Music is the lifeblood of any event, so getting the tunes right for your reception is crucial. However, hiring a wedding DJ that knocks the socks off your guests doesn’t have to be extortionate. There are professional music makers available for all budgets!
In this blog, you’ll find a complete guide to booking a wedding DJ, average DJ costs, and the best way to organise your wedding budget for the event. You’ll have the reception booked and planned in no time.
Scroll down to explore the true wedding DJ cost now!
Why Hire a Wedding DJ?
From the electric last dance to tasteful ceremony music, a wedding DJ can transform your event with carefully curated songs. These mixers know how to set the mood, read your guests’ energy, and ensure your night is one to remember.
Plus, hiring a professional wedding DJ ensures your big day runs smoothly. While it’s kind to let one of your mates DJ, you might spend the night on the edge of your chair hoping an embarrassing song doesn’t make the mix. With a pro, you can sit back and relax (or boogie), knowing your wedding entertainment is in experienced hands.
- Here are some other benefits of working with a wedding DJ:
- Professional equipment and microphones
- Reliability
- Peace of mind
- Experience at other wedding events
- Access to a variety of genres
With over 360 professional wedding DJs on our books, Encore is ready to find the perfect music master for your event.
Average Cost of a Wedding DJ
Onto the most important factor: the cost of hiring a wedding DJ.
In the UK, the average cost is around £260 to £600 depending on the individual factors of your event — but more about these below. Couples also typically book wedding DJs for one to three hours.
When looking for a wedding DJ, examine their experience and reviews to ensure you book someone with a good reputation. And remember, you can spend as much or as little as you want to. There’s no one-size-fits-all here!
Not sure about wedding DJs? Jazz bands and party bands are popular nuptial alternatives.
DJ vs Live DJs
Most people know about DJ’s, a disc jockey with a deep knowledge of music who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. DJ’s are popular for events because they can seamlessly mix and blend tracks to create a constant flow of music that keeps the energy levels high and the dance floor full all night long. DJ’s can provide a wide variety of music and are also experts at reading the room so can adapt their set accordingly to ensure everyone is having a good time.
Live wedding DJ’s are DJ’s mixed with live musicians who often improvise and experiment with their music, creating unique and spontaneous performances. Live DJ’s are becoming increasingly popular for weddings as they provide more immersive and engaging performances, making the event more memorable for you and your guests.
For a Live DJ for 2 hours, it will cost from £400 to £600+ for more experienced groups.
Factors That Influence Cost
When you want to hire a DJ, you’ll notice prices fluctuate significantly. A range of factors can influence the costs, and we’ve outlined the main ones below.
Experience
Experienced wedding DJs can charge more than newbies, as they have the feedback and portfolio to prove they’ll put on a good show.
This doesn’t mean new wedding DJs won’t be as good. But when you book with an experienced DJ, you’re paying more for their years of experience, professionalism, and ability to handle any scenario.
Equipment
Typically, DJs offer a range of additional equipment to enhance the sound and show. However, these add-ons will cost more due to the extra set-up time and equipment costs.
- Popular wedding DJ equipment add-ons include:
- Microphones
- Extra speakers
- Additional lighting
- Projection equipment
- Video screens
- Dance floors
- Karaoke machines
These can take your reception to the next level, but make sure you factor the extra cost into your wedding budget. Preparing is essential!
Length of Event
A major factor in any wedding DJ cost is the length of time you’re booking. As you’d expect, longer events will cost more than shorter events. So, if you want a DJ for the reception and ceremony, you’ll pay more than a reception-only booking.
Many DJs offer per-hour price packages. However, others offer wedding-specific packages and then charge extra for any add-ons.
Pro Tip: Always ask your potential wedding DJ about pricing specifics before agreeing to the service! It’s better to be clear before booking.
Travel Extras
Travel is another common cost couples forget when searching for wedding DJs.
DJs (and most wedding vendors) offer free travel to events nearby. But when your venue is further away, they’ll charge extra to cover their travel to the event. This is standard for DJs and a reason why browsing nearby musicians is a good strategy. Sorry, destination weddings!
How to Budget for a Wedding DJ
Now you know the ins and outs of hiring a wedding DJ. It’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some tips on how to save money while finding wedding entertainment that provides excellent value!
Save this page to help you structure your wedding budget. Now let’s get started!
Book Early
When it comes to hiring a DJ for your event, it is highly recommended to book them well in advance. By doing so, you open up a wider range of options and increase your chances of finding the perfect DJ that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
Firstly, booking a DJ early can save you money. Last-minute bookings are more expensive because DJs charge extra for short notice. By booking in advance, you can negotiate better prices and get early bird discounts or package deals. This helps you stick to your budget and use your money for other parts of your event.
Secondly, booking early allows you to research and choose a DJ carefully. You can read reviews, listen to their music, and see them perform live to make sure they are what you want.
Lastly, booking early gives you more flexibility with scheduling. Popular DJs are often busy and their availability may be limited as the event gets closer.
Don’t Book For The Whole Event
If you find yourself working with a tight budget, one way to save money is by considering hiring a wedding DJ for only a couple of hours in the evening or during the cocktail hour. By doing so, you can still enjoy the expertise and entertainment provided by a professional DJ during the most crucial parts of the celebration.
Once the DJ’s time is up, you can seamlessly transition to a pre-prepared dance playlist for the remainder of the night. This allows you to keep the party vibes going and ensures that your guests can continue dancing and enjoying themselves. With the availability of various music streaming platforms and playlists, it is relatively easy to curate a selection of songs that will keep the energy high and the dance floor packed.
Nervous about filling the floor? Find the 5 simple tips to get wedding guests dancing here.
Consider Add-Ons
By allocating additional funds for the DJ’s add-ons, you can avoid any unexpected fees that may arise. These add-ons could include equipment rentals such as projectors, screens, or special lighting fixtures that are not typically included in the standard DJ package. By being proactive and budgeting for these extras, you can ensure that your wedding vision is fully realized without any financial surprises.
Moreover, considering the DJ’s add-on expenses allows you to have a more comprehensive understanding of the total cost of hiring a DJ for your wedding. It’s important to have a clear picture of all the potential expenses involved, as this will help you make informed decisions and avoid any last-minute financial strain.
Browse Local DJs
When you begin your search for a wedding DJ, it is important to consider filtering your options to professionals who are located near your chosen venue. This will greatly reduce the travel costs for your musicians and therefore reducing your overall quote.
As well as reducing costs, local musicians have several other benefits. Firstly, a shorter commute to the gig means the musician will be more refreshed and ready to perform and reduce any chances of delays or complications. A local musician might also know the area or venue well meaning they are less likely to get lost and might have a good understanding of acoustics of the venue already.
Remember Off-Peak Dates
DJs often charge higher fees on weekends or national holidays due to the high demand during these times. However, if you are looking to save some money, it is highly recommended to plan your wedding on a weekday or during the off-peak season.
Fun fact: There’s less competition for DJs during the off-peak season, so you’ll likely be able to book last-minute vendors for lower costs.
Conclusion
Hiring a wedding DJ is an exciting step on the journey to the altar. However, it takes a little preparation to get the best deal. Hopefully, this guide has helped you start your planning. Good luck, and we’ll see you on the dance floor!
Are you ready to book a wedding DJ? Encore Musicians can connect you with professional DJs all across the UK. From multi-genre DJs to non-stop party vibes, we have over 360 talented musicians for all needs.
Explore top-rated wedding DJs now and see their rates, or enquire for personalised quotes.