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

@ ProLatinDJs. I'm interested - what does "reasonable quote" actually mean? As I think we've established, price varies by area. Are you saying you can be "reasonable" in every area? Why not give an actual price range - rather than vague sales-y ad-speak? Just a suggestion.

Can anyone recommend a good DJ in Houston, TX area? I've been looking around for a DJ for 5 hrs. The one my friend recommended is already booked on the date.

We paid $1000 in the MD/DC/Baltimore Area... although we got a $500 discount cause we knew the DJ personally.

I am paying $575 in the DMV, but that's for 4 1/2 hrs.

PRIMETIME DJ •Scott Smith - Owner

•520-431-1377 - Cell

Simple he is cheap but has all the nice stuff I know because all the brides hire him.

Paying $695 for us. He is actually a friend of my FH's and is giving us the cheaper package with the additional lighting from the more expensive one for nothing. We are using him for roughly 5 hours. If we need him longer I think it is an additional $150.

I totally understand working with a budget but there are certain areas where I think it's worthwhile to make sure that you are dealing with a seasoned professional and the phrase "you get what you pay for applies"

When you think about the wedding, where your money goes and which aspects have the most impact on the guests (and your) experience over a 4-5 hour time frame.

The flowers look nice as people walk in, the food is great during the hour of dinner but the entertainment is the one of the driving forces from start to finish.

The shift in technology (CDs, MP3, Laptop DJs etc…) over the last few years has FLOODED the market with DJs that went out and bought gear and downloaded music but don't necessarily understand the fundamentals of how to creative the right environment for a wedding. (Many of them are bedroom DJs or nightclub DJs looking for work to help gain experience which is why they will work for so cheap)

Screen carefully and expect to spend at least $800-$1600.

Am planning my 2010 wedding n scared of bookin a bad dj i have contacted a couple that "look" good but one keeps callin non stop which worries me is he just a bad dj lookin for work or somene good that will make our day memorable

A true "Professional" will return your e-mail or phone call once or twice at the most! Any more than that, you're dealing with an amateur who is desperate for a gig.

I am paying $350 for my dj. I am however a little worried about the musical selection he has. He played about 45 minutes worth of music and I liked the jazz during dinner concept he proposed and even throwing a a few slides and oldies in for the older guest...but he never played any music that a 25 year old would want to listen to. Would it be rude to supply a list of what we would like played thrown into the mix too?

I'm a DJ working out of Cape Cod. We encourage brides and grooms to share their musical do's and don'ts - that is, "do play and please do not play!" Also, I've had brides choose every single song, in order, for the cocktail hour, dinner, and reception dance music (with mixed results). Cocktail hour and dinner have always worked out quite well - the stumbling block for dancing always seems to be covering the ages attending the reception (from grandma to 11 year old flower girl; with mom and dad's friends in between and plenty for bride and grooms friends. The math of music is easy enough - you need 17 to 18 songs per hour - a list of 100 songs covers most events nicely. But, remember you may love HH & Rap, etc.; but f bombs, & gangsta not so much fun for everyone else. So, yes - share your musical tastes with your DJ - he or she, if professional, will be happy to listen to your suggestions and find your music if necessary. area prices = bare bones 500 to 1,000 avg price 750

I'm a DJ and I only charge $150.00

Can anyone suggest a good DJ in Los Angeles? thats not super expensive. an average price?