DJ quotes?

Our dj travelled 6 hours, with his equipment including lights and fog machine thing, Played music from 5 PM-2;30AM, we used a mic and speaker for the ceremony and we paid 1700. Worth every penny, he is an awesome dj, and a great friend! PS: And that was cutting a deal for us too.

It varies from a couple hundred to a couple thousand- based on what they are providing.

Is he a professional wedding DJ? There is a difference between being a good DJ and a good wedding DJ. They need the experience of the announcements, creating the flow of events and playing music appropriate for a wedding. You don't play the same music at a wedding that you play at a party or in the club.

But national average is $1500. Lighting is extra.

Yes, he's done weddings. He has full set up with cordless mics, lights, no fog machine (wouldn't want it anyways) He is very people friendly. He teaches dance lessons and is a very sweet guy, older and has had a lot of experience. He is super fun to be around. He has a wide range of music appropriate for wedding. He is not a club dj, he dj's for a country bar down the road from us, which goes along with what we want anyways. I feel very comfortable and have no doubt about him, I just want to be sure we don't rip him off. lol

Good- just wanted to make sure. Many people think a DJ is a DJ. BUt you don't want a club spinner running your wedding. If he's got wedding experience- you've fallen into a goldmine!

But as many people on here who hav worked with friends will tell you- get a rock solid contract and have him treat you like any other client!

Remember- he is giving you a double gift! Say he charges $1000. He's giving you $1000 worth of services, free. In addition, he's freeing up that $1000 in your budget to upgrade your photographry package, or flowers, or nicer centerpieces.

I know he said just give him something to cover his assistant- but I'd consider being very generous. He is not charging you- and taking that date of his calendar that he can provide services to a full price paying client.

I'd do a generous gift card and a personal gift that he would enjoy to show your appreciation.

Find out what he charges at the bar gig, and toss in an extra Franklin. Most DJ's give a substantial discount to bars/clubs who hire them on a regular basis. He'll love a "tip" on his normal rate for a bar.

Generious is what we are all about. We have honestly been blessed in regards to our vendors. Our photography, cake, and favors have all been offered to us as gifts, so this takes the cake! We will definitly be giving everyone a nice gift card and thank you gift. we seriously scored. lol it's nice knowing people!

And thats a great idea Tyrone, I'll ask him what he usually charges the bar.

thanks you guys, I'm glad I've finally used these forums!

We are paying 995 for 2 venues, 8 hours of music and he has all the wireless mics and lights and fog

DJ prices are all over the board. From the $175 craigslist special to the $5,000 "over the top" DJ... there's all kinds of prices out there. Most bars pay between $150--$300/evening for DJ's.

If he's bringing an assistant, you can probably assume he pays his assistant at least $100 (that's what I pay my Jr assistants when they work with me). If he's bringing a more experienced DJ... that could be more.

So... give them as much as you can afford and feel comfortable with.

Amateur DJ's will charge the same amount it would cost you to rent equipment, around $500. A full time professional wedding DJ will charge $1,200 and up. Weddings are much more detailed, and requires much more responsibility from the DJ than just playing music. A professional wedding DJ has the responsibility of being the MC, not just an announcer, it's is much different. An MC coordinates all ceremonies (formalities) i.e. introductions, toasts, dinner, 1st dance, parents dances, cake cutting, etc..

To be able to do this in a timely matter & coordinate with all other vendors there must be a plan. You must plan all the ceremonies / formalities with your MC before hand so your reception won't seem disorganized. It should be smooth flowing. Does your fiancee's friend have a reception plan, or will he just show up to play music?

Our DJ is charging us 1k and is playing music for our pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Also including a lighting pacakge and I think mics for the ceremony too but I have to double check the contract on that cause I can't remember off the top of my head. He is a business friend that my mom and I have known for years.