DJ Rates

wynterwarrior

My FI and I just received what we think is an overpriced proposal from a DJ. We thought we'd be paying around $500 for four hours, but the estimate we got was for around $1,200. That's about half of what we're paying for our venue in the Triangle area.

We're wondering if that's the going rate these days. We're just looking for a straight up DJ, no fancy light shows. 

Please let me know what you think.

sksites

Our DJ (complete music & video) out of raleigh is $695 for 5 hours and lighting is included. that does sound a little high. hope that helps

shigaites

We paid $300 about for 5 hours.

wynterwarrior

Wow, it sounds like our estimate is really high. Thanks for the advice, ladies. 

NcsuPsych

What DJ are you using? Our DJ was 600 at the time of our wedding for 4 hours (this included 3 hr of travel too) and we tipped too, but didn't include that in the 600.

That quote sounds really high to me. I would definitely get a couple of other quotes  and talk to a couple of different DJ's if you aren't comfortable with that price.

Beth0882

We ended up spending about 800 but that included the ceremony, so it was close to 8 hours of time, plus travel as the DJ came from CLT to Greensboro.

megnmike1213

We are paying $450 for what we are estimating our reception to last around 5 hours. I think that is a little high too, I would look around a little longer before you book it.

megnmike1213

WOW! $300?! I needed to find them before I booked mine! Where did you find them?In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina_dj-rates?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:115Discussion:ee2caca2-3b35-43ae-a23f-fe038984bbcdPost:b3847238-9bc1-4666-85e8-2084e61ceb2f">Re: DJ Rates</a>:
[QUOTE]We paid $300 about for 5 hours.
Posted by shigaites[/QUOTE]

tarheelbabs

We paid about $900 in Raleigh for 5 hours.  I would do it again because everything went seamlessly and the folks we used had a sophisticated program that allowed us to choose all of our "must play" and "do not play" songs online in advance.  The program also let us set up the timeline for the reception and made things flow very well, since it allowed for certain songs to be attached to certain points in the program, like introduction, first dance, cake cutting, etc.  I think those are important considerations as well, if they matter to you.

And, I think our DJ read our crowd really well in terms of what music was keeping people on the dance floor.  We had a really nice mix of tunes.

YoungDuo

Ours is 600 for 4 hours, includes lighting. We get to make a play list and do not play list . I would definitely look around before you book!

DeClue82

Who have you all used I've received high quotes as well and I'm wondering if I'm just looking at the wrong companies... I want a little more than just a DJ.. Mc and ceremony music would preferably be part of the package...

tarheelbabs

We used Steve Stowe at DJ Joe Bunn. Very nice and professional guy.

sksites

We are using Billy Ezzell at Complete Music and Video for our December wedding.

meredithl618

Depending on who you're getting and what they're going to do for you, it may not be that overpriced. Everyone's ability is different, maybe he's really good, lol. 

We use DJ Joe Bunn, and paid around $1500 for about 5 hrs.  He was completely worth it! If you've ever been to an event with a bad DJ you will understand why getting one that is really good is so important. Our dancefloor was packed the entire night and he has a great way of keeping the party going. So, I guess it all just depends on your priorities.  We didn't want a band that would have to take breaks or not be able to do all of the genres music we needed, so Joe Bunn was the perfect choice.  As with so many other things, you get what you pay for. 

kelsey+brandon

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina_dj-rates?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:115Discussion:ee2caca2-3b35-43ae-a23f-fe038984bbcdPost:55edde21-42b3-4f96-8d1c-9da59e6d1e47">Re: DJ Rates</a>:
[QUOTE]Depending on who you're getting and what they're going to do for you, it may not be that overpriced. Everyone's ability is different, maybe he's really good, lol.  We use DJ Joe Bunn, and paid around $1500 for about 5 hrs.  He was completely worth it! If you've ever been to an event with a bad DJ you will understand why getting one that is really good is so important. Our dancefloor was packed the entire night and he has a great way of keeping the party going. So, I guess it all just depends on your priorities.  We didn't want a band that would have to take breaks or not be able to do all of the genres music we needed, so Joe Bunn was the perfect choice.  As with so many other things, you get what you pay for. 
Posted by meredithl618[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>
</div><div>As a guest (BM) at Meredith's wedding, I thought Joe was amazing!! We would defintely be using him if FI wasn't so adamant on having a band.

</div>

wynterwarrior

Thanks for all of the advice, ladies. You've given me a lot to think about. You guys are the best.