It's one of the first questions every couple asks, and one that many DJ websites avoid answering. This guide explains what drives wedding DJ pricing in Miami and South Florida, what to watch for in quotes, and exactly what Starlight Music DJ Service charges. We've been DJing weddings here since 1997, and we've always believed in posting our prices.
Our prices
Our DJ packages are flat-rate with unlimited time, including MC services, a cordless microphone, dance-floor lighting and planning help:
- Sunday: $800
- Friday: $1,000
- Saturday: $1,200
Add-ons:
- Uplighting: $400 on its own, or $300 with a DJ package (ten lights in any color). Bundled DJ + uplighting: $1,100 Sunday, $1,300 Friday, $1,500 Saturday.
- Photo booth: $600 Sunday, $800 Friday, $1,000 Saturday, $100 off with a DJ package.
Sample totals
- Saturday DJ only: $1,200
- Saturday DJ + uplighting: $1,500
- Saturday DJ + uplighting + photo booth: $1,500 + $900 = $2,400
- Friday DJ + uplighting + photo booth: $1,300 + $700 = $2,000
- Sunday DJ + uplighting + photo booth: $1,100 + $500 = $1,600
Special requests, such as unusual venues, multiple events or weekday corporate events, are quoted individually. Request a quote for your exact date.
What drives DJ pricing in general
Whoever you hire, these factors affect price:
Day of the week
Saturdays are in highest demand, so they cost the most nearly everywhere. Fridays and Sundays are typically lower. That's why our pricing steps from $1,200 to $1,000 to $800. If your date is flexible, a Friday or Sunday wedding can save money across most of your vendors, not just the DJ.
Season
In South Florida, late fall through spring is peak season. Some vendors charge more in peak months. Ours are the same year-round, but peak Saturdays book first.
Hours and overtime
Many DJs charge by the hour, often with a minimum and an overtime rate if the party runs long. When comparing quotes, check how many hours are included, and what an extra hour costs. Our packages have unlimited time, so there's no overtime clock.
What's included
Quotes can look similar but include very different things. Check whether the price includes:
- MC services and announcements
- Wireless microphones for toasts
- Ceremony sound (if you need it)
- Dance-floor lighting
- Setup and teardown time
- Planning meetings or calls
Lighting and add-ons
Uplighting, photo booths, monograms, special effects and ceremony sound all add to the total. Bundles often save money. Ours do.
Experience and demand
Experienced DJs with strong reviews are often booked further ahead and may charge more. Experience shows up in the moments that matter most: a smooth timeline, a full dance floor and a calm response when something goes wrong.
What to watch for in quotes
- Hidden overtime fees. Ask what happens if you want to keep partying.
- Travel or setup fees. Ask whether they're included.
- Deposit and payment terms. Know what's due when, and what's refundable.
- Who's actually coming. Make sure the DJ you meet is the DJ you get.
- Insurance. Many venues require a certificate of insurance (COI). An uninsured DJ can create a last-minute problem. Starlight is insured, and we provide a COI on request.
Our questions to ask your wedding DJ checklist covers the rest.
Is a cheaper DJ worth it?
Sometimes. But remember what the DJ controls: the pacing of your entire reception, every announcement, and whether your guests dance or check their phones. In our experience, the music and the MC shape how guests remember the night more than almost anything else. A lower price that comes with overtime fees, no insurance or an inexperienced MC isn't a bargain. For help weighing options, see how to choose a wedding DJ.
Saving money without cutting corners
- Choose a Friday or Sunday. Our Sunday rate is $400 less than Saturday.
- Bundle. Uplighting is $100 less with a DJ, and the photo booth is $100 off.
- Skip what you don't need. If your venue provides lighting, you may not need uplighting.
- Pick a DJ with unlimited time, so you never pay surprise overtime.
How to compare quotes side by side
When you're collecting quotes, put them in a simple table so you're comparing the same things. For each DJ, note:
- Total price for your date, including any travel, setup or overtime fees
- Hours of coverage, and what happens if your reception runs late
- Ceremony and cocktail-hour coverage, and whether it's included or an extra charge
- Microphones, including wireless options for toasts and the officiant
- Lighting, whether it's dance-floor lighting only or full uplighting
- MC services, and whether the DJ also handles announcements
- Insurance and COI, if your venue requires it
- Deposit and payment schedule
- Cancellation and rescheduling terms
You'll often find that two quotes that look far apart are closer than they seem once you account for hours and overtime. And sometimes a lower quote just leaves out something you assumed was included. If you'd like a written quote for your date, send us the quote form.
Get your exact quote
We're based in Miami and serve all of South Florida, including Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Call or text (561) 464-7203 or request a quote.
