Illinois-Chicago

DJ that won't break the bank?

Looking for recommendations for a DJ that will work in the O'Hare area.  I'm willing to spend money for a decent DJ, but not an arm and a leg!  So far everyone I've looked into has been upwards of $1200 for 4 hours, and we'll have a 6hr reception to fill!  Am I being cheap?  Are they all really that expensive?!  I'm not looking for anything complicated, don't need crazy light shows or a copy of the music played- jsut someone to play music! 

Re: DJ that won't break the bank?

  • edited December 2011
    I am in the same boat but have not started looking for one yet.  Please let me know if you find one
  • edited December 2011

    What about checking out Windy City Mix?

    http://www.windycitymix.com/

    I saw him in a wedding of a cousin of mine and he was awesome, i wanted to hire him for my wedding but my date wasn't available on his agenda, and he offers a good package and reasonable prices of bought separated.

    Congrats!

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  • aimers1525aimers1525 member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Our DJ was a friend of my DH's, and while he did not charge us (we compensated him for the cost of his hotel room) I know that he said he would not charge more than $1000. And he doesn't do anything like charging extra for more hours--it's one set rate. Please PM me if you would like more info.
  • MobKazMobKaz member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Toast and Jam is $1300 for 6 hours.....no additional costs such as set-up time, tear down time......WELL worth the cost in our opinion.  Our DJ was Kristin and everyone loved her style, sense of music, and enthusiasm!  Knowing that we hired T & J for my daughter's wedding, we had several (with permission) "wedding crashers"  come to hear her.....as a prelude to hiring them for their own weddings in upcoming months.  Listen to Chirp Radio to get a feel!
  • edited December 2011

    We used Spin N Play, they're located in the suburbs. They were great! I would highly recommend them.

    http://www.spinnplaymusic.com/#Homepage

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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_dj-wont-break-bank?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:72Discussion:69aedf33-be84-4c39-a4c2-76bdb29e215aPost:131b3aed-05f2-4f19-a5a8-e6dda9d559bd">Re: DJ that won't break the bank?</a>:
    [QUOTE]What about checking out Windy City Mix? <a href="http://www.windycitymix.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.windycitymix.com/</a> I saw him in a wedding of a cousin of mine and he was awesome, i wanted to hire him for my wedding but my date wasn't available on his agenda, and he offers a good package and reasonable prices of bought separated. Congrats!
    Posted by darkmasweet[/QUOTE]

    This is who we're using. They've been fantastic!
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_dj-wont-break-bank?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:72Discussion:69aedf33-be84-4c39-a4c2-76bdb29e215aPost:b09fa2ad-34ec-447a-8fd4-843dda91fb84">Re: DJ that won't break the bank?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Toast and Jam is $1300 for 6 hours.....no additional costs such as set-up time, tear down time......WELL worth the cost in our opinion.  Our DJ was Kristin and everyone loved her style, sense of music, and enthusiasm!  Knowing that we hired T & J for my daughter's wedding, we had several (with permission) "wedding crashers"  come to hear her.....as a prelude to hiring them for their own weddings in upcoming months.  Listen to Chirp Radio to get a feel!
    Posted by mobkaz[/QUOTE]
    Ditto! We are using Dena from Toast & Jam. Great rate for 6 hrs IMO
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  • edited December 2011
    We are using Limelight Music Service. $1000 unlimited hours!
    http://limelightmusic.weebly.com/
    The guys is great and has done stuff all over Chicago area! He is a teacher FT and does this as a side job!
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  • edited December 2011
    I highly recommend Roberto Monastero! I think his price for 6 hours is $1395, a little more expensive than some other companies but well worth it. He was the DJ at my cousin's wedding 3 years ago and the dance floor was packed all night! He was super professional and fun but not at all cheesy. That night, I told myself I would look into him for my own wedding. When I got engaged, he ended up being the first vendor we booked! My cousin said that all of her friends that have gotten married have used him as well and have had great experiences.
  • MrsPapsMrsPaps member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_illinois-chicago_dj-wont-break-bank?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:72Discussion:69aedf33-be84-4c39-a4c2-76bdb29e215aPost:6fa98ee2-1b60-4527-aa40-afd27dfd5dd5">Re: DJ that won't break the bank?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: DJ that won't break the bank? : Ditto! We are using Dena from Toast & Jam. Great rate for 6 hrs IMO
    Posted by ZenInMotion[/QUOTE]
    Another one for Toast & Jam--we have Kate and Rachel and are super excited to use them!
  • GinaK119GinaK119 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    We are using spin and play too. we just booked them last weekend. they have a varitey of different packages you can choose from and i didn't think their prices were bad at all.
  • edited December 2011
    Check out Elite Signature DJ Service. Very reasonably priced!
    Anniversary
  • edited December 2011
    I highly recommend Memory Makers out of Grayslake. Karl was our DJ at our June 18 wedding, and he was so much fun and got out to dance with us. They were less than $1,000, I think. They were so great.
  • edited December 2011
    I really thought I wanted toast and jam, but they quoted me 1495 for 6 hours, and would send 2 djs (aka 2 meals to pay for) making the total 1750.  I don't know why they quoted 2 djs for less than 100 people? Too rich for me. :-(
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  • edited December 2011
    I can't recommend Spin N Play highly enough!  Not only did they do the music but they spent so much time helping us plan and answering questions.  They cared so much about us!  I felt like I got a free reception planner with my DJ.  They made sure the whole night was flawless, they even had flowcharts that they gave to the other vendors at my wedding so everyone was on the same page!

    The music during cocktail and dinner was subtle such that we could all talk and hear eachother.  The dancing was incredible, we had people on the dance floor all night long!!!  I never dreamed our reception would have been that much fun.  I have heard horror stories about bad DJs, but that is not a concern with them.  SO many compliments.  We have actually seen them at 2 weddings since my own, both brides were guests at my wedding.  Look no further for an awesome DJ!
  • edited December 2011
    We just booked Mark at DJ Chicago (he's the owner)- they're only $995 for the first 4 hours plus $95 for each additional hour. So you'd be just under $1,200 for 6 hours! They have gotten really good review on here and yelp.
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