.png){kind=small}
Do you need a DJ for your next event? Wedding, school fundraiser, quinceanera, or bar mitzvah? One of the first questions people ask is, “How much a wedding DJ will cost?” Here’s what you need to know about the price of a DJ in Charleston, SC (and why you might want to spend a little bit extra!).
The national average for an event DJ is between $700 and $1200. The average cost in Charleston is $600-$1,050.
Depending on your needs as well as external factors, you’re probably looking at spending around $1,000. This is no small fee, but there are numerous factors that go into what the DJ finally charges.
What Factors Impact the Price?
1. Experience
DJs often price based on their experience in the industry. The more experienced DJs are better at their job, and they’re able to better handle unexpected situations and surprises. If you find a DJ charging around $250 to $350, then there’s a good chance they’re a new DJ without a license or real training. While this may seem like an attractive option initially, it’s always worth keeping in mind that you get what you pay for.
Top-tier DJs charging upwards of $800 are the most experienced and popular. They have a superior understanding of the industry and can command a room with ease. You may wonder if it’s worth paying someone that figure for only 5 hours of their time, but these professionals can spend up to 20 hours of their week preparing for your event. Their knowledge can ease your anxiety and help your event stand out.
2. Popularity
DJs can only supply so much of their service because it requires their time. As a result, the more popular DJs will have higher rates to counter demand. If you find a particular DJ is more expensive than the next, this is likely because they’ve been popular with their clients in the past and come highly recommended. They wouldn’t be charging that much if they weren’t clients that could back them on their worth.
3. Equipment
Some DJs will own and bring all their own equipment to a venue. However, sometimes certain venues will require you to use their equipment. If this is the case, the DJ may not have all the required equipment, and you may need to accommodate this with a rental. Additionally, equipment rental is sometimes necessary when you request additional services like a fog machine. This can end up adding a little bit more to your bottom line.
4. Length of time
DJs are typically expected to be onsite for an event anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. You’ll need to communicate your needs to your DJ. These hours may need to be expanded to include setup and breakdown. DJs often price based on the time required.
5. Duties
DJs have specific duties that they’re responsible for at events. For example, they must emcee, read the room to ensure guests are enjoying themselves, and help the hosts navigate transitions.
Some DJs excel at this while others struggle. It’s important to discuss the duties expected of your DJ when you’re hiring them. For example, do you expect them to help facilitate a dance battle? Do you anticipate guests providing song requests? All of these can contribute to your DJ’s workload.
6. Date
Particularly for weddings, certain dates can be fairly competitive for DJs. January, March, April, and November are considered “off-season” for weddings. Other months are popular in the industry, and you’ll want to book your DJ as soon as possible. Affinity dates, holidays, and months like June and September are well-liked with couples.
7. Special requests
Do you want your DJ to offer a service that isn’t typically included? Perhaps you’re in need of a bilingual DJ or certain songs that don’t exist in their library already. When you’re searching for a DJ that can accommodate your special request, you must be willing to be flexible on your budget. The DJ is providing an additional service to you, and this can alter the cost of using a DJ.
Should You Go with the Cheapest DJ?
If you’re working with a tight event budget, you may have a little bit of sticker shock when you see $1,000 packages. However, if you want to save yourself a headache, don’t hire a cheap DJ. A cheap DJ is typically less experienced, and they won’t know how to provide guests with an optimal experience. No one wants to participate in an awkward dance floor, and your DJ is largely responsible for creating this portion of the event!
Even if the DJ is able to play all your songs (in other words, they have them in their library), their low-quality equipment may cause songs to sound muffled. Additionally, the lighting and special effects may not be what you expect, and this can ruin your event.
If your DJ forgets to bring equipment or sets up incorrectly due to their inexperience, then you could end up paying for these mistakes with your venue. Furthermore, cheap DJs may not have any backup equipment for emergencies, which means they could cancel on your event entirely if something happens at another function.
In short, it pays to invest in someone who knows how to run an event. Wouldn’t you rather work with someone who has been to hundreds of events and made them all run seamlessly? It’s worth the extra money if it means you don’t have to worry about your wedding, fundraiser, or party!
Final Thoughts
Are you on the hunt for a DJ In Charleston, SC? You’re in luck! Not only is the cost of a DJ here lower than the national average, but you can hire Shane Griffin Entertainment. Shane offers packages that align with top DJs in the industry starting from $750. Visit here to learn more about what sets him apart.