How to Hire a Wedding DJ - The Definitive Guide (2025)
Planning your wedding music is one of the most exciting parts of the big day, but also one of the most important. The right wedding DJ does far more than just press play: they create atmosphere, read the room, keep the timeline moving and ensure everyone from your gran to your best mates have an amazing time on the dance floor.
This guide walks you through every essential detail of hiring a wedding DJ in the UK with real examples, expert advice and answers to the most common questions real couples have asked our DJs during their planning.
TL;DR – Quick summary for couples hiring a wedding DJ
- Average UK wedding DJ cost: £800–£1,200
- Book 9–12 months ahead for summer weddings
- Share a 30–40 song playlist and a do-not-play list
- DJs bring their own sound, lighting and backup equipment
- Ask about extras: sax players, uplighting, early setup etc.
- Use platforms like FixTheMusic to view reviews and book securely
You can also view this guide as a video...
Table of Contents
- Why Hire a DJ for Your Wedding?
- When Should You Book Your Wedding DJ?
- How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost in the UK?
- What to Expect From Your Wedding DJ
- Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Wedding DJ FAQ (Expanded)
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Final Tips
- Need Help Finding the Right DJ?
Why Hire a DJ for Your Wedding?
- Versatility: DJs can cater to all ages and musical tastes, from Motown and Funk to Garage, House, Disco and TikTok hits
- Seamless Transitions: No awkward pauses between tracks or speeches
- Crowd Reading: Good DJs adapt in real time to keep the dancefloor full
- Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than live bands
- Set-Up Support: Most bring their own PA system, lighting, microphones and DJ booth
When Should You Book Your Wedding DJ?
Aim to book 9–12 months in advance, especially for summer weddings (May to September). The best wedding DJs in the UK get snapped up early, particularly in London, the Cotswolds and coastal venues.
How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost in the UK?
The average cost of hiring a wedding DJ is between £800 to £1,200.
This is for a mid-range professional wedding DJ. Some DJs will start at £400 for weddings and premium DJs charge between £1,300 to £2,000+ for weddings.
What’s typically included:
- Evening set (4–5 hours)
- Sound system and disco lighting
- Microphones for speeches
- Setup and teardown
Popular add-ons:
- Ceremony and drinks reception music
- Live instruments (saxophone, bongos)
- Uplighting and dance floor enhancements
- Custom DJ booth designs
What to Expect From Your Wedding DJ
Before the Day:
- Consultation call or video meeting
- Playlist planning (often via collaborative Spotify playlists)
- Help defining do-not-play lists
- Equipment and lighting preferences
- Deposit payment through platforms like FixTheMusic
On the Day:
- Setup (usually 1–2 hours in advance)
- Sound and lighting checks
- Coordination with venue and planner
- MCing key moments (first dance, cake, sparklers)
- Real-time mixing and guest request management
Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking
Experience & Background
- How long have you been DJing professionally?
- How many weddings have you done?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
Style & Flexibility
- What’s your DJing style (e.g. open format, genre-specific)?
- Are you comfortable playing a mix of genres and eras?
- Do you take guest requests on the night?
- Will you make announcements (e.g. cake cutting, first dance)?
Planning Process
- Do you help build a playlist?
- How do you handle “do-not-play” lists?
- Can we meet or speak before the day?
Equipment & Logistics
- Do you bring your own PA system, lighting and DJ booth?
- Do you offer different booth styles (e.g. white gloss, rustic)?
- Are you insured (PLI) and is your equipment PAT tested?
- How much setup time do you need?
- What’s your contingency plan if your equipment fails?
Pricing & Add-ons
- What’s included in the base price?
- Are travel and accommodation included?
- How much do you charge for overtime?
- Can you supply musicians (e.g. sax, bongos)?
- Do you offer ceremony, drinks or dinner coverage?
Wedding DJ FAQ (Expanded)
Do we need to provide any equipment?
No. Professional DJs will bring a full setup, including speakers, decks, lighting, booth and microphones. DJs like DJ Karl, DJ TM and DJ Anthony also offer multiple lighting styles, including uplighters, haze effects and custom booths. All you need to do is confirm the venue has sufficient power and access for setup.
Can we create our own playlist?
Yes. Most DJs encourage it. A collaborative Spotify playlist is ideal. DJs typically ask for around 30–40 songs that capture your energy, plus your first dance and any special requests (e.g. father-daughter dances). You should also share songs or artists to avoid. Some FixTheMusic couples like CJ & Charlotte even invited their guests to submit a song to get them on the dancefloor.
Will the DJ make announcements?
Yes, if requested. DJs like DJ TM and Karl will gladly handle key moments like announcing the first dance, calling guests to dinner or introducing sparklers or a live performance. Just confirm what you’d like in advance.
How long do DJs play?
Standard sets are usually 4 to 5 hours (e.g. 8 pm to midnight). Most DJs are happy to extend to 1 am or later for an additional fee; just let them know ahead of time. Many DJs offer flexible timings and quote for extended hours or early arrivals when needed.
Do DJs take breaks?
Rarely. Most DJs play straight through. DJs like DJ TM don’t take formal breaks but may step away for a moment if needed. Music keeps playing even during quick breathers.
Should we provide food?
While not required by every wedding DJ, it's a kind gesture, especially if your DJ arrives early or stays late. Some DJs eat before arriving, while others appreciate having evening food available. Ask your DJ what they prefer.
Do DJs take guest requests?
Yes, but with discretion. All DJs interviewed by FixTheMusic accept guest requests but will filter them based on timing, crowd energy and the couple’s preferences. DJ TM, for example, will only play a request if it fits the vibe.
What if something goes wrong?
Experienced DJs always carry backup gear. For example, DJ TM once had a moment where his laptop froze, but he seamlessly switched to a backup iPad with Spotify to keep the party going. Ask your DJ what contingency plans they have.
Do DJs need insurance?
Yes, most wedding venues in the UK require it. DJs should have Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and PAT testing certification for their equipment. FixTheMusic’s wedding DJs always provide these documents if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving Booking Too Late: The best DJs get booked early, especially for peak summer dates
- Overloading the Playlist: DJs appreciate a vibe guide, but a 100-song must-play list can hinder their flexibility
- Forgetting the Do-Not-Play List: Avoid awkward surprises by flagging anything you don’t want to hear
- Not Communicating Setup Needs with the Venue: Confirm power access, setup time and any sound restrictions in advance
- Assuming All DJs Provide the Same Equipment: Ask for a full list (booth style, lighting, microphones, backup gear)
- Skipping the Planning Call: A 30-minute chat can prevent hours of confusion on the day
- Hiring on Price Alone: DJs vary hugely in experience, music knowledge and crowd-reading skills. Listen to mixes, check reviews, do your research
Final Tips
- Book early. The best wedding DJs fill up fast, especially in summer
- Talk through your musical likes and dislikes
- Trust your DJ’s ability to read the room
- Don’t overthink the playlist. Focus on vibe not volume
- Feed your DJ. It’s a long day for them too
Need Help Finding the Right DJ?
Platforms like FixTheMusic can help you compare trusted DJs, see reviews and book with clear agreements and payment schedules.
Looking for a checklist to stay organised? Download our free Wedding DJ Planning Checklist to keep everything on track.
👉 Download Wedding DJ Checklist (PDF)
Let your wedding music be as stunning as the dress, the vows and the dancefloor confetti.
