Expected cost for a dj set on top of band?

actuallylike

Hey all,
My friend is getting married later on in the year. Her band quoted 500 for the dj set. She seems to think that's too much and was considering getting an independent act. I thought that the main benefit would be not having to set up again, but looking for advice here.
Is it a major inconvenience getting separate acts? Is 450 expected on top of the band? What's a going rate of an independent dj? I'm guessing they'd have to have all their own gear. No experience whatsoever myself I'm so sorry if this is the height of ignorance.

California Dreamer

The band DJ, who generally is the guy that brings the equipment is not worth €200 let alone €500.

Always opt where possible for suppliers who are professionals and unique in their field. Most will also set up at the same time as the band.

I never see the photographer bringing the cake! 😉

muckwarrior

Our (standalone) DJ was €400-450 IIRC. Most bands quoted half that or less for DJ add-on.

sweetie

Depends on the distance travelled etc. Could be a €400 dj travelling to west cork from dublin. Could be an ipod connected to the bands pa as they take down their equipment, could be an inexperienced dj getting 250 and the band pocketing 250 for the pleasure of hiring him/her. Always ask what you are gettng exactly and decide then if you'd rather this convenience or to get your own professional instead.

davo2001

Married couple of years ago. DJ (in addition to the band) cost €300, from a large regional radio station.

Not bad for 2.5 / 3 hours work cash in hand.

Definately wouldn't pay more than that tbh.

GingerLily

We were quoted 500 but haggled to 250. The DJ was a member of the band, he read the room well so there was great continuity, obviously it doesn't always work out but I was very happy with our band/DJ combo.

unclebill98

California Dreamer wrote: »

The band DJ, who generally is the guy that brings the equipment is not worth €200 let alone €500.

Always opt where possible for suppliers who are professionals and unique in their field. Most will also set up at the same time as the band.

I never see the photographer bringing the cake! ��

This kinda of thing does my head in. I'm in a band and I'm also the DJ. I've been doing the DJ thing for over 10 years. My DJ service is comparable to a standalone DJ. I charge for the DJ and it would be double if I had to do it without the band. A DJ that is part of the band is not a bad thing.

Are there bands playing an iPod....yes are they. Can DJ's bring crap gear.... yes.... OP do your research as not all DJ's are the same but not all band DJ's are ****e.

If you want an independent DJ, Sweetie above is very good.

muckwarrior

unclebill98 wrote: »

If you want an independent DJ, Sweetie above is very good.

Just noticed that he was actually our wedding DJ :pac:
+1 Can highly recommend him.

California Dreamer

davo2001 wrote: »

Married couple of years ago. DJ (in addition to the band) cost €300, from a large regional radio station.

Not bad for 2.5 / 3 hours work cash in hand.

Definately wouldn't pay more than that tbh.

You may have paid cash but that’s not to say that this DJ hasn’t paid tax on it.

jenjoeful

I am looking to get a DJ for my wedding in the West, however, i want to have a list of songs outlined for the DJ to follow but deliver it. The songs I've selected are brilliant, keep everyone on the floor all night songs! I've been to weddings where the DJ was not able to read the crowd and the music was so bad, the floor was empty. I'm not running any risks of that happening!
I wonder where I could find such a nice, law-abiding DJ at not a huge cost?

davo2001

jenjoeful wrote: »

he songs I've selected are brilliant, keep everyone on the floor all night songs!

You might like them but i gaurantee not everyone will, hense why a DJ should "read the room" and taylor the music accordingly.

For what you want, just connect an iPod/Phone to speakers and save yourself the money of a DJ.

clint_silver

California Dreamer wrote: »

You may have paid cash but that’s not to say that this DJ hasn’t paid tax on it.

which is noones business but the guy and the taxman, do you ask your local garage if they hand over the tax to revenue on the petrol you just bought?

use an ipod and hired speakers if you want. use a dedicated dj if you want. use the bands dj if you want. go and view. get recommendations, speak to couples whove previously had them.

after band DJ usually runs from 200 up to 400 depending on who they are, night of the week and where the wedding is. if you like them but youre not happy with the price, ask nicely and nice things may happen.