This is a tricky question because there is huge variability in what some DJs are charging; but there is also a significant difference in what DJs can offer as well. No 2 DJs are the same, but an expensive DJ isn't necessarily a good DJ and a cheap DJ isn't necessarily a bad one. So that being said, what does the average DJ cost in NZ?
There's lots of factors to take into consideration in relation to cost but also capability when it comes to your DJ.
Some things that can impact on pricing include:
- How long you want them to perform for - all day versus just a few hours
- How many people are in attendance - it's a crude way to charge, but the more bodies - the more sound needed
- Venue type - the size of the venue can also determine how much sound is needed. But also, if you have a wedding where there are 3-4 distinct locations requiring sound systems - your DJ may have to do 3-4 set-ups or at least a few moves.
- Length of time DJing can have an impact, as often newer DJ's will charge much less in order to get a foot in the door.
A lot of people get into DJing as a hobby and it's an easily accessible hobby today because you can literally download an app onto your phone and DJ from the corner of your bedroom. But at the other end, it is one of the most expensive hobbies around (just ask my wife).
Those who take it seriously, will invest both time and money into getting it absolutely right,
So what does it cost?
It depends. You will find prices ranging from $500, right through to $4000 depending on your needs. For most weddings of around 4-6 hours, you are probably looking at anything from $700-2000 - give or take - and for all day events, that can range from $1000-4000.
It's worth keeping in mind that for a good DJ who takes their craft seriously, 4-6 hours of actual performance time equates to around 10-12 hours of work and that isn't accounting for all of the outgoing and consumable costs.
The difference in cost between 4 hours and 6, or even 6 hours and 8 is usually negligible. That's because whether someone is playing for 4 hours or 6, while there may be some extra prep work - the set-up and break-down is usually the same.
How to identify value
So the best way to work out whether your DJ is worth the price they are charging, or not, is to establish value and value isn't about how expensive all of their equipment is, or how many years they've been DJing.
- How comfortable are you with them?
- How professional and helpful are they? Are they able to answer all your questions about music and setting etc easily?
- Are they able to give you confidence in their ability through clear communication and responses?
- Do they ask lots of questions to help them understand you and what you want from your day? (definite red flag if they don't)
- Do they have good processes around managing money and agreements - and do they detail this process well? (never give over money without an agreement in place - and avoid hiring anyone who doesn't use an agreement)
Some of this is harder to do with DJ's who work as part of agencies - but you should be able to ask to speak to your prospective DJ in advance, or even a few of them to see if there is a good fit for you.
People are usually talking about 1 of 2 things at the follow up gathering the day after - food and the dancefloor.
If you get along well with your DJ and everything has fallen into place; and you have confidence that you will get the outcome and the dance-floor experience you want for you and all your guests - what is that worth to you for the perfect end to an evening?
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