| How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost? |
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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%.
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| 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.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $450.00 total |
Great affordable DJ
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| Posted by: slamb0513 in Akron, OH. | Purchased: September, 2005 |
| Number of Hours: 5 | DJ: 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
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| Posted by: sillygrl58 in Cleveland, OH. | Purchased: June, 2007 |
| Number of Hours: 5 | DJ: 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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