Average Wedding DJ Cost in Erie Pa
After you say “I DO” what are most of your wedding guest going to remember? Your Flowers? Unless they were the bridesmaids holding them, probably not! Your Dress? Once again, unless they were one of your bridesmaids, don’t count on it. (Not that you don’t look stunning, it’s just..well they are going to remember what they wore, not you.) How about your hall? They might forget those, but they’ll remember how the food was.
What about your Wedding Photography? Those are something you can share online or pull out to share those memories with each other again and again. The posed family photos can be beautiful, but do you know what really captures the magic of your night? Those incredible candid shots caught during your reception celebration! Who makes those fantastic, fun candid shots possible? (Besides you, of course.) That’s right….your wedding entertainment….your DJ!
A good, high-quality wedding DJ is there to make sure everything goes as planned. They act as your Official Event Host for the evening…taking the stress off of you while making sure your photographer and wedding videographer know the plan too….so they won’t miss a smiling, laughing, spinning, dancing with our hands in the air moment. A great DJ knows how to interact with you and your guests to create moments you’ll remember forever, every satisfied smile. But still you’re wondering: how much does a Wedding DJ cost?
How much Do You Budget For a Wedding DJ?
“How much does your Wedding DJ cost?” Words I dread hearing at the beginning of the conversation. But if you are like the average bride & groom, you probably don’t know what else to ask, after all, there’s a price tag on everything. A new car, a gallon of milk, your house….that’s the way it is. Most couples don’t have a clue how much they should expect to pay either. The average Wedding DJ Cost for a 4-hour wedding can vary depending on what kind of quality you want. I am sure you have heard the horror stories about the tacky DJ or the DJs that only play certain types of music. Generally, here is a breakdown of what you should expect to pay for certain kinds of Wedding DJs in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. Let’s help you out here:
Beginner Wedding DJ Cost: $550-$1,000
Let’s begin this by stating that Wedding DJ cost can tell you a LOT about a person or company. A company in this price range is most likely a beginner or a very part time hobbyist. And, you should base your budget on what kind of experience you want at your wedding reception. Honestly, if your budget falls into the $550-$1,000 range, you may consider re-adjusting your budget (Who needs $5 favors anyway?) or just relying on a friend to play music on their I-Pod for your reception. Rather than depend on an inexperienced person who probably doesn’t know what they are doing. Did you ever see the video on youtube of the worse DJ’s? The kind that shows up in dirty jeans and a t-shirt or worse….ah….just google worse DJ ever..it will be worth the 2 minutes. Often times, something becomes trendy in society that doesn’t make much sense.
Suddenly it’s a great idea to use an I Pod with a set of rented equipment. This is not really a good idea. DJing is far more than pushing play on an I Pod…..when you hire a professional Erie DJ, you are hiring talent, experience, and creativity. Most importantly, hiring a DJ who is a member of the ADJA will provide a fantastic night without those ugly little hidden surprises. A great DJ will offer more than entertainment, they will provide confidence that your wedding will be an event that you and your guests will never forget. (Instead of one they would like too.)
Amateur Wedding DJ Cost: $1,000-$1500
Wedding DJ cost in the $1,000-$1,500 range often fall into the category of part-timers. Although, they’re a bit more experienced. While they possess some experience, many are also juggling other jobs and ventures during the week. This can impact the time and energy they are able to devote to training and professional development. However, it’s important to note that not all DJs in this price range fit this profile. There are some talented up-and-coming individuals with a determined and ambitious attitude.
Wedding DJ cost at this level may reflect their availability and level of dedication to their craft. Clients should keep in mind that part-time DJs may have limited availability for consultations or meetings leading up to the event due to their other commitments. It’s essential for couples to carefully consider their priorities when deciding on a wedding DJ, as this can greatly influence the quality of entertainment on their special day. If it’s okay with you that your wedding DJ may be a little less involved than I suggest juggling your budget to at least have a person with more experience on your wedding day rather than fall into the trap of hiring the cheapest guy because it saved you money.
Experienced Wedding DJ Cost: $1500-$3000
Wedding DJ Cost in the $1500 – $3,000 range are more expensive for a reason. A professional Experienced Wedding Disc Jockey has the confidence (and confidence is key) that they can provide you the best service possible based on their experience. In addition, a professional at this level has invested thousands of dollars in high quality gear to make your wedding day sound spectacular. Why? Because this is the reason they live…..they are full-time DJ’s who more than likely specialize only in wedding receptions. These are the guys who have either been around longer than the dinosaurs…by that I mean they have TONS of experience, or they have a HUGE amount of cool toys that other DJ’s can’t offer. They are the ones most likely able to dedicate the time to out of town training seminars and the what-not. Creating a night that’s smashing success is what they do. But, as with the previous 2 groups, nothing speaks louder than reputation. A higher price tag does not always mean you’re getting the highest quality. Always, always, always (Did I stress that enough?) look for candid impressions from other people…past clients and other wedding professionals… before hiring anyone. Better yet, hire a Professional Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator who can refer you to the highest quality Wedding DJ.
What Does a Wedding DJ Do?
If the Wedding DJ Cost surprised you, it may be because you’re not really sure what exactly a Wedding DJ does. Did you know that your Wedding Disc Jockey is responsible for WAAAAAY more than just playing some music? We’ve got you covered with a blog that will explain what you can expect from your Wedding DJ. Hint: it’s a lot more than entertainment.
Average Wedding DJ Cost in Erie, Pa
Finally, we get to the heart of the matter. How much does the average Wedding DJ cost in Erie Pa? Well according to places like The Knot and Wedding Wire, the average cost couples spent on basic service for a Wedding DJ in 2020 was $1200. That’s right on the upper end of an Amateur Disc Jockey and the lower end of an Experienced one. Take into consideration that the average cost does usually get you the basic service with most professionals. Add-ons like Up Lighting, Dancing on the Clouds, Photo Booth, etc may increase rates.
All this being said, there are exceptions to all the rules. (As I’ve been mentioning the whole time.) There’s a good chance you’ll find a higher priced DJ that provides less than satisfactory service, but you won’t find many great DJ’s willing to charge less. It makes sense, doesn’t it? If they know they are higher quality, shouldn’t they earn a little more? It’s up to you to explore your options. However, I’ll leave you with one last nugget of amazing advice while exploring your options. The number one reason to hire a Wedding DJ should not be cost. It should be how well that DJ fits your Wedding Vision. A loud over the top DJ in a flashy sequined suit doesn’t really fit in well to your shabby chic laid back reception. Also, be wary of any DJ who is willing to drop their prices just to book you. Ask yourself why they don’t value their own service. A high quality, professional Wedding DJ knows their worth and they charge based on how much they invest in themselves AND how much confidence they have that they can create a successful experience for you.
Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Wedding DJ
So you’ve learned about the varying levels of experience and costs associated with hiring a Wedding DJ. Now it’s important to make an informed decision by knowing the right questions to ask. When interviewing potential DJs, consider asking about their experience in performing at weddings, their music selection process, and how they handle requests from guests. It’s also crucial to inquire about their equipment, backup plans, and whether they have liability insurance. Additionally, discuss their attire for the event, communication style with clients, and if they offer any extras such as lighting or emceeing services. By asking these key questions, you’ll be better equipped to select the perfect Wedding DJ for your special day.
