Is a $1,200 to $1,600 for a 5 to 6 hour Wedding DJ a Low End Budget DJ?

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DO you consider a DJ who charges $1,200 to $1,500 to be a low end Wedding DJ?

  • Yes, DJs in this price range are working low end weddings, and are in the lower range of price.

    Votes: 2 7.4%
  • VERY LOW END. All DJs priced below $1,600 are low end DJs working low end events

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • No. This is a middle range price for a Wedding DJ

    Votes: 15 55.6%
  • No. This is Upper Cusp of the Middle Range nearing the High End

    Votes: 7 25.9%
  • That is rediculous. $1,200 to $1,600 is a high end Wedding DJ Price

    Votes: 3 11.1%

  • Total voters
    27
What is your price to do a wedding that's 5-6 hours? Also what does the bride get for that price?
You have to realize that our brides don’t get “stuff” for the price we charge... the price that we charge is based around the quality of the experience we create... and that isn’t something that can be itemized. Perhaps when you give a price you say you get two speakers a sub, 2 mics, a facade and whatever else you think will impress a client, but In the last 5 yrs I can’t recall being asked about my actual equipment other than something that’s customiable like a photobooth backdrop color. No one even asks me how many uplights I provide... they just care about the end result and they know that I’ll deliver based on my reputation.
 
yes...but how many subs?

cc
The funny thing is when I was cheaper... under $1000 (which is below avg for NJ), I would get asked often what did I bring, and even been asked what brands I used. I guess when you're cheaper, a bit of skepticism comes from a client's end of things to make sure they're not getting something crappy or someone coming with like a home stereo. But during the last 3-5 years I can't recall being asked once about anything technical.
 
Taso please understand. I ask these questions because I want others to understand that it's about keeping the focus. It's not about what someone else charges or what someone else brings to the table. It should be about you and what you do. If you're fine where you're at then nobody should criticize you for where you're at. If you don't like where you're at then you have the choice to do something about it or stay stuck where you're at. Too often others will criticize someone else instead of going to the mirror and looking at themselves. It's easy to focus on someone else instead of looking at yourself.

I did that when I was growing up because of what happened to me when I was 10 years old. It did me no good to look at someone else. I had to face what happened and deal with it head on.
 
Taso please understand. I ask these questions because I want others to understand that it's about keeping the focus. It's not about what someone else charges or what someone else brings to the table. It should be about you and what you do. If you're fine where you're at then nobody should criticize you for where you're at. If you don't like where you're at then you have the choice to do something about it or stay stuck where you're at. Too often others will criticize someone else instead of going to the mirror and looking at themselves. It's easy to focus on someone else instead of looking at yourself.

I did that when I was growing up because of what happened to me when I was 10 years old. It did me no good to look at someone else. I had to face what happened and deal with it head on.
If your point is to not focus on what others charge then why do you ask what others charge and what they include to begin with? I don’t see people beating others up on price or focusing on what others are doing. In fact many here are not focusing on criticizing others and are doing it their own way and focusing on trying to improve themselves.

Just doesn’t make sense what you’re trying to get out of these questions.
 
If your point is to not focus on what others charge then why do you ask what others charge and what they include to begin with? I don’t see people beating others up on price or focusing on what others are doing. In fact many here are not focusing on criticizing others and are doing it their own way and focusing on trying to improve themselves.

Just doesn’t make sense what you’re trying to get out of these questions.
I've seen such things in the past. Some have called someone willing to do a wedding a bottom feeder because they felt that was too low a price for a DJ to do a wedding.

Let me ask the OP what is the point of this thread?
 
The NJ mobile wedding DJ market is awesome! It has something for everyone. Pricing totally depends on your market and ability.

I have been a single OP mobile wedding DJ since I was 16. Almost 30 years. I’m located in Central NJ. There are 3 distinct markets. North, Central and South. All have different budgets.

I charge between 1,400 - 1,800 for sound and I include 2 jbl tops n 1 or 2 RCN bottoms. Also 2 Martin Trex lights.

I am an excellent basic wedding DJ. No bells and whistles. No screens, lighting, MCs, etc n etc.

I learned from Mike Walters of Elite Entertainment that you don’t need fancy sound and or light nor mix like tiesto to be a successful wedding DJ. I was a guest at a wedding Mike was performing. He brought in two tops. That was it. He had two CD players and a mixer and a mic.

From the moment he grabbed the mic and started his intros to the last dance of the night. Everyone was smiling, partying and dancing all night long. The bride and groom could not have been happier. The dance floor was full all night long.

