You’ve said “Yes!” and the wedding date is set. Now you’re left with the task of hiring a DJ for your wedding and wondering how much it should cost. LIV Entertainment’s DJs have performed at wedding around the world. We understand the global DJ market, and in this post we’re going to provide you with the average cost for hiring a wedding DJ depending on exactly what you’re looking for.

Planning a wedding can be stressful. You have to pick a venue, catering services, decor, entertainment and so much more!

Any wedding planner will tell you that the best way to ensure that your guests have a good time during your wedding is to provide them with unforgettable entertainment.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to add a personal touch to the occasion. After all, your wedding reception is a celebration! The ultimate goal is to throw an unforgettable party that your friends and family will never forget.

Hiring a wedding DJ to keep your guests entertained is a fantastic option. Whether you want to get guests moving on the dance floor or include some amazing music to get people in a good mood during cocktail hour, a DJ can be a great investment.

Knowing what a professional wedding DJ costs can help you determine how much to set aside when drawing up your wedding budget.

Want to learn more about average DJ costs for your wedding? Contact LIV Entertainment Group to learn about your options.

How Much Should a Wedding DJ Cost in 2022?

The average wedding DJ cost varies depending on a number of cost factors. The package and services you choose to include, where is wedding venue is located, and the level of experience or expertise of your DJ of choice.

If you’re thinking about hiring a DJ for your wedding reception, the average cost of an amateur wedding DJ in the United States is roughly $1,000. Most professional wedding DJs will charge anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $10,000 depending on the credibility and reputation of the DJ.

With inflation and events picking up as Covid-19 comes to an end, couples are now paying more for hiring a DJ than ever before.  Having the right DJ can set tone and get people feeling more comfortable and ready to party while celebrating this special day with you.

The Average Wedding DJ Cost According to Location

The location of your wedding and DJ will have a significant influence on the amount you will pay for a DJ. In the sections below, we discuss the average costs according to location.

Larger Cities and Metropolitan Areas

In larger cities, a wedding DJ will cost between $2,000 and $10,000. This is the average price for a professional DJ with a solid track record. It includes the DJ and audio equipment for approximately four to six hours, but not lighting and additional equipment and services.

Smaller Cities

The average cost of a wedding DJ in smaller cities is lower, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, which is solely for DJ services and audio equipment.

Rural Areas

Average DJ costs are even lower in rural areas, with prices ranging from $ 1,500 to $2,500 for just the DJ. You will need to pay more for lighting and special effects.

Budget-friendly Amateur DJs Versus Professional Wedding DJs

While it is important to save money wherever you can, compromising on your entertainment can leave you more than a little disappointed on your big day. The truth is that while budget-friendly DJ services will provide you with music on your wedding day, a professional DJ is so much more than just a person pressing play on a soundtrack.

Professional DJs are talented, experienced, use the best audio equipment, and are dedicated to ensuring that your special day is as special as possible. They typically spend between 10 and 30 hours preparing for a wedding, which shows their dedication to what they do. Many DJ companies like LIV Entertainment Group also let you choose from several additional services.

What Services Does a Wedding DJ Offer?

Before hiring a DJ, it is helpful first to understand what services you can expect from him or her. It is important to remember that not all wedding DJs offer the same services, so you must discuss your expectations with your DJ before deciding to use his or her services.

Some wedding DJs also function as the emcee for the day, in addition to playing music tracks throughout the event. This means that he or she will make the appropriate announcements, introduce the people who will be offering speeches or toasts, and manage the sequence of events. 

A good DJ has an enthusiastic and dynamic demeanor and also has the ability to “read the crowd” and play the right songs to keep your dance floor busy all night. DJs typically bring their own sound equipment, although some DJ companies also offer additional lighting, video displays, photo booths, and other services.

What Are You Paying for When Hiring a Professional Wedding DJ?

Many couples are often surprised when they hear how much it costs to hire a wedding DJ. However, it is essential to remember that wedding DJ prices have a lot to do with their role in wedding receptions or ceremonies and the value that a DJ adds to the event. Here is a breakdown of what you are paying for when you hire a professional wedding DJ.

Equipment

On such a momentous occasion, the last thing you want is average quality sound and visual equipment. Professional DJs  have the latest, reliable, and well-maintained equipment. When you hire a professional DJ, a portion of the cost goes towards maintaining and buying equipment such as microphones, speakers, and more.

Time

A wedding DJ’s prices cover the time that he or she will spend playing music at your event. It also includes the time required for the DJ to get ready for the big day. Before the day of the wedding, a professional DJ will spend lots of time crafting the wedding playlist and a personalized script.

Your DJ will also have to go to the venue, set up his or her equipment, entertain the crowd, and pack up on the day. It is important to note that if the DJ must travel a great distance to get to the wedding venue, he or she will likely charge an additional fee.

Music

You may not realize this, but DJs have to pay for music, and your DJ must have a wide range of songs to choose from to make your wedding day special.

Insurance and Other Costs

Operational expenses such as renting office space, business licensing, and marketing efforts are all included in the wedding DJ cost. DJs also have to pay for insurance. This is to protect you, the DJ, and the facility should the DJ’s equipment causes injury or damage at your wedding.

Factors That Can Increase Wedding DJ Prices

Certain factors influence the cost of a wedding DJ, such as the venue size and setting and extra services and equipment.

Venue Size and Setting

If extra speakers, microphones, or updated audio equipment are needed for a large wedding, this could result in a higher wedding DJ cost.

Additionally, if you need the  DJ to set up outside, extra equipment such as electrical cables and other equipment could be necessary, which will raise the cost. Be sure to discuss your venue with your wedding DJ before the wedding day to find out whether these extra charges apply.

The Length of Time the DJ Is Required to Perform

The longer you need your DJ to perform, the higher your wedding DJ cost will be. This is because more than one DJ might be required to have a consistent presence for all-day events or parties that continue late into the night. The cost will almost certainly increase as more individuals are hired.

Average Wedding DJ Cost Per Hour

To give you an idea of what to expect, the average wedding DJ cost per hour ranges from $150-$500 per hour.

Travel Time

Travel costs can mount if a DJ is required to travel several hours to get to a venue. If this is the case, an additional travel fee may be added to the cost. The average cost for extra travel time can vary.

Reputation

If you opt for a sought-after, famous DJ for your wedding reception, you can expect to pay a lot more for his or her services.

Extra Services or Equipment

Many DJs offer additional services, such as lighting, emceeing, and special effects, which require the use of extra equipment. In these cases, additional charges will apply.

Examples of additional equipment that you may need on your wedding day:

• Photo booths

• Karaoke

• Fog machine

• Lasers

• Disco ball

• Lighting and dance floor displays

• Lasers

• Video displays

Need a Wedding DJ? Contact Liv Entertainment Group!

Hiring a DJ isn’t always easy, especially if you are looking for high-quality service. To find a professional DJ for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, check out the DJs we have to offer!

LIV Entertainment Group is dedicated to providing DJ services that will keep your guests on their feet and having fun on the most momentous occasion of your life. Contact us today for a free quotation or find out more about our wedding DJs!