There are an abundance of talented DJs out there but selecting the right DJ for your event can make or break your event. Whether you’re organising a wedding, corporate event, or a lively party, hiring a DJ who aligns with your vision is crucial. Encore Musicians’ guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a seamless process from booking to the final beat drop.
How much does it cost to hire a DJ?
On average, a professional DJ will cost around £350 – £570 for 2-3 hours. However, some high-end DJs can cost upwards of £800 per 2-3 hours.
The cost of a DJ will vary widely depending on experience, location, and time of year so do get in touch with one of our experts for a personalised quote.
How long do DJs usually play for?
The average length of a DJ set can vary depending on the type of event, however, here are some general guidelines:
- Weddings: Wedding DJs typically play for 3-6 hours, with a break in the middle for the ceremony and reception.
- Corporate events: Corporate DJs typically play for 2-3 hours.
- Private parties: Private party DJs can play for any length of time, depending on how long you need them.
Most DJs are willing to negotiate on set times, and some are willing to play all night long, so speak to one of our experts today or enquire through our website directly to find the perfect DJ for your next event.
How long do DJs need to set up and soundcheck at the venue?
The amount of time required for a DJ to set up and soundcheck can vary depending on the size and complexity of their equipment but as a good rule of thumb, it’s wise to factor in at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for setup and soundcheck.
If the DJ is bringing additional equipment, such as lights or video, the setup time may be longer. It is also important to factor in the time it will take the DJ to load and unload their equipment at the end of the event.
What do DJs usually wear?
DJs’ attire can vary depending on the type of event but as a brief guide:
- Casual events: For less formal events, DJs may opt for a more relaxed look. This could include jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers.
- More formal events: For more formal events, such as weddings or corporate events, DJs may dress more professionally. This could include a suit, a dress shirt, and dress pants. Some DJs may also wear a bow tie or a tie to add a touch of style.
If you have any specific requirements, you can discuss these with the DJ beforehand but please bear in mind that you might need to pay a small fee for any additional clothing purchased.
Do all DJs MC?
No, not all DJs MC. It is up to the individual DJ whether or not they want to speak to the crowd. Some DJs prefer to focus on the music and let the music speak for itself, while others enjoy interacting with the crowd and keeping them entertained. If you’d like a DJ to MC, it’s best to discuss this with them beforehand.
How much space do DJs need?
DJs require different amounts of space depending on their set-up and event size. In general, a DJ needs at least 2 x 3 metres of space to set up their equipment. They will use this space to set up the DJ table, speakers, mixer, and other equipment.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the space requirements for a DJ:
- DJ table: It should be placed in a central location in the room so that the DJ can easily see the dance floor and the guests.
- Speakers: The speakers should be placed on stands at least 3 feet tall. They should be spaced about 10 feet apart so that the sound is evenly distributed throughout the room.
- Mixer: The mixer should be placed on a shelf or table next to the DJ table. It should be at a height that is comfortable for the DJ to use.
- Other equipment: The DJ may also need space for other equipment, such as lighting, a laptop, and a microphone.
Do DJs provide all their own equipment?
DJs usually have decks, an excellent PA system, microphones, and lighting. The quality of their equipment has a significant impact on the quality of the sound and experience they produce—expensive DJs usually have superior equipment, and this investment in quality and experience is reflected in their price.
Always ask the DJ if they need any more equipment for their performance, as your venue may be able to provide additional sound and lights to enhance the performance.
Can DJs perform outside?
Yes, as long as they have access to a suitable table for the equipment and a reliable power supply, there’s a cover for the equipment and the weather conditions are mild. It’s important to bear in mind, that once set up, it’s difficult to quickly move the DJ equipment inside so you need to be sure that the weather will be stable enough that day to play outside.
Additionally, it’s critical to discuss this with your chosen DJ beforehand as not all DJs will have the right equipment, or insurance or feel comfortable playing outside.
Can I ask a DJ for a song request?
Absolutely! In contrast to other musicians, who have to learn music before performing it, your DJ can play practically any song you request. You can look through our extensive list of DJs and ask them specific questions to tailor their set to your precise needs.
However, we recommend reaching out to your DJ with a list of songs you’d want them to include in their set list before the event to help the performance run as smoothly as possible.
How do I choose the right DJ for my event?
Finding the proper DJ for your event can seem difficult, but with Encore, you can be confident that you can find the perfect DJ for your occasion.
You can go through our 360 expert DJs for hire and filter them by area, pricing, theme, and availability. We provide videos and reviews so you may get a sense of their personality and be confident in their skills. We also offer specialised category sites for DJs for corporate events, weddings, and birthday parties to guarantee that your chosen DJ has experience with the type of event you are holding.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few DJs, you may directly enquire on the site and ask more detailed questions about their mixing style, an example of one of their typical DJ sets, and how they interact with the crowd. Depending on your needs, you can also decide whether you want a party DJ who keeps the dance floor packed or a DJ who plays atmospheric background music.
How far in advance should I book a DJ?
