The answer is “ It all depends”. Parties and events come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s difficult to know the exact cost of hiring a DJ, until you have shopped around for bids in your local area.
One of the major price factors is the type of event. For instance If you have a large wedding with over 200 guests, your DJ will charge more than a small children’s party of fewer than 30 people.
Another is the preparation time to create the perfect playlist and ensure the equipment works well in the venue. But to give a rough idea, below is a breakdown of the average cost of hiring a DJ based on a recent survey, the cost spectrum runs from $250, on the low end to over $500 on the high end. It all depends on several factors, like: · Type of event · DJ’s Experience · Additional equipment · The time required One thing is for sure, a good DJ can put the “ZING” into what might other wise be a flat and uninteresting event, so you would need to consider the cost in relation to the result you want.
One of the biggest factors to consider is that it is critical to get the Party/Event off to a good start, and for that you need a DY with the appropriate personality. So, before you decide on a price, first decide what type of personality you need to get your Party/Event off to a flying start.
Each Party/Event will have its own style and purpose for example a graduation bash for the early 20’s group will have a completely different style, and purpose than say a wedding where the age groups are varied, and the DJ and music in each case would be very different, as would the personality and dress of the DJ.
Furthermore the cost of the DJ will probably vary , as very different personalities and skills would be are required for each of those two examples. Some people will try to save money by trying to play their own music from a speakerphone, but doing that raises two big problems,
1. How would ensure your music choice works for the crowd, and 2. Can you spare the time during the party/event to concentrate on keeping everyone entertained?
Part of a DJ’s skill will be the ability to read the audience, ensuring that each song is a hit, and that the tempo does not flag. If you want a great DJ for your party or event, then you need to consider their experience. A DJ with many years of experience will be much better at working the crowd than someone new to the industry.
An experienced DJ will also know how to handle those pesky technical disasters that could crop up during an event. Most DJs can provide additional equipment to accompany their music, such as sound systems or lighting effects.
This normally comes as an extra fee. It’s always worth asking your DJ how much the additional cost is at the outset, to avoid any nasty surprises later down the road.
Timeframe DJs tend to charge by the hour, so the price will change depending on how long you need them for. The average amount of time for DJ hire is around 5 hours, but you can book them for an entire day if you need to!
If you want to hire your DJ for your entire wedding day, prices could creep up considerably, so make sure you discuss this with your DJ at the outset.
Location If you live in a big city like Los Angeles or New York, expect to pay more. DJs charge a higher price in these cities simply because the cost of living is greater. You’re also more likely to find a more experienced DJ in New York or Los Angeles, as they’re renowned for their music scene, which is another factor affecting price.
How To Keep Costs Down When Hiring a DJ
Hiring a DJ doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Here are some tips and tricks for keeping costs down:
· Go off-peak - Planning your event during the off-season means that the price of hiring a DJ will usually be lower as the demand will decrease. · Reduce the number of hours - Most of the time you won’t need a DJ for the entire event, so reducing the number of hours is an easy way to cut costs. · Don’t be afraid to haggle! - Some DJs may be willing to negotiate when it comes to pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask for a different package option for a lower price if their rate is higher than your budget. Get the party started - find a local DJ on Bark!
