The cost of hiring a Wedding DJ
Picture the scene – you’ve finally sat down together and said “Right, let’s look at sorting out a DJ.” You’ve found a couple of websites that you like the look of, and you have sent off a message to each of them asking for a bit more info and a price. Both DJs have gotten back to you and the prices they have given you are very different. You’re now wondering why they are so different, so you log onto Google and type into the search box “Average Price Of A Wedding DJ”. The results of that search term don’t so much as help but muddies the waters considerably.
Is this starting to sound a bit familiar?
I’m sure that you have already read Blog posts like this before. You’re no doubt expecting me to start speaking ill of those who charge a certain price and “how they give proper DJs a bad name!” There’s a talented DJ I know that likes to refer to those types of posts as marketing via the method of FUD – Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, and he’s right. You’re also probably expecting me to preach that “this is my full-time job and it pays for my mortgage…” and all the other stuff that you really couldn’t care less about (and why would you?). Well, I’m not going to do that.
Instead, I'm going to tell you that I believe in what I call the four pillars of a wedding: your venue (with catering), your documenters (your photography and/or videography), your flowers and your entertainment. Along with you two and your guests, these are the core areas to build your wedding around. There is a lot out there that are fantastic extras and if you can set some of your budget to one side to get those extras then you should definitely do that but, in my own (and possibly biased) opinion, not at the expense of the four pillars. It’s that old saying that it’s better to do the basics well...
I pride myself on offering a service that you wouldn’t expect from a typical mobile disco. I could go on about how my choice of sound is fantastic in quality and no matter the size of the room, I will bring speakers that are clear, crisp and punchy (which they are!). I could also talk about how the lighting I use is not the dotty stuff, but the sort of lighting you see in theatres, clubs and festivals that really offer that ‘WOW!’ factor (which it does) but what really matters is tailoring the event to you and your guests. Not many DJs offer this service, but I always meet with my clients before their events to find out what they and their guests like to dance to. I don’t offer a standard ‘rock up and play the usual suspects’ performance because you don’t want generic – you want to have a night that’s yours. That’s why you’ve seen such a variety in prices: DJs offering this but not that/offer none of the above/offer everything. The task is working out what service is being offered and whether that service has enough value for you.
Personally, I pay very little attention to what other DJs charge. I can tell you with absolute certainty what I charge on a typical basis, but there are going to be factors that influence that price. Take Redhouse Barn as an example. This is a stunning venue not too far away from where I am based that has its own sound and lighting installed and because of this, I don’t need to bring my own high-grade sound system or professional computer-controlled lighting. As a result, I spend less time getting there and setting up, which means my price is lowered accordingly. To the other extreme, I have performed at Chatsworth House, Papplewick Pumping Station and Calke Abbey in the last 12 months, and each of those venues are much further for me to travel and require a full show. I’ve even performed for a wedding in the south of France (look at me showing off!) and as you can imagine, travel costs and the time taken must play a factor into the final price for your evening entertainment.
Imagine the cost of a DJ ‘per head’ and base that on an audience of 100 guests and compare that to how much the evening food is for your event. Now think back to all the weddings that you have been to as a guest. Can you remember the buffet more, or the DJ? Using this thought process, there are DJs out there that will charge you 60p per head. Now, I don’t know if there is a worse buffet than the grey chicken drumsticks and the quiche that looks like that it’s been left out since yesterday afternoon but if there is, I bet it still costs more than 60p per head. Yummy.
Ah yes, but DJs see the word ‘Wedding’ and crank up the price, don’t they? Yeah…some do. I personally don’t as I put as much time and effort into your booking as I would do for every other event. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s a Birthday Party, a Corporate Event, an Engagement Party, a Wedding…the list goes on, but the important thing is that I provide the same level of service to each and every event so you can be sure that your Anniversary Shindig will get the same amount of attention from me as the gig from the night before.
So, what should you pay for your Wedding DJ? Like with anything, you often get what you pay for and ultimately, the answer to this question can only be answered by you. There is a DJ out there for you and sometimes it does take a little bit of looking to find them. A higher level of service, more experience and a high-quality system is going to cost more, no doubt about that, but if you hire my services, you will get all of that and you will be also getting some serious bang for buck in the process.
Drop me a message using the button below to find out how we can work together on making your big day yours!
Posted in: Wedding Disco | Mobile Disco | Advice
