How Much Should A Wedding DJ Cost In Melbourne? (2025 Update)
You’ve selected your wedding venue, locked in your celebrant and photographer, and are now looking for amazing wedding entertainment to ensure the best night. If you decide on a DJ Service for your entertainment, you will quickly realise that wedding DJ prices vary from DJ to DJ.
While it’s important to stick within your Wedding Budget, you don’t want to hire the cheapest DJ who doesn’t read the room and ruins your night. So, what should you expect to pay for a professional wedding DJ in Melbourne?
Wedding Music for Every Moment
Wedding music sets the tone for every stage of your big day, from the ceremony music and cocktail hour to the dance floor. A skilled DJ can seamlessly adjust their music selection based on the atmosphere and energy of the guests, keeping the dance floor lively and memorable.
DJ vs. Live Music: Which Suits Your Dream Wedding?
One of the biggest decisions during wedding planning is whether to hire either a DJ or live music. Here’s how they compare:
• Live Music: Can bring energy and a unique vibe but usually comes at a higher price and has a limited repertoire. It does add a dynamic element to your reception but often comes at a higher price with a limited repertoire.
• Wedding DJs: Offer versatility and an extensive playlist that caters to all ages and tastes. They’re also more cost-effective for couples on a tighter budget.
Additional Services a Wedding DJ Can Provide
Many DJ companies now offer additional services to enhance the wedding experience. These may include:
MC Services to guide the evening’s flow and make announcements.
Photo booths for guests to capture memories.
Dance floor lighting to create an engaging ambience.
Wireless microphones for speeches and announcements.
These extras can add to the overall cost, but they bring tremendous value to your wedding day.
Wedding DJ Costs: Breaking Down the Average Price in Melbourne
The average cost of hiring a wedding DJ in Melbourne ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. This price varies based on the DJ’s years of experience, the length of the event, and additional services offered, such as MC duties or lighting. Travel time and setup or pack-down costs may also affect the overall fee.
When budgeting for your wedding planning, it’s essential to consider the value a professional DJ brings. They don’t just play music—they create a tailored experience, ensuring every moment, from the first dance to the last song, aligns with your vision. Here is a breakdown of wedding DJ pricing in Melbourne:
1. Budget DJ
$500 - $1500
It is not uncommon for a couple to spend $50,000 to $80,000 on their big day (once your venue, celebrant, photographer, florists, dresses/suits, etc. are all booked, it adds up quickly). This is a large sum of money, so why risk jeopardising your special day by hiring a DJ who, although budget-friendly, ruins your night?
Image of a bad DJ setup.
The last thing you want is your DJ playing offensively loud music, using poor-quality speakers, refusing to take requests, not having a well-presented DJ booth, and only playing the music they want to hear.
Even worse – if they have a seat behind their booth during the dance floor. Although it can be tempting to be drawn towards a budget-friendly DJ, you don’t want to have any regrets on your night if you try to save $1000 and go with a cheap DJ.
For this reason, if you are looking to book a DJ for less than $1500, I’d ask lots of questions about their experience with weddings, specifically, their visions for your day, the quality of their equipment, and if they have any sample mixes. A great article by The Knot talk about wedding planning tips for managing your wedding budget, which can assist in justifying a higher price tag DJ and the benefits of doing this.
If they don’t have video footage of themselves in action, too, I’d proceed with caution at booking any DJ below this price point.
2. Professional DJ
$2000 - $5000
Many factors determine the cost of a wedding DJ. Generally, a great wedding DJ in Melbourne costs between $200 and $5000 for a 5-hour reception. This amount will increase if they also provide add-ons such as a lighting package, MC service, ceremony, cocktail/canapé hour, etc.
Of course, there is a reason why they charge this amount.
A good DJ supplies high-quality, professional equipment. It is not uncommon for a wedding DJ to bring over $20,000 in equipment to each event. For example, they bring a good-quality PA, DJ decks, mixer, speaker stands, laptop, all cabling, booth, wireless mic, saxophone (if booked), and perhaps even lighting.
The DJ also knows how to set up this equipment (and, most importantly, have back-ups) so that everything runs smoothly at night.
Image of Tim the DJ at Collingwood Children’s Farm, captured by Single Soul Photography.
A good DJ is also committed to making sure your wedding day is the best it can be! They typically invest at least 2-5 hours of preparation for each event, meeting with the couples and reviewing the music briefly to ensure they nail it on the night.
They can also MC like a true professional and work closely with the venue manager at night to ensure everything runs like clockwork. Having a DJ who treats your big day with the utmost respect and can provide tips and suggestions in the lead-up to your big day (after all, they have attended hundreds of weddings) is valuable to the couple and is one less thing they have to worry about.
This is also not to mention the countless hours the DJ has spent crafting their skills so they can deliver your shared vision of a big, vibrant dance floor that doesn’t dwindle once it’s ignited. They can mix tracks, keeping the energy up and the atmosphere electric.
There are also various other costs a DJ incurs that couples understandably don’t consider. These include tagging and testing their equipment, public liability insurance, SEO, marketing costs, and website fees.