His energy, passion and music selection was all that mattered. I try to model myself after his style.

I think Taso is killing it as a high end single OP in NJ. I’d like to think I would be like him if I was 20 years younger. Lol. I wish him continued success!

I don’t look at other DJs as competition. I’m not worried about what they charge. If you are an excellent DJ in NJ. You will work consistently no matter what. There are so many NJ wedding venues.

DJing weddings is my fun passionate job. I have been fortunate enough to have another full time career with a pension and benefits.

The “high end” NJ DJ market is crowded. Especially up north. When you hit the starting at 2,000 and up there are many great companies. However having been guests at a few of their weddings. They all do excellent jobs AND are all similar. Lots of bells and whistles.

Over 30 years I have seen 3 DJs that were just on a different level.

Mike Walters - He started it all. Pure class. Incredible performer.

Marcelo Pedalino - Polished and smooth Just had that extra something. Stuck out in a positive way.

Jason Jani - current wedding rockstar. Arguably one of the best mobile DJs around. Jason is a super nice guy with incredible talent and passion, energy and technology.

NJ has a lot of excellent DJs at various price points. Pricing is a personal matter. DJs should charge whatever they feel they are worth and what they can earn consistently. Don’t get caught up with a certain number. Just keep turning out incredible weddings! Your rate will continue to grow.

All the best. Chris

Ps-I said it before. To the young up and coming DJs. If you are looking to build a DJ/event company in NJ try to target the mitzvah and Indian markets. They continue to grow throughout the state and they put on big over the top events.
 
The NJ mobile wedding DJ market is awesome! It has something for everyone. Pricing totally depends on your market and ability.

I have been a single OP mobile wedding DJ since I was 16. Almost 30 years. I’m located in Central NJ. There are 3 distinct markets. North, Central and South. All have different budgets.

I charge between 1,400 - 1,800 for sound and I include 2 jbl tops n 1 or 2 RCN bottoms. Also 2 Martin Trex lights.

I am an excellent basic wedding DJ. No bells and whistles. No screens, lighting, MCs, etc n etc.

I learned from Mike Walters of Elite Entertainment that you don’t need fancy sound and or light nor mix like tiesto to be a successful wedding DJ. I was a guest at a wedding Mike was performing. He brought in two tops. That was it. He had two CD players and a mixer and a mic.

From the moment he grabbed the mic and started his intros to the last dance of the night. Everyone was smiling, partying and dancing all night long. The bride and groom could not have been happier. The dance floor was full all night long.

His energy, passion and music selection was all that mattered. I try to model myself after his style.

I think Taso is killing it as a high end single OP in NJ. I’d like to think I would be like him if I was 20 years younger. Lol. I wish him continued success!

I don’t look at other DJs as competition. I’m not worried about what they charge. If you are an excellent DJ in NJ. You will work consistently no matter what. There are so many NJ wedding venues.

DJing weddings is my fun passionate job. I have been fortunate enough to have another full time career with a pension and benefits.

The “high end” NJ DJ market is crowded. Especially up north. When you hit the starting at 2,000 and up there are many great companies. However having been guests at a few of their weddings. They all do excellent jobs AND are all similar. Lots of bells and whistles.

Over 30 years I have seen 3 DJs that were just on a different level.

Mike Walters - He started it all. Pure class. Incredible performer.

Marcelo Pedalino - Polished and smooth Just had that extra something. Stuck out in a positive way.

Jason Jani - current wedding rockstar. Arguably one of the best mobile DJs around. Jason is a super nice guy with incredible talent and passion, energy and technology.

NJ has a lot of excellent DJs at various price points. Pricing is a personal matter. DJs should charge whatever they feel they are worth and what they can earn consistently. Don’t get caught up with a certain number. Just keep turning out incredible weddings! Your rate will continue to grow.

All the best. Chris

Ps-I said it before. To the young up and coming DJs. If you are looking to build a DJ/event company in NJ try to target the mitzvah and Indian markets. They continue to grow throughout the state and they put on big over the top events.

I would love to be the guest at a wedding with an experienced enjoyable dj...so far ive been unsuccessful... many spend time on equipment and extras but put very little effort into their role as entertainer.... u cant purchase talent or personality on Amazon i guess...

