How much should you expect to pay for a DJ for 5 hours?

After reading all of the posts, Scottish is right on the mark with everything. DJ's don't need a license to call themselves a DJ. So, many unskilled and untrained people are getting into the market, and calling themselves DJ's. You can get a Craigslist DJ for $300 or a professional like Scottish for a lot more... but he'll be bringing a lot more to the table.

Is it worth it to you? And, is it a risk you're willing to take? You can buy a Cadillac, or you can buy a Pinto, they'll both get you where you want to go, but what "style & quality" are you hoping for?

Prices range from $300 to about $2500 for DJ's throughout the US. Quality, value, professionalism, service and ethics goes hand in hand with price in MOST cases. Or you can "flip a coin". Good luck!

Here in Cali, we have a DJ and an MC for six hours. They come in two hours early and set up (not included in price) and stay an hour after to clean it all up. The price was $2700 and included the following:

- A DJ and MC (two separate people, one to do the music, one to entertain and keep the flow moving) for six hours

- Three, two hour meetings to discuss how we want the night to go (though he's a really cool guy and texts constantly)

- A video montage (10 mins) of my fiance and I playing during the reception

- "Dancing in the clouds" for the first dance (really its dry ice lol)

It was more money than I wanted to spend (had wanted to go around $2000) but for me, it's totally worth it. I've been to several weddings that were just plain boring, and I would hate for guests to leave early because the DJ sucked. He sets the stage for the whole night, and if I'm going to be paying so much for everything else, I might as well not screw it all up with lousy music.

Eta: My ceremony and reception are at the same location, with the ceremony outside in the garden and the reception inside in the ballroom. They include ceremony services and have a second site set up outside to "set the mood" before I come down the aisle. The reason I like them is that they orchestrate the entire night... no worries on my end *whew*

I also would never trust a DJ who said he was $199. That has shady written all over it. You don't need to spend $2000, but you do need to prioritize and consider what's important to spend the money on and what you can skimp on.

Kiki, I have known this DJ for just over a year and have seen and heard several performances. I also know other people in the wedding business and they have recommended him. This is not a shady deal. It is the real deal. The price he is giving to me is not the price he usually charges.

I know "what's important to spend the money on and what you can skimp on."

Our DJ is a good friend of my FH & he's $450 for hours. He also is doing our lighting

Gee, I think I need to raise my prices :=). I would charge $750 for 5 hours of reception and ceremony, if located in the same venue, with basic lighting package.

Dan

My DJ has been in business for 20 years, he did our friends wedding 2 years ago and he was amazing. the more stuff you want with the packages the more expensive he gets. he's charging us $350 for 6 hours. we didnt want special lights or anything else. the package we chose comes with 2 speakers, 2 amps and 2 sub woofers. i think it all depends on where you live and who you know.

I'm paying $1350 but getting a deal from a friend. They normally charge $1895 for local LA DJ'ing but I'm having my wedding in Palm Springs so...paying the $1350 plus a room for a night...so about 1500.

The going rate in LA for a decent DJ seems to be around $1800...unless you love the Chicken Dance. lol

My FH's cousin is a DJ. He's a great guy and a great DJ. We're excited to have someone we love and trust be the one to DJ for us! He knows us, knows what we like, and is good at what he does...what more could we ask for. We haven't really talked much about compensation. Honestly, I think he would do it for free for us so we'll have to trick him into taking something! I feel lucky to not have to worry about this part of the wedding b/c it is important to have a great DJ. Good luck w/your search.

I'm in South Carolina so things are cheaper here than in bigger cities, but I was quoted $650 for the ceremony and reception, up to 5 hours. That includes everything - even lighting. I've read lots of reviews on this guy and they've all been very positive, so I'm pretty comfortable that he would be a great choice.

I am in NJ and we are paying $1,100 even for our DJ. He is also providing music for the ceremony. I know he is showing up about 2 hours before the ceremony to get everything set up and make sure everything is working correctly.

We paid $770 for 4 1/2 hours. However we were so happy with our DJ that we sent him a thank you card afterwards with a $100 tip!

Largely depends on where you are located.

FH and I are paying 450 for 5 hours with complete lighting show that he provides. We are getting a great deal... he was the dj the night we got engaged.

Heather has an excellent point. Two speakers, two subs and two amps can easily be done for that price. I'd happily provide that for the price... but many brides then want lights, microphones, uplighting, announcements, consultations... etc, etc... it all adds up.

I'd love to JUST provide four speakers for $350. Ten minute set up, and away you go. There's a lot more to the experience that typically comes with the service, but cutting corners is always an option to save.

I got my DJ here in Denver, CO it's going to be $645.00 for 6 hours w/ lights and such. Here in Denver that seems to be about on the mid - low end but I met the guy he is VERY friendly and funny, and he has GREAT reviews on here from other brides so I know I'll be happy with him.

$800 would be in the high end for me. $500 range and below would be much more acceptable to me. But then music is not an important factor in my family at all.

We r paying around 600$ in Ok. there are pricier and much less so....but, I picked the DJ based on how seriously he took my wedding and personality!

It varies by area and by exactly what you're looking for. Shop around--call a few people and talk with them on the phone. Ask for references and check on them. Then decide, based partly on price and partly on who you're comfortable with who has a good reputation.

To answer your first question, we would charge about $600 for five hours, plus $100 to do the reception sound if it's on site, $150 to do the reception if it's at a different location. That includes both sound and dance floor lighting, as well as MCing the reception.

We carry equipment that can be used for two complete sound systems. That's important both because it allows us to cover sound for the ceremony and the reception and because it gives us a built in backup in case of equipment failure.

I invite all future brides and grooms to check out our reviews and send us an email with your event info and we will be more than happy to provide you with a reasonable quote. We travel almost anywhere.

Best of luck and Happy Holidays!!

If it was any less than $600-$700 range I would be shocked. Unless it was some special deal or somebody I knew.