3. Other things to consider
If you are booking a DJ through an agency, be mindful that you might be paying a premium price for a budget DJ. Although an agency might have a pretty Instagram, do you know which exact DJ you will be getting?
Not all DJs are the same, and agencies have a mix of good and, well, not so good DJs on their books so they can fill multiple events on the same night. It’s important to select a DJ you like and trust rather than just choosing one because of their price.
After all, if you’re spending upwards of $50,000 on your special day, why risk jeopardising it by booking a budget DJ?
What Does a Wedding DJ Usually Provide?
A perfect wedding DJ who is reputable, does more than just hit play. They are a crucial part of the wedding industry, bringing together the vibe you're looking to create for your friends and family. This includes:
• Custom Playlists: Tailored to your music preferences and event vibe.
• Wedding Ceremony Music: Setting the tone for your walk down the aisle.
• MC Services: Keeping the evening’s flow on track with announcements.
• Dance Floor Lighting: Enhancing the atmosphere and creating memorable moments.
• Social Media Savvy: Sharing highlights of your big day on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Many couples use platforms like Google reviews or Easy Weddings to find the best wedding DJ who matches their style and expectations.
Factors That Influence Wedding DJ Costs
DJ's Experience and Reputation
A DJ with a strong reputation and vast experience will likely charge more due to their high demand and expertise.
Duration and Scope of the Event
The length of the wedding day affects pricing. A 5-hour reception costs less than an all-day event that covers the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner.
Venue Size and Equipment Needs
Larger venues may require additional sound equipment and dance floor lighting, increasing the overall cost.
Custom Wedding Packages and Add-Ons
Customised packages allow you to add unique elements to your wedding, from photo booths to live saxophone performances.
Travel and Accommodation Expenses
If your DJ is travelling from out of town, you may need to cover travel and accommodation expenses. This is especially common for destination weddings where local DJs might not be available, or they are regional weddings out of town
DJ's Style and Specialisation
Some DJs are known for their expertise in specific music genres or styles, such as classic rock, hip hop, or multicultural music. Hiring a DJ with specialised skills may be a higher investment, but it ensures a tailored music experience that matches the couple's taste.
Reviews and Recommendations
Checking reviews and getting recommendations from friends or online platforms is essential. A DJ with glowing reviews online and strong referrals can give you peace of mind, knowing that their past performances were well-received.
To find the perfect wedding DJ, follow these steps:
Check Their Playlist and Style: Ensure their music selection matches your preferences. A well-rounded music library is essential for catering to various guest preferences. Ask if the DJ can accommodate requests during the event.
Read Google Reviews: Look for feedback from other couples about their performance.
Ask About Their Years of Experience: Experienced DJs are more likely to handle unexpected situations professionally, giving you confidence that you're securing the right DJ for your big day.
Consult Your Wedding Planner: They can recommend DJs they’ve worked with before.
Consider Social Media Presence: A DJ active on platforms like Instagram or YouTube often provides a glimpse of their style and energy.
Look for Professional DJ Equipment: The importance of high-quality DJ equipment and backup gear are vital for ensuring your music is flawless throughout the night. importance of high-quality DJ equipment
Consider Their Personality and Professionalism: The DJ’s experience and personality are crucial in creating the right vibe. Look for a DJ who is professional, reliable, and in tune with your vision for the wedding reception.
By incorporating the right mix of music, energy, and professionalism, a skilled wedding DJ ensures your special day is unforgettable. Ready to ignite your dance floor? Get in touch with Tim the DJ today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding DJ Cost and How to Plan Smartly
-
The average wedding DJ cost in Melbourne ranges from $1500 to $5000, depending on experience, equipment, and additional services.
-
Yes, some DJs may be open to negotiation, particularly during the off-peak season. However, remember that a lower price may impact the quality of service. Try and choose a DJ who falls into your budget, paying the DJ their average cost.
-
Yes, most DJs charge for extra hours. Confirm the overtime rate before the event to avoid surprises.
-
It’s recommended to book a DJ 9-12 months in advance, especially if they’re in high demand.
To ensure that you're securing the best wedding DJ that fits your style and budget, it is recommended to book your DJ entertainment 9–12 months before your wedding date, especially during peak seasons.
-
Yes, many DJs offer wedding ceremony music along with wedding reception services. This may involve an additional fee. Please discuss this with your DJ to ensure that you're getting what you're expecting.
-
A wedding DJ focuses on creating a structured flow that aligns with the wedding’s events, whereas a Party DJ is more focused on maintaining high energy on the dance floor.
-
Photo booths add an interactive experience for guests and create memorable keepsakes. Many DJ companies offer these as part of their packages.
-
Both have their strengths. A DJ offers versatility and cost savings, while live music brings a unique energy. The choice depends on your wedding vendor priorities, and what you're looking for with your entertainment. A live band can be awesome if they are good. But an energetic DJ who brings the party is something that all of your guests will remember!
-
Yes, many DJs offer dance floor lighting to enhance the ambiance of the venue.
-
An agency can offer a range of DJs, but it’s important to ensure you’re getting a professional with wedding experience, not just a general DJ.
-
Absolutely! Many DJs offer wedding MC services to handle announcements, coordinate events, and keep things running smoothly.
