How much...

[Angel1na3]

Hey guys! Just wondering how much a DJ usually costs. We have gotten some pricing but they seem a bit high. Im not sure if I should keep looking or if the pricing im getting from these people is normal.

[tortoisegirl]

You may be able to search and find a website that lists average costs per category for a wedding in your area (www.costofwedding.com comes to mind). We had originally thought we'd go with a budget DJ or just a computer/speakers, but with some research and thinking decided it should be a splurge to ensure we had someone to take into consideration the activity in the room for the playlist, and to reduce our stress. Ours is costing a little under $1,000 for the ceremony and reception. We do live in an expensive area--I didn't find anyone decent under $500 and many were a lot more than we're paying.

[Angel1na3]

ill have to check out the website! thank you hun! The one guy we are really interested in, is about 1200. thank you again for the site!

[RevMatty]

Just like most vendors cost can vary from one extreme to the next, based on area, hours worked, size of party, etc.

[NOTKT]

Our DJ was pretty expensive, but worth every penny. We did not want a High School DJ, we also wanted a Master of Ceremonies. He was fantastic.

Make sure you watch him at other weddings first, get referrals, etc.

[LovingLife]

Mine was roughly 1200.00, but he was great. That was ceremony and reception.

He works for a very well known dj company in the area.

[Angel1na3]

The place we are having the wedding at highly recomended this company. They use them all the time. I have spoken to the guys a few times and they really seem to know what they are doing and are offering us a lot of options for this price. I told him that I felt it was a bit expensive and asked if he could work with me on price a little bit. So we spoke more about what Steve & I are looking for all that and he is supposed to get in contact with me after speaking with his partner to see how much help they can give me money wise. I thought that was really nice of them. So hopefully they can figure something that we can all be in agreeance. He also said that if I am happy with the final price, that we can come and check out his work at a wedding and all that as well. My main concern is them being active. I have been to weddings where the dj's are very boring, just play music and thats it. No excitement out of them at all. I want someone who is outgoing and will play a variety of music, not just rap or oldies all night ya know. So we shall see. Thanks so much for your advice with this. Ill keep you guys updated on how we make out =)

[BarceloMayaPalaceBride]

They quoted us $1,000 dollars. :O We decided to just put our music on an IPOD and save the $$$

[toneman]

He also said that if I am happy with the final price, that we can come and check out his work at a wedding and all that as well. My main concern is them being active. I have been to weddings where the dj's are very boring, just play music and thats it. No excitement out of them at all. I want someone who is outgoing and will play a variety of music, not just rap or oldies all night ya know.

Auditioning a DJ at a stranger's event is not usually practical. Remember, a good event is an individually customized event lasting 4 hours or more. The DJ may be providing activities and music as requested by the client and this may not be of the style or type that you require. Also, The DJ is busy during a event and usually cannot take time out to explain what is going on and why.

Be careful going to someone else's wedding... His/her clients might not like it. Besides would you like them to invite potentional clients (people you don't know) to you event? The best why to find out about his service is to talk with some of the venues he has worked at. Call around to some photographers and ask if they have worked with him at events together. Also have him give you referrances from bride & grooms whos events he has done and contact them. Ask questions like... Did your DJ meet your expectations? Did your guest have a good time? Was there any problems that happened (power loss, equipment breakdown, etc.) and how did the DJ handle it? Did your DJ show up on time and was their equipment all setup prior to your guest showing up? Would you hire the same DJ again? Did your DJ handle all of the announcements (intro first dance, cutting of the cake, Bouquet Toss, etc.)?Ask the questios that are concerning to you.

The place we are having the wedding at highly recomended this company. They use them all the time. I have spoken to the guys a few times and they really seem to know what they are doing and are offering us a lot of options for this price.

If you feel really comfortable with them, then they are a good choice.

[Angel1na3]

Thanks for all your helpful tips =)

[Brian's Bride]

Ours was $1100 for ceremony and reception. I agree with Toneman about seeing him work at another wedding. You don't know what kind of crowd you'll be seeing him at. I'd check his references and ask about him with the venue. I hope he'll work on his price for you! :)

[thegreatimponderablesband]

It seems that the majority are hiring around $1,200. I do weddings for $1,500 here in NC. Now, there are $300 DJ's. However, there is more at weddings than at a night club. You are looking for an emcee as well. You've read the comments about DJ's that are dull or boring. Here's the deal:

A wedding IS NOT a night club act. While many DJ's do weddings, not many DJ's are "wedding" professionals. I actually play in a band as well and all that we do are professional events (fund raisers, corporate events, etc) and weddings.

Truth is, if you were to just rent the proper sound equipment to giveyou a good sound, this will cost about $800 - $1,200. This is another consideration, to some point; what kind of sound do they have? Some DJ's will try to tell you how many watts of power they have. Well, that may give you some indication as to how many people he has sound for, but it doesn't tell you the quality of sound.

What we do before any event, is arrive at least 2-3 hours BEFORE any guests begin to arrive. We have everything run through a professional mixier. We then EQ the venue for the right volume and frequencies. Next, all wires are tucked away and hidden. You don't want your reception to look like someone threw everything together.

There's a lot more ot hiring a "wedding" DJ than someone for the night club or bar. The scene is different. The music is different (to some extent). You don't want anything offensive to cause guests to leave. You don't want the volume so loud that people are falling on the floor with blood coming out of their ears (although I personally like this level myself). The sound needs to be crystal clear and not just a lot of "boom, boom, boom".

Your best source, instead of venues, is their past brides. Ask for e-mail addresses or phone numbers. If they can't give you any, then something's wrong. Contact those brides and ask them what they thought. Also, doe's the DJ have a web site? If not, there's another indication something may be wrong. On their web site, do they have photo's of themselves and their equipment, or do they have photo's of weddings they have done? They should have plenty of pictures of the latter.

Anyway, hope this helps. CONGRATULATIONS!

[Annabella]

Hello!:) can you tell me how mutch the videographer costs? i'm inquire about famous and unknown videographer:innocent: