Hiring the right DJ for your wedding can make all the difference. From creating the perfect mood to ensuring the dance floor is never empty, a professional DJ brings experience and energy that a simple playlist can’t. But how much will it cost? And why should you hire a DJ instead of doing it yourself? The cost of a Wedding DJ will be around £450 – £750 generally, however this can vary! Keep reading, I’ll explain.
Imagine your big day: you’re celebrating with your loved ones, and it’s time to kick off the party. You could just hit play on a playlist, but a professional DJ does so much more. They don’t just press play – they read the crowd, change the music to match the mood, and make sure everyone is having a fantastic time. Unlike a DIY playlist, a good DJ can feel the energy in the room and make adjustments on the fly to keep the dance floor full.
A wedding DJ often doubles as the evening’s MC, announcing key moments like the first dance, speeches, and the cake cutting. They manage the flow of the evening, ensuring guests know what’s happening and keeping the atmosphere lively. DIYing your wedding music can be risky, and the last thing you want is to worry about the music when you should be enjoying your big day.
A professional DJ also brings high-quality sound and lighting equipment. No need to stress about setting up speakers or fiddling with the volume during the event – they’ve got it covered. Many DJs will arrive early to ensure everything is set up perfectly, and you can trust them to handle any technical hiccups.
The cost of a wedding DJ varies widely, depending on their experience, location, and what you want from them. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on your budget:
If you’re working with a tight budget, you can find DJs in this range. These DJs might be newer to the industry, often with limited experience or less advanced equipment. But if you find someone talented who’s just starting out, it can be a hidden gem for a lower price. Keep in mind that the cheaper the DJ, the higher the risk they might not have wedding-specific experience.
This is the most common price range for wedding DJs. For this budget, you’ll typically get a DJ who can play from the end of your wedding meal until the party wraps up. These DJs usually have solid experience and know how to get the crowd moving, so you can relax and enjoy the party. DJs in this bracket often provide a slick, professional service with high-quality sound and lighting gear, making sure everything goes off without a hitch.
If you want an experienced DJ to cover your whole day – from your walk down the aisle to the evening disco – expect to pay in this range. This is also the typical cost for top-notch DJs in big cities like London, where demand is high.
For those looking for a truly unique experience, some DJs can offer all-inclusive packages starting at £1,500. These might include special lighting effects, custom song arrangements, MC duties, ceremony music, and even add-ons like a confetti cannon or a star-lit dance floor. It’s the premium choice if you want your wedding to be unforgettable.
Many DJs will charge extra for travel if your venue is far away. Standard rates are about 50p per mile beyond 25 miles. If your wedding is in a different region, it can be worth finding a DJ local to the area to save on travel expenses.
To make sure you hire the best DJ for your wedding, ask the right questions. Here are some key things to consider:
Not all events are the same! A great club DJ might not be the right fit for a wedding. Ask if they’ve done weddings before and if they have experience with your type of event.
A professional DJ should have positive reviews or references you can check. Look for testimonials, and if possible, watch videos of their past performances to get a feel for their style. You can find my Google Reviews here & check out my socials for everything I get up to!
Make sure they have high-quality sound and lighting equipment and that it’s suitable for your venue. You don’t want any surprises on the big day!
Does the price cover everything – setup, sound system, lighting, and travel? Will they be there for the full day or just the evening? Clarify any extras so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Most DJs will be happy to accommodate song requests or a “do not play” list. Make sure they’re willing to adapt to your tastes and can take input from you in advance.
Some DJs provide additional services like photobooths, custom lighting, or even silent discos if your venue has noise restrictions. Ask about any special touches they can add to make your day unique.
DJs can get booked up quickly, especially the popular ones. Aim to secure your DJ 12-18 months in advance to ensure you get the one you want.
Investing in a good wedding DJ can transform your reception from just another party to a night everyone will remember. While a budget-friendly option might be tempting, it’s worth considering the experience, professionalism, and quality a higher-budget DJ can bring. Remember: your DJ isn’t just there to play music – they’re there to create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day.