Here is what you can expect to pay (on average) for DJ services in Wisconsin and what you can expect to get for your money.
Low end DJs – Anywhere from $150 to $400. You can find many, many inexpensive DJs on Green Bay Craigslist. Buyer beware! See video CRAIGSLIST DJs RUIN WEDDINGS
You get what you pay for. Low end DJs are infamous for cancelling last minute, distorted sound, being late, swearing on the microphone, and playing inappropriate songs during the reception.
Every reputable DJ company offers a contract and a deposit, retainer, or booking fee to guarantee your date.
We get calls from unfortunate brides saying “my DJ just cancelled on me”. This just breaks our heart! That should NEVER happen to anyone! That’s why we offer contracts with a small financial retainer to GUARANTEE your date!)
I had a lady last summer who called just three weeks before her wedding, looking desperately for an affordable DJ. She told me that her “friend that she had known for 20 years” had agreed to DJ her wedding over a year ago just cancelled on her! He didn’t even give her a good reason. He also didn’t bother to try and get a replacement for her. He was going to charge her $600 to do her reception. We were the 8th DJ company she had called. When I told her that we could do her wedding and match the price of the other DJ, she literally cried she was so happy! I did ask “did you have a contract or deposit with this other DJ?”
You can guess what her answer was. Please don’t let that happen to you. INSIST on working with a reputable company that offers you the protection of a contract and financial retainer. You may pay a little more, but the piece of mind will be worth every penny!
Middle to average DJs – Range from $400 to $700. DJ companies in this price range typically are less experienced, weekend warriors. They (typically) have a full time day job and do this “on the side”. Now, these DJs can vary dramatically! DJs in this range demand a lower price for a reason. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get what you are looking for in this price range. In general, the less you pay for a DJ, the more research you should do on them. Ask them about how much experience they have doing weddings. Ask for wedding referrals. Find out what recent former clients have to say about their services. See and hear one of their shows if you can. Always, always, always, meet with them in person before signing a contract. If you check references, reputation, and meet them in person, you will be more likely to get what you are looking for. Not all brides are looking for perfection. Some brides prefer a simple, no frills reception. If this describes you, then this might be the right option for you. Make sure your DJ will not play inappropriate music during the reception, unless that is what you want. Go over what your expectations are so the DJ can follow your directions. It’s best not to take anything for granted. Be specific in your communication with you DJ.
High End DJs – Range from $700 to $2500. This is what you can expect to pay for a 4 hour or 6 hour DJ package from top tier DJ service providers. You can expect better preparation, online planning tools, in person meetings, and your DJ will serve as a fantastic resource for valuable information to make your event a resounding success. From start to finish you will have a friend, resource, and advocate to help you in every part of the planning process. Great equipment and knowledgeable DJs means that the sound quality and levels with build the energy of the audience and get crowd participation. You can expect your DJ to have back up equipment, 2 well trained DJs working together at your event, and carry liability insurance. Larger more established companies can offer you other services such as photo booths, uplighting, music for your ceremony, *glow stick party, *kidz party plan, *playlist Lok, and even officiant services. And most importantly, you will get strong recommendations from past clients to let you know what kind of experience you can expect.