In my club days i would travel to other states to visit clubs and see what djs were doing...i loved getting inspired and gaining confidence that what i was doing for college crowds seemed to be similar to other cities. its tougher to do that on the mobile end of things... u cant just pop in on someones wedding to watch the dj.... so its a rarity to get invited to a wedding and see a quality company...when you are normally asked to dj by couples in your social circle

cc
 
ps- gig logs are fun to watch on youtube... but they seem to only show a djs best moments... i enjoy watching a dj dig his way out of a musical missturn... or the things an mc says when the script is put away after grand entrance. Those are the moments where quality shines

cc
 
The NJ mobile wedding DJ market is awesome! It has something for everyone. Pricing totally depends on your market and ability.

I have been a single OP mobile wedding DJ since I was 16. Almost 30 years. I’m located in Central NJ. There are 3 distinct markets. North, Central and South. All have different budgets.

I charge between 1,400 - 1,800 for sound and I include 2 jbl tops n 1 or 2 RCN bottoms. Also 2 Martin Trex lights.

I am an excellent basic wedding DJ. No bells and whistles. No screens, lighting, MCs, etc n etc.

I learned from Mike Walters of Elite Entertainment that you don’t need fancy sound and or light nor mix like tiesto to be a successful wedding DJ. I was a guest at a wedding Mike was performing. He brought in two tops. That was it. He had two CD players and a mixer and a mic.

From the moment he grabbed the mic and started his intros to the last dance of the night. Everyone was smiling, partying and dancing all night long. The bride and groom could not have been happier. The dance floor was full all night long.

His energy, passion and music selection was all that mattered. I try to model myself after his style.

I think Taso is killing it as a high end single OP in NJ. I’d like to think I would be like him if I was 20 years younger. Lol. I wish him continued success!

I don’t look at other DJs as competition. I’m not worried about what they charge. If you are an excellent DJ in NJ. You will work consistently no matter what. There are so many NJ wedding venues.

DJing weddings is my fun passionate job. I have been fortunate enough to have another full time career with a pension and benefits.

The “high end” NJ DJ market is crowded. Especially up north. When you hit the starting at 2,000 and up there are many great companies. However having been guests at a few of their weddings. They all do excellent jobs AND are all similar. Lots of bells and whistles.

Over 30 years I have seen 3 DJs that were just on a different level.

Mike Walters - He started it all. Pure class. Incredible performer.

Marcelo Pedalino - Polished and smooth Just had that extra something. Stuck out in a positive way.

Jason Jani - current wedding rockstar. Arguably one of the best mobile DJs around. Jason is a super nice guy with incredible talent and passion, energy and technology.

NJ has a lot of excellent DJs at various price points. Pricing is a personal matter. DJs should charge whatever they feel they are worth and what they can earn consistently. Don’t get caught up with a certain number. Just keep turning out incredible weddings! Your rate will continue to grow.

All the best. Chris

Ps-I said it before. To the young up and coming DJs. If you are looking to build a DJ/event company in NJ try to target the mitzvah and Indian markets. They continue to grow throughout the state and they put on big over the top events.
Yup this is pretty accurate. In NJ a great "basic" (you said it not me lol) is right around the 1500-1750 range give or take. While there are 3 distinct markets, and each market having a different avg... a low, mid, and high exist in all. I do $3k-$4k weddings all the time in South Jersey at venues that typically get $800-$1200 dj's.

But one thing about NJ that was said is very true... the high end market is verryyy saturated in NJ, especially up north. You need big money to advertise and stand out in the traditional methods. This is why, as a business decision, I've expanded markets, and focused on word of mouth and social media. Companies spend well over 100k just on marketing. As Chris said though... and to my advantage... they're all similar. This is why as an individual who brands himself, it's actually easier to stand out.

Mike Walters is a great DJ whose mastered the multi-op business, especially for those looking for something simple. You don't see too many over the top packages from them. I am not quite sure if Marcello really dj's much anymore... I haven't seen him post about any events. Jason I feel has been able to recreate what Mike has done but in the high end market... not an easy task to do. It's funny you mention Marcello and Jason in the same post as they were the two I found myself most inspired by... the polish and class of Marcello and his ability to attract a certain luxury clientele that cared about perception and appearance, and all the details, and Jason who has unbelievable marketing skills, as well as some really impressive setups.
 
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Yup this is pretty accurate. In NJ a great "basic" (you said it not me lol) is right around the 1500-1750 range give or take. While there are 3 distinct markets, and each market having a different avg... a low, mid, and high exist in all. I do $3k-$4k weddings all the time in South Jersey at venues that typically get $800-$1200 dj's.

