dj Cost? Alternatives?

I would look into an establish DJ with good reviews and ask them if they are available for shorter "packages" or times.

I'd recommend an iPod DJ for the ceremony and cocktail hour but if you want dancing during the reception a good DJ is worth their weight in gold!

We paid $1k for 8 hours

It could be a good idea because DJs are on the expensive side I don't think you would find one for less than $500.they are 1200 and up

I spent $800 for a DJ who does uplighting as well. I'm in a low cost of living area.
A DJ is worth the expense. They will help your reception run smoothly and keep the party going.

You could make a cd with all your favorite songs with some song request by your guest

If you want any dancing at your reception you really need a DJ. If you are going for a dinner party type vibe then you could go the iPod playlist route.

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Wow, that's less than I was expecting!

Hmmm...wonder if I could do iPod for ceremony, cocktail hour, AND dinner, then get DJ for the 3-4 hours or so of dancing and whatnot. Package question is a good one to ask, thanks!

My DJ is $500 for the ceremony and reception

My fw sister hired a dj and their equipment went out they had to go upstairs and play it from the brother in laws phone the refunded 400 dollars because the equipment malfunctioned

I think it depends on your area. I found a DJ that has a special going on so I got 5 hours for 600 (including ceremony). However I went to a wedding once where they did pretty much what you're suggesting. They had a friend "DJ" he was fairly outgoing/comfortable in that role and it worked out great.

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That's the other thing, we're not huge on dancing. We want it to be an option for those who love it, but not necessarily the sole focus of the evening. We're hoping to have bonfire, social area, and games available in addition to dance. We've got a friend who would be willing to take the mic and announce things like first dance for us, if that makes any difference in need for DJ?

View Quoted Comment That's unfortunate, but that rarely happens for a professional.

Whoa some of these prices you're listing seriously give me hope for a DJ, though! I was expecting it to cost like $1,500!!! Our wedding is in central MN so the cost would be "city prices," but not as bad as east/west coast prices, for example.

View Quoted Comment Look around at the smaller cities around you. DJs in my city go for $2000+ because they have a monopoly on the area. I found a DJ two towns over with amazing reviews who charged a $100 travel fee (total cost coming to $800). Good luck!

I would look around. We found an awesome DJ who does it as a way to raise extra money for their disabled sons. Literally if you have $300 that’s what they do the entire day for.

Lol for a mobile dj. WeddingWire may have a few in the vendor list. Ours is $1000 and includes a photobooth! If you're a part of a Facebook wedding garage sale group you may also find listings there.if not, those brides may be able to offer recommendations.

Our DJ is $1200, but we originally weren’t into the ideaa s thought we’d just have someone in the bridal party watch over an iPod/laptop. After chatting with the DJ about what he would do and how things worked we figured it was worth it. Our DJ will manage and have mics for the ceremony, bring dance floor lighting and MC the reception - which means we have someone to keep everything in schedule. We also don’t need to rental any audio equipment. Overall it comes down to how much do you want to hire someone to handle. If you find a DJ in your budget, they can be worth it.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this ^^^.

Our dj is $500 and we have him for the ceremony and reception 🙂

I spent $1200 for my DJ

I am spending $600 for a dj for 5 hours. I would recommend getting the most quotes you can and ask for thing you need. A lot of the time they can cut the package or costomixe a package for you. My venue comes with lights and stuff I just need the basic.