Wedding Dj Price Factors
Not only does a DJ serve as the master of the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour by making the appropriate announcements at just the right times, such as the first dance, but they also help to read a crowd and understand when to change the music to keep everyone happy and enjoying the dance party.
The main DJ pricing factors are your location, the size of your venue, the length of time they perform, what kind of equipment they use, their level of experience, and how many add-on services you request. The larger the entertainment company is, the more additional perks they can add to your celebration.
Venue Setting And Size
Large weddings may mean a higher DJ bill if additional speakers, microphones or upgraded sound equipment are required to properly serve the crowd. Costs may increase if the wedding DJ is required to set up outdoors because additional equipment such as power cords and other items may be needed. Afino Entertainment has a set rate of $50 for any outdoor event to cover tent rental and setup fees.
Can I Be A Dj With Just A Laptop
There’s an ever growing range of choices when it comes to DJ software. … You can DJ with just a laptop on ALL of them! Yes its true whatever software you choose to use they can all handle DJing with only a computer, no hardware needed to get started. Let’s look at a few of the best known DJ software applications.
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Dj As The Master Of Ceremony
When a DJ is also expected to act as the event’s host, the price of their services may go up. Among the many duties of a master of ceremonies is to make announcements, monitor time, and keep things moving along smoothly. Be sure to find out if emceeing is included in the price of the DJ’s package some do. Let the DJ know if you don’t want them to act as MC. Some DJs enjoy encouraging the audience to get up on the dance floor or to provide comments over the microphone without being asked. Let the DJ know up front that they should limit their services to playing music only if that’s what you want.
Are There Alternatives To Hiring A Wedding Dj
Sure there are, you can hire a band for $5,000 or more. Oh, you want to know about cheaper alternatives… You can absolutely DJ your own wedding. And many Brooklyn wedding venues have a full sound system. .
Here are some things to watch out for when DJing your own wedding:
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Things will go wrong
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DJs usually play songs for only 2 or 3 minutes and blend them together to avoid breaks in the music. Put someone in charge of the music.
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It might not be loud enough. DJ’s speakers have a lot of power that the speakers at some places don’t have.
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Use a wired mic. Wireless mics can be tricky. Trust me on this one!
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If you want a big dance party, choose songs everyone knows.
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Have your playlist backed up on two devices.
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Check my guide to packing your dance floor.
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Whats Included In A Standard Wedding Dj Package
The average wedding DJ costs under or over $1,500 a standard wedding DJ package usually includes the planning session, complete set-up, equipment, ceremony music, cocktail hour, and reception music. Then, the inclusions may offer MC or hosting services and uplighting.
To avoid any hassles, it would be best to discuss how long you want the DJ to play music at the reception. You can also talk about the ceremony moments that need music accompaniment and what songs you want.
And finally, ask if the vendor will charge for the teardown of their equipment after the wedding. Its always helpful to know what to expect with who cleans up after the wedding.
What If I Dont Want Certain Songs Played
Tell your DJ and theyll avoid them! At Choice, we take great care in gathering all the information we need from the bride and groom regarding all aspects of the event asking questions like what songs they want played to the play if possible list as well as DO NOT PLAY!’
Those polarising tracks? The Macarena , Cha Cha Slide and Grease Megamix either appear on our must play list or do not play list, reveals DJ David.
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Hotel 101 For Negotiating Indian Weddings
Most hotels agree to give you the ballroom and all power/technical requirements/setup time as long as you hit the minimum revenue .
Obviously they’re a million caveats here, but for 300 people, a Hyatt type of hotel near LAX in California would charge you about $80-$150 per plateper event.
The Ritz Carlton in San Francisco overlooking the ocean would probably be closer to $200-$250 per guest, per event. Ditto for Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. Remember, this is for food, venue and alcohol per guest, per event.
Tip 1: If you want your favorite Indian restaurant to cater, whatever you save on their prices will also get eaten up by the hotel telling you to pay for your caterer to use their kitchen. .
It’s better if you find a hotel that has a good Indian catering team in-house.
The majority of your Desi wedding cost will go into your Hotel which is also the venue and food and liquor.
The hotel will likely be where you host your wedding ceremony, your Sangeet and your wedding reception.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON A INDIAN WEDDING HOTEL than trying to keep decreasing prices.
Tip 2: If you’re having a Punjabi or a Gujarati wedding or South Indian wedding without alcohol, then you can take out 20% from the figures below. Or you can reduce the cost by having the mehendi or garba elsewhere, or keep some guests at another hotel, get a family friend to emcee, those are also ways to reduce, etc..)
So….
Additional Equipment Or Services
Many DJ companies offer add-on lighting and special effects for use during the wedding ceremony or reception. If your DJ needs to use additional DJ software, create complex special effects, or have access to specialized DJ equipment, it’s likely to increase the price. Heres Afino Entertainment’s pricing for common add-on options:
- Two CO2 cannons : $600
- Black lights: $40 per light
- Custom image projection: $250
- Fog machine: $200 Costs may also be affected if the couple requests music or sound effects that the DJ has to download or seek out beyond his or her existing music library.
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What Services Does A Dj Offer
Your DJ’s main function is of course to provide music at the reception and create a great atmosphere for guestsâwhatever that means for you. DJs are total pros at reading the room and working the crowd. So whether youâre looking for nice sit-down dinner music followed by an all-out dance party, or you want something more buttoned-up, the best and most experienced DJs can do it all. Beyond the music itself, you might have your DJ be the emcee, add lighting, or even a live music aspect .
Average Djs $900 $1500
The DJs in the average price range tend to have a bit more experience, education, and better reviews.
Average Wedding DJs:
- Are more reliable and consistent
- Play music and make simple announcements
- Are often one-person DJ company
These wedding DJs tend to take their businesses more seriously as most of them are full-time or on the way there. They show up on time , play music, and offer standard MC services. Often these budget DJs entertain for all kinds of events, including weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, high school reunions, corporate events, proms, nightclubs, and karaoke events.
Keep in mind that these types of DJ companies are often one-person-DJ-company. This means that one single person is handling customer inquiries, responding to client emails, planning music and timelines, and going out to perform at weddings and events PLUS often working another job throughout the week.
The result?
They are often slow to respond to your questions and lack depth in their customer service. It also means that if they are unable to make it to your wedding, you dont have a DJ for your wedding .
Average wedding DJs are like a Dennys restaurant standard and mediocre food. You have more opportunities for customization however, its still not ever going to be anything close to a gourmet meal.
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Do I Have To Pay The Djs Travel Expenses
DJs will inevitably need to travel for your wedding. Youll find the distance included in their price on most DJs website, its usually around 30 miles from where theyre based and any additional travel will be charged.
If you are marrying in a different part of the country to where you are based, its worth finding a DJ local to your venue to save on travel costs.
What Things Are Considered In The Cost Of A Dj
You may be expected to pay for travel costs, the set up of a dance floor, or even any necessary equipment that goes with the sound system. You may want to add in extras like lighting, a photobooth, fog machine or emcee services.
If youre looking to save money or are working with a limited budget, you may want to eliminate incorporating some of these additional services.
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Wedding Dj Price Lists
We compared the price of a wedding DJ in several different locations several major metropolitan markets like Washington DC, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as smaller cities and a sampling of more rural areas from around the country. While pricing varied wildly depending on the experience of the DJ, some obvious trends began to appear very quickly:
You Deserve An Above Average Wedding
For the most part, the average wedding DJ costs about what theyre worth. But do you really want an average DJ? Theres a lot that goes into a professional DJ experience that the beginners and hobbyists dont do. For example
Price vs. Value
Setting a wedding budget is super important. After all, you dont want to start your marriage in debt. But while its good to save money when and where you can, its also important to remember that the lowest price does not equal the best value.
If you only ask yourself What does a wedding DJ cost? youll only be getting half the picture. You also need to consider what your DJ can do for you.
At Mint DJ Events, we have an entire team of DJs who are not only extremely talented, they are fun, professional, and LOVE to create moments that make your wedding day utterly magical.
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The Truth About Chicago Wedding Dj Prices
So, if you want the straight scoop on DJ pricing here it is.
Ive broken Chicago wedding DJ rates into six common price points. In my experience, this is what you can expect at each. Of course, Ive got an ulterior motive Id like you to hire my DJs! So Ive included links to my competitors, as well, so you wont have to take my word for it.
These rates are for an average six-hour reception: cocktail hour, dinner and dancing, all in one room with a single DJ system.
How Much It Cost To Dj Your Wedding
A customer asked me how much it cost to DJ their wedding?
I answered him: $ 1500
He said: So expensive for this job?