But one thing about NJ that was said is very true... the high end market is verryyy saturated in NJ, especially up north. You need big money to advertise and stand out in the traditional methods. This is why, as a business decision, I've expanded markets, and focused on word of mouth and social media. Companies spend well over 100k just on marketing. As Chris said though... and to my advantage... they're all similar. This is why as an individual who brands himself, it's actually easier to stand out.

Mike Walters is a great DJ whose mastered the multi-op business, especially for those looking for something simple. You don't see too many over the top packages from them. I am not quite sure if Marcello really dj's much anymore... I haven't seen him post about any events. Jason I feel has been able to recreate what Mike has done but in the high end market... not an easy task to do. It's funny you mention Marcello and Jason in the same post as they were the two I found myself most inspired by... the polish and class of Marcello and his ability to attract a certain luxury clientele that cared about perception and appearance, and all the details, and Jason who has unbelievable marketing skills, as well as some really impressive setups.
I remember Marcello from the DJ Chat board ... Marcello now owns a Pediatric Doctor facility "Healthy Kids Pediatrics" ... Meet the Team - Healthy Kids Pediatrics - (https://www.healthykidsnj.com/meet-dr-jill/)
 
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ps- gig logs are fun to watch on youtube... but they seem to only show a djs best moments... i enjoy watching a dj dig his way out of a musical missturn... or the things an mc says when the script is put away after grand entrance. Those are the moments where quality shines

cc
Depends on what you do gig logs for... if you do it for monetization and attracting other dj's to view them... then yes the one's you enjoy will stand out. If you're creating them for paying clients to be inspired by, or to attract new clients, then yes you wanna make them attractive from showcasing the best of the best perspective. I tried to find a balance of both to make them really unique by using actual live footage and audio to give a real sense of what I do, as well as cool footage and close ups to capture the emotional aspect of the event. Most around here make music video style highlights and you don't know what's actually being played or said, and they all look generic at that point.
 
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I remember Marcello from the DJ Chat board ... Marcello now owns a Pediatric Doctor facility "Healthy Kids Pediatrics" ... Meet the Team - Healthy Kids Pediatrics - (https://www.healthykidsnj.com/meet-dr-jill/)
I'm pretty sure that's his wife, and yes he's been very focused on a healthy lifestyle and he also wrote a book about that as well (Celebrate Life: How to live it up, discover fulfillment, and experience the joy you deserve: Marcello Pedalino: 9781783240296: Amazon.com: Gateway - (https://amzn.to/2XSH34N)), and living life to the fullest. I think he still does an event or two a year for past clients, but doesn't actively seek out events.
 
I'm pretty sure that's his wife, and yes he's been very focused on a healthy lifestyle and he also wrote a book about that as well (Celebrate Life: How to live it up, discover fulfillment, and experience the joy you deserve: Marcello Pedalino: 9781783240296: Amazon.com: Gateway - (https://amzn.to/2XSH34N)), and living life to the fullest. I think he still does an event or two a year for past clients, but doesn't actively seek out events.
He's listed as the CEO on LinkedIn.
 
Both are very nice. I personally adore Marcello for what he has done. I knew him back in the day when he was starting out and coming to conventions and listing to my seminars. He still makes time for me when I go to a convention to sit, have a piece of pie and catch up.

Jason is a rock star. I was wow'd by him the first year they had him as the "house DJ" at Mobile Best, amazing stuff and a very cool look and vibe.

It does bum me out at how many people say they can't answer the "price question" because there are too many variables in pricing. That's crap to me.

Everybody has a base price where they start at, or would be willing to work for. Sure the bottom line is hours, needs and so on. But how hard is it to give a base price for a 5 or 6 hour event?

I am not a high end DJ by any means. Could I be? Sure, but I just don't want to work that hard. Randy Bartlett and I have had this discussion over the years. He would ask me, "don't you want to make $2500 at a wedding", and I say "sure, but I just don't want to work that hard. I'd rather be on the golf course or spending time with my wife."

Do I own a home or have a new car every couple of years? No. Am I on a first name basis with all the employees at Taco Bell? Yes! Do I tell others to run their business like I run mine? Hell no! I hope that most are way more successful than me. Am I a happy camper with a happy life? 99% of the time, yes.

My base price? I quote $1200 for a 4 hour wedding, $200 p/h overtime. Me and my sound system. Uplights, ceremony system, Gig Bar extra. Average wedding price is $1600.00

Have a nice day :)