DJ Cost & Tipping - How Much?

Our DJ is family and coming from NJ, not sure if we will have the money to tip him or will just take him and his wife (my cousin) out to dinner the day the come into town, if there's time.

The DJ gets his/her tip. Now, all vendors does too? Photoghrapher, videographer, baker, make up artist, hair stylist, decorator, the venue cordinator also. But do they get it the tip according the cost, do we go according the percentage to the cost. Or can we give each of them an even amount¿?

Superman Bride, that wasn't an invitation to slam celebrants, and I frankly don't understand why you took it as one.

I don't understand tipping people who don't depend on tips for part of their salary (like waiters, etc.) I don't get why there is a tip cup up at Starbucks and not at my dentist's office.

If you have a fabulous anyone, then tip them if you'd like, but leave me out of it, okay?

Our dj owns his own company, hes a one man show...so i dont plan on tipping. We are paying $1150 for his services.

I don't know that 10% is too high. I, though not a DJ, am someone who is in a tipped position, and am a little (okay, very) biased. I feel that if he does an exceptional job, is prompt, professional, and does his job to a tee the way you request it, he may deserve 8%-10%. HOWEVER, if he is mediocre, don't feel bad about tipping him less. Our DJ is also 1800, and we are looking to pay him 10% tip ($180-- but he is excellent). After all, the term 'tips' supposedly is an acronym for "To Insure Proper Service".

@ $1800 for 6 hours, that is $300 an hour, depending on how much the company gives him... even if it was half, he'd be making $150 an hour. sounds good enough to me.

I would say $50-$100 is a nice tip.

I am also paying $1800 for my DJ but he owns his own business and that price is the top of the range for DJs that I found so we don't plan to tip.

Let me just say that if you want to tip you can. It is not expected. Venues usually have a service charge calculated into the contract so no need to tip there; check your contract though. For all the others, if they truly did an exceptional job, then tip away if you want too. I would use the owning their own business as a loose guideline, because they set their own prices. Also, you do not have to give actual money.. you can give them a gift if you want, like a bottle of nice wine or a gift card. You decide. I do "day of coordination" services for weddings and I do not expect a tip.

Our DJ was a good friend (we just had to pay the two guys working with him), but it was supposed to cost about $3,000. About half of that was the photo booth cost. We tipped our friend $200 and each of the other guys $50 (they were paid $300 each for 5 hours of assisting/running the photo booth). Tipping has gotten crazy! We were happy to tip the dj though- they really are the ones who create the atmosphere you want!

The photo booth from the dj was one of the best decisions we made! Our guests absolutely loved it and we also have copies of all the pics. I made personalized magnetic photo booth frame favors and my guests absolutely loved them! After a few people asked if I'd make some for their events, I opened an Etsy shop! Take a look:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/200828388/personalized-magnetic-photo-booth-photo?ref=cat_gallery_2&ga_search_query=magnetic+photo+booth+frame+favor&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

Where do most of you live? I live in NY and so far can not find a DJ less then $1800. I was also told by someone who got married two years ago you have to tip at least $500 to each vendor as well as Bridal Attendant, MaitreD, etc. Is this true? I don't have all this money.

Hi Rachel - that person who got married two years ago was very, very generous! Wow!

Take it from us - it's not necessary to tip the DJ. I hope this helps put you at ease. But if you feel your performer has gone above and beyond by the end of your night, and you want to tip, then they're most likely to graciously accept. If you do decide to tip, it should be discretionary (20 to 100 is typical), and not based on percentage.

Please tip your dj. They put much more time into preparing for your event than the 4 or 5 hours they are there. Meeting with you, creating playlists, setting up and breaking down, travel time and wear and tear on their equipment. So if you are pleased with your dj, tip him. Sincerely the dj's wife

Please tip your dj. They put much more time into preparing for your event than the 4 or 5 hours they are there. Meeting with you, creating playlists, setting up and breaking down, travel time and wear and tear on their equipment. So if you are pleased with your dj, tip him. Sincerely the dj's wife

I'm not sure how it is in Boston, but in Southern California, it's not customary to tip the DJ unless she or he is an employee for the DJ company.

Tips are always appreciated though, and $100 is super gracious. As the owner of my company, the best tip I can receive is a review on WeddingWire or theKnot. Hope that helps!

The company we are using does DJ, photo and video. It’s costing us $6149 for the following:
I have NO IDEA what would be fair to tip all these people.
Dj Services:
Emcee - Master of Ceremonies
DJ Music Mixer
Ceremony Music(At Graycliff Only)
Extreme Giveaway Package
All Announcements and Coordination

In-House Lighting
*Complete Accent Lighting in Color of Your Choice
*Theatrical Entrances w/Spotlights For All Special Moments
*Intelligent Dance Lighting

Photobooth
*12x12 Scrapbook
*Unlimited Personalized Photo Strips
*Flash Drive Keepsake w/ All Photos Taken
*Color or Black&White Option

Photography
*Two Main Shooters with Professional Digital Cameras
*Ceremony and Reception Coverage
*Photo Session at Location of Your Choice
*One Album 10x10 album or 12x12 album
*High Res Disc with All Edited Pictures
*100 Thank You Cards
*8 Hours of Coverage
*All Copyrights to Bride & Groom

Videography Full Edit or Raw Footage
*Photo Session
*Ceremony and Reception Coverage
*8 Hours of Coverage
*3 DVDs with Menu