We advise booking a DJ as soon as possible. The best DJs are usually booked months in advance, and during wedding seasons and festive seasons, they may even be booked years ahead. Book as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment and secure the best DJs for your event.
Expert Tips for Hiring a DJ
- Define the type of event and your desired vibe: The type of event and your desired vibe will significantly influence the choice of DJ. For instance, a wedding DJ should be versatile, catering to a wide range of music genres, while a private party DJ might focus on energetic dance music to keep the dance floor full.
- Discuss technical requirements: Check which equipment, such as sound system and lighting they provide, as well as, which they might need beforehand to make sure the event runs smoothly.
- Ask for requests in advance: While most DJs will be fine with requests on the night, it is best where possible to arrange any song requests beforehand. Receiving requests beforehand allows the DJ to plan their set more effectively, ensuring a seamless and engaging performance.
Encore’s Top DJs for Hire
While the perfect DJ for your event will depend on your tastes and preferences, below are some of Encore’s top DJs for hire.
George Hilton
George Hilton is a seasoned club and event DJ, with residencies at Sketch (London), Che Cha (St. Moritz), Maxx Royal (Antalya), and private & VIP parties at Kensington Palace, Chiltern Firehouse, Monaco Yacht Show, and Villa Il Cerretino. George focuses on quality mixing (vinyl & CDJs) and his sets are designed for customers who want more than just a typical wedding DJ. Book George for your next event and prepare to be blown away.
Jodie Yang – Cooper
Jodie Yang-Cooper, an international female singer and DJ who combines live vocals while mixing, has been hired to work for prestigious clients such as COP 26 annual party, Womens Euro 2022, YSL, Mercedes Benz, Waldorf Astoria, The Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, BMW, and Mitsubishi Motors. Jodie plays 90’s, disco, house, and Ibiza classics, plus some old-school favourites. As a talented female singer, her incredible vocal abilities allow her to incorporate live vocal samples into her DJ sets.
DJ MRBECKZ
MrBeckz is a seasoned DJ with over ten years of experience. He has entertained a wide range of audiences for both public and private occasions such as weddings, birthdays, proms, bars and clubs, fashion events, community and corporate events, bar mitzvahs and festivals. London Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz, the Royal Albert Hall and many more prominent companies are among his past clientele.
DJ Sparx
DJ Sparx is a young professional female DJ from Holland who has performed at several of the UK’s premier locations, including The Hilton, the ME Hotel, the Balmoral House Hotel, and the Jumeirah Carlton. She is well-known for her exceptional ability to read the crowd and deliver a spectacular, dynamic performance wherever she performs.
DJ Sparx is the ideal choice for any occasion, with a song library of over 20,000 songs and musical knowledge embracing a wide range of genres and age groups.
Tom Green
Tom Green has established himself as a versatile and skilled DJ with 20 years of experience behind the turntables, catering for private and corporate functions around the UK and overseas. He honed his craft in London’s clubs, including Fabric, Cargo, Roundhouse, The Gherkin, The London Eye, The London Film Museum, The Savoy, Mayfair Hotel, The London Edition, and Claridges.
TwoTone
With a live element that sets them apart from other DJs, TwoTone’s mixes are one-of-a-kind. With more than ten years of experience, they have toured internationally, performed at festivals and appeared on commercial TV (BBC/Channel 4/BT sport) and radio (Radio 1/XFM).
DJ*Tea
DJ*Téa, an organised and accomplished DJ, is well-versed in various styles and genres. She is predominantly a corporate event and wedding DJ who has performed across Europe, including residencies at Elba Island (Italy), Sea Lounge (Kent), JB7 (Florence), Lake Malawi (Africa), and Lemnos Island (Greece), as well as private and VIP parties.
DJ*Tea provides inflatable saxophones, guitars, and microphones for attendees to interact with, and offers package deals with accompanying live musicians if you’d like a live DJ set.
Kruel Intentions is an international Radio DJ/Producer focusing on dance music from London, UK. Kruel Intentions has an impressive professional background, having played at iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound, Ocean Beach, Electric, and Brixton O2 Academy, as well as, big-name festivals such as Elrow, South West Four Festival, Arcadia, Adobe in the Park, and We Are Fstvl.
DJ Paula Frost
Paula is a radio and live DJ who has performed in 16 countries in the last several years, including parties in Sri Lanka, Italy, and Vietnam! She’s been DJing for 6 years, routinely working in a range of industries ranging from clubs, festivals, and parties to weddings, private parties, radio broadcasting, and live event support.
She is a skilled DJ who enjoys remixing her own songs to fit the mood of the party. DJ Paula Frost is a well-known figure in the music industry, having written for NME Magazine, drummed in a number of bands, and interviewed a number of great artists. This gives her an advantage as a DJ because she is familiar with a wide range of musical genres.
Final thoughts
Booking the right DJ is an investment in the success of your event. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll not only find a DJ who aligns with your vision but also ensure a seamless musical experience for you and your guests.
Speak to one of our experts today if you’d like tailored recommendations for your event or browse through our collection of talented, professional DJs for hire.