To secure your event date, most DJs in the East of England require a non-refundable booking fee (deposit). This ensures the date is reserved exclusively for you and protects the DJ against losing work from other potential clients.
The amount typically depends on the level of service and the total cost of the package:
Typical Deposit Requirements
| DJ Tier | Deposit Amount | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbyist DJ | £50 – £100 | Often Cash or Bank Transfer. |
| Part-Time DJ | 20% – 25% | Usually Bank Transfer (BACS). |
| Professional Full-Time DJ | 25% – 50% | Bank Transfer or secure online payment portal. |
Key Things to Know About Your Deposit
Securing the Date: Your date is generally not "confirmed" until the deposit has been paid and a booking contract has been signed.1 Many professionals will only hold a date for 24–48 hours after sending an invoice before releasing it to other clients.
Non-Refundable Status: In almost all cases, this fee is non-refundable.2 It covers the administrative time spent planning your event and the "loss of opportunity" if the date is cancelled later.3
Deducted from Total: The deposit is not an "extra" fee; it is simply the first installment of your total balance. For example, on a £600 booking with a 25% deposit, you would pay £150 now and £450 later.
Regional Nuances (East Anglia)
Because Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire have a high density of popular wedding venues, the best DJs often book up 12–18 months in advance. Paying your deposit early is the only way to guarantee your preferred DJ is available for a peak summer Saturday.
Important: Always ensure you receive a written receipt or an updated invoice showing a £0 balance for the deposit once you have paid.
Ready to Secure Your Date?
Don’t leave your celebration to chance. As Norfolk’s only Trading Standards Approved DJ service with a Zero-Cancellation Guarantee since 1976, we provide the ultimate peace of mind. Every booking includes £10M Public Liability Insurance, Certified PAT-Tested equipment, and Enhanced DBS-checked staff.
Not sure if we cover your area? While we specialise in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire, we cover hundreds of towns and villages across the region.