This Is How Much It Really Costs to Hire a Band or DJ for Your Wedding

Your wedding ceremony—that special time when you share your vows and officially become a married couple—is undoubtedly the most important part of the entire wedding day. That doesn't mean your reception isn't important, though: Once you've officially tied the knot, your family members and friends are ready to celebrate, and a key component to throwing a great party is providing entertainment that will keep guests dancing all night long. From background tunes during cocktail hour to your first dance as a married couple, the music played during your wedding reception helps define the tone of the party.

That being said, while you may understand the importance music plays at a wedding, do you know how much money you should set aside in your budget for this key element? How much is a band, anyway? Do bands cost more or less than a DJ? Here, we asked four experts to share all the information you need to know about the cost associated with hiring either a wedding band or DJ.

The Cost of a Wedding Band

Costs range from $8,000 to $30,000

A live wedding band will require a larger chunk of your wedding budget, but how much do you really need to allocate for this type of entertainment? Identifying band costs starts with understanding the type of entertainment you're looking for. There are several band types to choose from:

• Traditional wedding band (plays covers)
• Acoustic band (common at smaller, intimate gatherings)
• Jazz band (common at cocktail hours)
• String quartet (common at cocktail hours)
  

Most couples stick with the first: a traditional wedding band, composed of several members, will play all those classic hits and contemporary favorites you love to groove to. According to Heather Lowenthal, the owner of Posh Parties based out of Palm Beach, Florida, the cost of hiring this type of wedding band for four hours (a typical amount of time) averages $25,000. She sees band costs range from $15,000 to $30,000 in her area of Palm Beach, Florida.

But, like most things associated with weddings, costs vary widely based on location. According to Regina Brooks, the owner of Régine Danielle Events, the average cost of hiring a live wedding band in Chicago is between $8,000 and $10,000. Kaitlin Ford, a wedding planner in California, says that most experienced bands in areas such as Monterey and Pebble Beach range from $10,000 to $20,000. Of course, these figures will depend on how many members are in the band, how many instruments, and how long you book the band to play. The time of year and day of the week can certainly impact these fees as well. For example, if you're having a Saturday wedding in September, the cost will be significantly higher than a weekday wedding in February.

The Cost of a Wedding DJ

Costs range from $1,000 to $5,500

Hiring a wedding DJ is typically a much more cost-effective option. Lowenthal says the average cost of hiring a wedding DJ in Florida is $5,500. According to Brooks, the average cost in Chicago is $1,000. As for California? Ford says the average cost for a DJ is $2,000 to $2,500. Keep in mind that these figures vary greatly depending on the area and availability of DJs, as well as the time of year and day of the week you’re hoping to book.

The Top Factors That Contribute to the Cost of a Wedding Band and DJ

Now that you understand the general pricing of a wedding band and DJ, you may be curious about what factors play a role in determining these costs. According to Erik Marshall, partner at Hank Lane Music, "There are many factors that can affect the cost of wedding bands or DJs, including talent, equipment needs, booking duration, and more." The musician also points out that the size of a band will greatly impact your final wedding music bill. "The size, popularity, and experience of the band or DJ play significant roles in determining the final price," he explains.

Additionally, and as previously mentioned, costs will vary based on location and wedding date. "For events over 75 miles from our New York base, travel costs—including bus rentals, train tickets, or airfare—will be added to the original fee," Marshall shares. "Midweek weddings can sometimes offer cost savings compared to weekend events, depending on the date." All this to say, keep these factors in mind when budgeting for your big day since music will be a crucial part of your celebration.

Budgeting Tips for Hiring Bands, DJs, and Musicians

Whether you plan to hire a full band, a few independent musicians, or a DJ, you'll need to make sure you plan for every dollar and cent. These practical tips will help you stay on track.

Double-Check Hidden Costs

A great deal of work goes into a live band or DJ's set-up, so it’s important to have an open conversation about expectations ahead of time—this will ensure you understand the full picture and every cost. “There can be a lot of added ‘hidden’ costs to hiring a band," explains Ford. "For example, staging, lighting, and AV equipment, or DJ entertainment between sets,” she says. Asking about travel and accommodation costs and all equipment needs will help give you a clear idea of how much to budget. You'll want to align on all of these things before signing a contract.

Consider Off-Peak Dates

If music is going to be one of your biggest costs, consider booking your wedding date in an off-peak season, or during a weekday. This will likely bring down the cost of a band, DJ, or individual musicians, as rates are often lower on less popular booking dates.

Book for Just One Part of the Event

If you envisioned having live music for the entirety of your wedding day, but realize you need to pull back your budget a little bit, think about hiring a live band or a DJ just for the dance portion of the evening. Alternatively, if you have a dance playlist prepped and ready for the dance party and you want to handle that part of the event yourself, you could have a band performing just during cocktail hour, or hire a vocalist or string quartet to perform during the ceremony, rather than for the entire wedding.