I asked: How much do you think it would cost you?
He answers me: $ 800 maximum Thats a pretty simple job right?!
For $ 800 I invite you to do it yourself.
But. I dont know how to.
For $800 Ill teach you how to. So besides saving you $700, youll get the knowledge for the next time you want to DJ.
It seemed right to him and he agreed.
But to get started you need tools: Music library, computer, DJ controller, a mixer, Microphones, speakers, wires, etc
But I dont have all these equipment and I cant buy all of these for one job.
Well then for another $300 more Ill rent my stuff to you so you can do it.
Okay, he says.
Okay! Tuesday Im waiting for you to start doing this work.
But I cant on Tuesday I only have time today.
Im sorry, but Im only available Tuesday to teach you and lend you my stuff. Other days are busy with other customers events.
Okay! That means Im going to have to sacrifice my Tuesday, give up my tasks.
I forgot, to do your job yourself, you also have to pay for the nonproductive factors.
That is? What is that?
Bureaucratic, record pool fees, tax, security, insurance, fuel etc.
Oh no! But to accomplish these tasks, Im going to spend more money and waste a lot of time!
Do you have them? You can do it for me?
Okay!
At 6am??? Nope! Too early for me! I used to getting up later
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$3500 And Up: The Celebrity Rate
DJs with a lot of experience who have made a name for themselves. Exceptional MC and coordination skills and highly customized introductions. These guys have years of improv classes under their belts and fancy websites. They get more work than they need and only take the weddings they really want. You pay them to charm the socks off of you and everyone you know.
Backthird DJ rates are in line with the samples given above. Some of our couples prefer only DJ services, while others combine DJs with live music. To discuss your wedding needs and choose your DJ, contact us today.
Entertainment: $20000 To $35000
A good Indian wedding DJ with sound and lighting and a baraat system will run you between 20K and 35K for the 3 days of the event.
This includes all equipment, transport, insurance, setups, performance fees, meals, and more.
If you hire a Bollywood singer or professional emcee/comedian you can add on between $5000 and $50000 depending on the acts.
For example Shreya Ghoshal would charge some cardiologist in New Jersey like $60,000 USD to sing at his son or daughter’s wedding, plus expenses.
SEE OUR DETAILED POST ON INDIAN WEDDING DJ COSTS IN 2019
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How Much Do Wedding Djs Cost Compared To Wedding Bands
The prices you can expect to spend between hiring a wedding DJ versus a live band show a massive difference. The average wedding DJ cost is under $1,500, while a live band is under $4,000.
Choosing between them will depend on your budget and other wedding costs. However, some couples are willing to allocate a great amount for the music at their wedding since a live band is still a memorable experience.
Furthermore, finding a live band at a lower price is possible. The factors that will affect the pricing will typically depend on the set, duration, number of band members, equipment, and if they potentially need to travel far to attend your wedding venue.
When Should You Book Your Wedding Dj
As soon as you book your wedding venue, you need to find your wedding DJ. Ideally, you should reserve a wedding DJ at least eight months before your wedding day. Then after hiring them, you should meet them again between 2 to 6 weeks before your wedding to go over the final setup details, playlist options and any other concerns you might have. That way, they have time to prepare thoroughly.
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What Is The Average Cost For Hiring A Wedding Dj In 2022
Youve said Yes! and the wedding date is set. Now youre left with the task of hiring a DJ for your wedding and wondering how much it should cost. LIV Entertainments DJs have performed at wedding around the world. We understand the global DJ market, and in this post were going to provide you with the average cost for hiring a wedding DJ depending on exactly what youre looking for.
Planning a wedding can be stressful. You have to pick a venue, catering services, decor, entertainment and so much more!
Any wedding planner will tell you that the best way to ensure that your guests have a good time during your wedding is to provide them with unforgettable entertainment.
Its also an excellent opportunity to add a personal touch to the occasion. After all, your wedding reception is a celebration! The ultimate goal is to throw an unforgettable party that your friends and family will never forget.
Hiring a wedding DJ to keep your guests entertained is a fantastic option. Whether you want to get guests moving on the dance floor or include some amazing music to get people in a good mood during cocktail hour, a DJ can be a great investment.
Knowing what a professional wedding DJ costs can help you determine how much to set aside when drawing up your wedding budget.
Want to learn more about average DJ costs for your wedding? Contact LIV Entertainment Group to learn about your options.
