How Much Does a DJ Cost? Wedding, Party & Event DJ Rates

Published 1 month ago

How Much Does a DJ Cost? Wedding, Party & Event DJ Rates: How much do you charge?

How Much Does a DJ Cost?

DJ TierPrice Range (Approx.)Best ForWhat’s Usually Included
Hobbyist DJ£150 – £350Low-key house parties, kids' birthdays, or small pubs.Basic sound and light setup, standard playlist. Often does it for fun alongside a main job.
Part-Time DJ£350 – £650Standard weddings, anniversaries, and corporate parties.Professional-grade equipment, PAT testing & PLI insurance, consultation, and music requests.
Professional Full-Time DJ£650 – £1,500+High-end weddings, large-scale events, and all-day hosting.Top-tier audio/visuals, backup gear, full event planning, MC services, and extensive experience.

. The Hobbyist DJ (£150 – £350)

This is often someone who loves music and has a basic setup. They may not have the extensive "crowd-reading" experience of a pro, but they are a budget-friendly option for smaller, informal gatherings.

Pros: Very affordable.

Cons: Limited backup equipment; may lack Public Liability Insurance (required by most venues); less experience managing a diverse dance floor.

2. The Part-Time DJ (£350 – £650)

Many of the best DJs in Norfolk and Suffolk fall into this category. They run a legitimate business but may have another career during the week. They typically invest heavily in their gear and offer a very high standard of service.

Pros: Reliable, fully insured, professional sound/lighting, and great musical knowledge.

Cons: Weekends book up very fast; they may have limited availability for mid-week consultations.

3. The Professional Full-Time DJ (£650 – £1,500+)

A full-time pro lives and breathes events. This tier often includes "Wedding Specialist" DJs who offer more than just music—they act as your Master of Ceremonies (MC), provide mood lighting (uplighting), and spend dozens of hours prepping your specific timeline.

Pros: Expert at reading any room; highest quality production; full-day service (ceremony to late night); guaranteed reliability.

Cons: Higher investment; often booked 12–24 months in advance.

Regional Factors for East Anglia

While the prices above are a solid guide, remember that travel and venue specifics can change the quote:

Travel: Most DJs based in Norwich, Ipswich, or Cambridge will include travel within a 30-mile radius, but events in remote parts of the Fens or the North Norfolk coast may incur a small travel fee.

Venue Size: Large manor houses or marquees across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire may require additional sound reinforcement (extra speakers) to fill the space, which can increase the cost.

Pro Tip: When comparing quotes, always ask if the price includes a "written contract" and "Public Liability Insurance." These are the hallmarks of a professional service regardless of the price point.

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.

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