Budgeting funds for a wedding DJ can feel like a guessing game full of questions. How much does a good wedding DJ cost? What services does a wedding DJ offer? How do I find a wedding DJ that keeps my guests on the dance floor without busting the budget?
Hiring the Right Wedding DJ
Every wedding DJ offers different services as part of the cost. At the very least, a wedding DJ should offer the basic services: equipment and a DJ. At the very most, a wedding DJ service should provide equipment, an experienced (this is important!) DJ, back-up equipment and DJ (in case of emergencies). Some DJ services also provide other entertainment as part of a package deal, such as lighting or a photo booth rental.
Choosing the right DJ and wedding DJ cost starts with setting a wedding budget. (This article from Wedding Wire can give you insight into the amount for the wedding DJ line on the budget.) The next step is to compile a list of wedding DJs to contact about services and wedding DJ cost. As you contact DJs, watch for red flags that signal they are not the right DJ for your special day. Be cautious about wedding DJs who don’t have a business address, don’t want to meet or show their equipment, or don’t return your calls.
Once you have compiled a prospective list of wedding DJs, interview each service to narrow down your options. Ask each wedding service:
- “Are you available on our wedding DJ?”
- “How long have you DJ’ed at weddings?”
- “What is the cost of your services? What do those costs cover? Do you charge overtime fees?”
- “Have you ever DJ’ed at my venue? Do you charge a travel fee for coming to my venue?”
- “Do you have insurance? Can you provide proof of insurance?”
- “What is your plan if your equipment breaks down or a DJ can’t make it?”
- “Do you offer any other services or package deals?”
- “Is dinner music provided as part of the cost? Does the DJ serve as an emcee?”
- “Can we meet? What is the best way to contact you as we plan our wedding reception?”
In addition to an interview, research each DJ service. Check their social media sites and major wedding websites for reviews from past customers. Before signing on the dotted line, carefully review the contract fine print to ensure that the DJ is the “one” who fits your needs and your budget.
Wedding Budget Tips
- Allocate the majority of budget funds for wedding details that make a big impact on guests, such as the venue, catering, and entertainment. While a particularly budget-busting favor may be incredibly cute, good food and an excellent wedding DJ have a bigger overall impact on guests’ experience.
- Use a wedding budget checklist or wedding planning app to stay within budget and avoid overspending on minor details.
- If the wedding budget is a concern, try to choose a wedding date during the off-peak season (when weddings aren’t popular) and on a day that isn’t in high demand (such as a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday).
- Always review every vendor contractor for hidden fees, such as overtime charges by wedding DJs.
- Ask wedding vendors if they offer additional services or package deals. Many wedding vendors offer discounts for packaged services (i.e. many wedding DJs offer discounts for music and lighting).
- While sticking to a wedding budget is important, be cautious about always choosing the lowest cost option. The cheapest vendor is not always the best vendor for the job.
- Carefully screen each wedding vendor. Look for red flags, such as a vendor with no business address or no communication before the big day.
