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Just Said Yes October 2019

Hire dj vs. have friend Dj?

Kayla, on April 13, 2019 at 4:03 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 11

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Okay, so we are torn between recruiting a friend to DJ or hiring a DJ. We are on a tight budget and our venue would charge an additional $200 to have a professional DJ there. We would rather avoid that absurd fee if possible.

That said, we also don't want this friend to feel left out at the wedding. We would of course ask and make sure he is comfortable with it (but he is a very jovial, outgoing guy and might enjoy the role), but we're still not sure. We would offer compensation and give a gift as well. And we already have music picked out, so there wouldn't be additional responsibility beyond announcing dances and keeping the music going according to plan.

Has anyone had a friend DJ? Did it go okay or would you advise against it? How much compensation do you think is fair? $200?

We're just worried because we don't think we can afford a $200 fee on top of what the DJ charges.

Thanks for any input you can provide!

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11 Comments

Latest activity by Anna, on June 17, 2019 at 8:10 PM

VIP October 2018
Victoria · on April 13, 2019 at 4:21 PM
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Does the venue provide the DJ for $200 or do they charge a fee to allow you to have a DJ?

I wouldn't have a friend DJ. Your friends are going to want to be dancing, maybe drinking, socializing and he really can't do that if he's stuck playing music and making announcements all night.
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Just Said Yes October 2019
Kayla · on April 13, 2019 at 4:28 PM
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They charge a fee to allow us to have one, unfortunately.

That's what I'm worried about. Thank you for the input!
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Master May 2020
Tara · on April 13, 2019 at 6:23 PM
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It’s okay if you do a friend but I highly recommend you draft up a contract!
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Super January 2020
Cassie · on April 14, 2019 at 7:30 AM
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I think it’s ridiculous for your venue to charge you for having a DJ if they aren’t providing one for you. If you think your friend would enjoy it then ask him but I personally wouldn’t want to be asked to work at a friends wedding. I’ve made wedding cakes for a few of my friends weddings but that’s done in advance and I could still enjoy and actually be a guest.
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Super September 2019
Will & Tiara · on April 14, 2019 at 1:09 PM
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Do not give the venue an additional $200. However, do some research for other DJs and see what pricing you get. Your pal could be the MC (I'm sure he would do it for free--it's fun and not much work) along with a professional DJ and you get the best of both worlds. He doesn't have to be front and center the whole event, just call out each highlight as the evening progresses and he will still eat and enjoy himself.
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VIP January 2020
Vicky · on April 14, 2019 at 2:38 PM
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Don't ask your friend to work your wedding. He's a guest, not a vendor. It's like being the secretary at a meeting - you have to focus on the details of what's going on so you don't get to actually participate in the event like everyone else does.
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Just Said Yes October 2019
Kayla · on April 14, 2019 at 3:57 PM
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Thank you for all of your input!!
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
Clíodhna · on June 13, 2019 at 12:49 PM
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Did you and your FS decide what to do about the DJ, Kayla? Will you be hiring a DJ?
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Just Said Yes October 2019
Kayla · on June 13, 2019 at 7:10 PM
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We did! We decided that for our peace of mind and for every guest to be able to participate in the wedding and reception, it was worth the cost of hiring a DJ. Look at great rate DJs for the lowest rates we saw anywhere!! Good luck!
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
Clíodhna · on June 14, 2019 at 12:11 PM
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I think you and your FS made a great decision
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Devoted September 2020
Anna · on June 17, 2019 at 8:10 PM
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Hire dj. Why would you put a friend to work?
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