. His ability to read the crowd, Play both the music that we wanted, and the music that they wanted was amazing. There was never a dull moment, never an empty dance floor! If you are from Cleveland, Ohio and looking for a DJ/MC, TRUST ME, this is who you want to use!!
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Amount: $800.00 total The best DJ ive ever seen you gotta look him up!
Posted by: Marie32 in Las Vegas, NV.Purchased: May, 2009
Number of Hours: 4DJ: DJ EyeQue
I was referred to this guy by a friend of mine and he is managed by a Quedup Entertainment who was also really great and understanding to deal with. They gave me discount because of my friend and the whole night truly was so fantastic and i would definitely recommend him to anyone! Thanks for everything DJ EyeQue
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Amount: $2,400.00 total My wedding DJ made my entire wedding day priceless.
Posted by: Marcus and Tonya Holdinger in Kansas City, KS.Purchased: March, 2009
Number of Hours: 30DJ: Chasen Shaw
Chasen Shaw is the consummate wedding professional. He met with me, my mother-in-law and fiance 9 months before our wedding day and from the moment we met him I knew we had found the real deal. He listened to us, our ideas and how we wanted to have a classy reception AND a big dance party, and he made it all happen. From before we got to the reception until after our grand exit (which I'll never forget) he took care of us like we were royalty. We spent $32,000 on our big day, but the best decision we made by FAR was having Chasen as our wedding DJ. Incredible!
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Amount: $750.00 total Worth twice the price
Posted by: Mark and Alicia in Cleveland, OH.Purchased: September, 2009
Number of Hours: 6DJ: 5 Star Entertainment
Five Star Entertainment was loads of fun, an AMAZING evening at our wedding. The music was awesome, people from other weddings were saying how much more fun our wedding sounded to them. Thats why we had few wedding crashers that night.

5 Star provided lots of extra stuff they helped us with, with all the videos and skits that we did. Our friends and family are still talking how much fun they had. The limbo was such a good idea too, loved it. Their picks for the music were awesome.
I am so glad I was able to find them on the internet.
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Amount: $300.00 total The best DJ in the world!!!
Posted by: SircK in San Fernando, Other.Purchased: March, 2009
Number of Hours: 6DJ: DJKasey
I was married last December and this DJ rocked the house from start to finish!! He was the most skilled, versatile, and knowledgeable DJ I have ever heard and his Emcee-ing was the absolute best. He made everyone feel so comfortable.
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Amount: $850.00 total wedding DJ
Posted by: Meghan in New Haven, CT.Purchased: April, 2009
Number of Hours: 5DJ: DJ Sheila
She is by far the best DJ in Connecticut! She had everyone dancing all night and played every kind of music! She didn't play anything with objectionable lyrics which is why we hired her but we didn't know that she would be a really excellent DJ. She's a real professional and classy, too. She took so much time with us, helping us to plan every little detail of our wedding and she gave us some excellent ideas that made our day unbelievable. I know it was my wedding but really it was the best party we ever went to! She's great!!
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Amount: $500.00 total RAW Entertainment(Facebook)
Posted by: a user in Shaker HTS, OH.Purchased: March, 2010
Number of Hours: 5DJ: Rick&Eddie
They were awesome BIG LIGHTS must be for big shows i think Rick said he had over 80,000 songs from 50s to 2010 smoke, you name it they have it what was the coolest part it was all one unit there wasnt any speakers or wires it was all in one box on wheels and loud
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Amount: $1,000.00 total Most Professional DJ In the Biz!!!
Posted by: Cathy in Atlanta, GA.Purchased: November, 2009
Number of Hours: 5DJ: DJ Brandon Jackson/ DJ BrickZ
Came in dressed to impress the day of the wedding!! Had a charismatic attitude and was very punctual!!! He rocked the party, start to finish!! We ended up booking him for overtime!! The money was well spent!! Using His services for next party!!! Would recommend to anybody!!!
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Amount: $1,800.00 total A Great DJ!
Posted by: Stacy E. in Minneapolis, MN.Purchased: January, 2009
Number of Hours: 5DJ: Jeff Richards
Jeff Richards of Party Time Productions was so wonderful for me and my mother with not only DJing the event, but also helping us plan the day. He played great music, had a fun "Love Story" and the introductions were perfect. He was available to us when we needed him, because he does this full time so he is always in his office. Hire Jeff and you will be very happy with your wedding day.
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Amount: $1,000.00 total Worth every penny!!!
Posted by: Kaydee in Buena Park, CA.Purchased: September, 2009
Number of Hours: 5DJ: KNR Entertainment
We were referred to this company and we were so impressed with all the services they provided. First of all, they met with me and my husband a few times to make sure they played the music we wanted for the ceremony, dinner, and reception. They provided a list of songs for the first dance, cake, bouquet toss, garter toss, etc. because my husband and I needed some help in that area. They also put together a photo slide show of my husband and I that was shown during dinner (they provided the projector and the screen)and did such a beautiful job. Their light added to the party atmosphere during the reception. During the reception it looked like you were at a light show or a concert. It was so amazing!!! I highly recommend this company. Very professional, easy to work with, and state of the art equipment. My friends and family still say that our wedding was the best they have ever been to and that our DJ was phenomenal. In fact, my maid of honor got married earlier this year (2010) and she used our DJ.
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Amount: $1,250.00 total Wdding
Posted by: cuch in las vegas, NV.Purchased: June, 2010
Number of Hours: 4DJ: patrick labatti
He was incredible!
Very professional and very helpful.
We felt like he was part of our family.
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Amount: $1,450.00 total My Fabulous Wedding
Posted by: Rebecca Bently Morrison in Stuart, FL.Purchased: August, 2009
Number of Hours: 5DJ: Traxx Entertainment
Our wedding was this past May (2010) and we hired Traxx Entertainment to provide our ceremony and reception music & entertainment. Our guests are still talking about how much fun they had at our wedding! The entertainment professionals we worked with were Lynette and Wes B. They were extremely professional in appearance and ettiquette ... and they kept our crowd roaring on the dance floor all night. We had a really cool uplighting throughout our ballroom and our personalized monogram made me feel like a princess! If you're getting married in South Florida ... request only the best!
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