How Much is a Wedding DJ?

higherimages • Feb 24, 2020

Wedding planning is centered around your budget, so it is crucial to understand what affects the pricing for different elements for your big day to ensure that you get the right services for your needs and your budget. When searching for a Pittsburgh DJ, there are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to the cost of the service.

Factors that Can Affect the Cost of a Wedding DJ

Wedding DJ console with HeadphonesCosts for a wedding DJ vary based on a wide range of factors which include:

Setting and Size of the Venue

If you plan to have a larger wedding, you may need additional speakers, upgraded sound equipment, or more microphones to ensure the best sound, which can increase the pricing. Outdoor settings can also lead to a higher cost, requiring the DJ to set up additional equipment like power cords and other items that may be needed to accommodate the outdoor setting.  

Length of DJ Set

In most cases, the longer your wedding ceremony and reception, the higher the cost. If you plan to have all day wedding or reception that spans into the late night, you may need more than one DJ to keep continuous service. With another DJ on the job, you can expect an increase in the cost of service. 

Travel Time to the Reception

Whether the DJ is coming from out of state or just a 30-minute drive, their travel to and from your wedding can be factored into the overall cost. It is essential to ask whether travel costs are already factored into the cost or if they will be an additional charge. 

The Popularity of the DJ

If you choose a DJ that is very popular in the area, it is likely that their services will cost more than a DJ who is just breaking into the business or who is not as well-known in the area. 

Additional Services or Equipment

As you will see, as you search for a DJ, many DJ companies will provide special effects and add-on lighting for your ceremony and reception. If your DJ needs to create complex special effects or lighting displays, needs to use additional DJ software, or requires special equipment to meet your ceremony or reception needs, then it is likely that the price for service will increase. 

Specialty equipment or effects such as CO2 cannons for shooting confetti, black lights, customized image projection, or fog machines are all elements that can raise costs. 

Tips for Saving Money on Your Wedding DJ

Budgeting for a wedding can be challenging, so to help you save money on your wedding DJ services, the team at Entertainment Unlimited has put together a few tips to keep costs lower:

Choose a Lesser-Known DJ

By working with someone who is newer to the DJ community can help you get a lower price. If you are comfortable with working with someone who has slightly less experience, you can find many great professionals who are available to provide the soundtrack to your special day at a fraction of the cost. 

Plan for a Shorter DJ Set

You may consider purchasing limited DJ services as a way to lower your costs. If you only need a DJ for certain parts of the day or if your venue is already outfitted with a DJ system. To shorten the DJ set, you can use your own preset playlists for the cocktail hour and dinner and then hiring a DJ for a few hours for the reception. 

Be Selective with Special Effects

When browsing the special effects and additional services offers, be sure to be selective. If specific special effects such as a fog machine or special lighting are essential to the atmosphere of your reception or to dazzle during your grand entrance, then be sure to do what will make you happy. If you don’t need these elements for your reception, then you can skip the add-ons to help keep costs lower. 

Professional and Affordable Pittsburgh DJ Services

At Entertainment Unlimited, we provide high-quality, professional DJs to make your wedding extra special. We have DJs for every style, musical preference, and budget. When you start your search for “wedding DJs near me,” be sure to check out the fantastic DJs Entertainment Unlimited has to offer! 

By Chris James 14 May, 2021
This year has been full of changing restrictions, vaccinations, and more related to COVID. As things continue to change around us, we wanted to offer a recap of our best tips and tricks for navigating your next event in a COVID environment.  Recent CDC Announcements President Biden announced yesterday that the Center For Disease Control […]
By higherimages 06 Apr, 2021
With concerns surrounding COVID-19 still at the forefront of many couple’s minds, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake that could potentially add more pressure to your big day. At Entertainment Unlimited, we want to help make your big day easier, so we have outlined a few common mistakes to avoid […]
By higherimages 12 Mar, 2021
There are so many factors to consider when planning a wedding, from music and food to guest lists and dresses. Follow these tips to help you stay organized and on track for your special day! 1. Get a Rough Guest Count First Before you choose a venue, sit down and get a rough count of […]
By higherimages 09 Feb, 2021
Now that you are engaged let the wedding planning begin! As you tour venues, taste cakes, and choose your attire for the big day, be sure to start looking for the perfect DJ to set the soundtrack for your special day! It is recommended that you begin contacting DJs around 8-10 months before your wedding. […]
By higherimages 12 Jan, 2021
As we enter into the new year with vaccine rollouts for COVID-19, spring and summer weddings may see a gradual easing of guest number restrictions. While the rules for the number of guests you can have may change over time, there are still precautions that you should take to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 […]
By higherimages 17 Dec, 2020
Even with the onset of the coronavirus, weddings are not stopping. In 2021, we expect to see a variety of new trends, from intimate ceremonies and creating curated guest experiences to single-serve foods and cafe-style entertainment.      Mini D’ Oeuvres   Mini appetizers are a fun and safe way to impress your guests and […]
By higherimages 23 Nov, 2020
Planning the perfect wedding celebration has many moving parts, from the flowers and the dress to the food and decorations. Beyond those elements, you also must consider entertainment. A wedding DJ is a crucial part of your special day and will make your celebration with your friends and family even more memorable. At Entertainment Unlimited, […]
By Danielle McCloskey 14 Oct, 2020
While many couples have had to postpone their weddings or resort to a virtual ceremony to hold their special day, some recently engaged couples hope next year will work out safely for in-person celebrations. If you’ve recently gotten engaged but prefer to have an in-person ceremony, Entertainment Unlimited has put together a few tips on […]
By higherimages 09 Sep, 2020
Having a Zoom wedding doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any of the fun or creativity that you would have with a regular in-person ceremony. There are a variety of things you can do to keep the ceremony exciting and looking great through an online platform. Consider these creative ideas to spice up your ceremony […]
By higherimages 21 Jul, 2020
While PA counties are transitioning into the green phase, there are still precautions that need to be taken to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At Entertainment Unlimited, we understand that navigating these guidelines can be difficult, so we have put together a guide to help you plan your next event or gathering during […]
More Posts
Share by: