Your DJ does more than play music. They’re the invisible hand guiding your entire reception. They announce the first dance, keep Grandma from requesting “Blurred Lines” for the fifth time, and somehow get your coworkers onto the dance floor.
That’s worth a tip.
The short answer
$50 to $150 total. Or 10-15% of their fee if you want to calculate it that way.
For a $1,200 DJ package, something around $120-150 is right in the sweet spot.
What “going above and beyond” actually means
The base tip is for showing up, playing music, and doing the job. But some DJs earn more. Here’s what deserves a higher tip:
Reading the room. A great DJ notices when the dance floor is dying and pivots. They don’t stubbornly stick to a setlist when nobody’s dancing. If your DJ kept people moving all night by making smart song choices, that’s skill worth rewarding.
Handling requests gracefully. Your drunk uncle wanted to hear “Sweet Caroline” four times. Your college friends wanted EDM. The DJ managed everyone’s expectations without making it awkward. That’s diplomacy.
MC duties done well. Some DJs just mumble into the mic. Others keep the energy up, make smooth transitions between events, and pronounce everyone’s names correctly. The difference is noticeable.
Troubleshooting problems. The microphone cut out during the best man’s toast and the DJ fixed it in seconds. The venue’s sound system was terrible and they made it work. Problem-solving on the fly deserves recognition.
If your DJ did the basics, $50-75 is fine. If they did all the above and your dance floor was packed until midnight? Go toward $150 or higher.
What if they own the company?
Like most wedding vendors, the “don’t tip owners” rule has softened. If your DJ owns the business and personally worked your wedding, a tip is still a nice gesture. Not mandatory, but appreciated.
$50-100 for an owner who crushed it is totally appropriate.
When to tip
End of the reception works best. Find a quiet moment during the last few songs. Hand them the envelope and say thanks. Don’t make it a big thing.
Some couples add the tip to their final payment if they’re settling up after the wedding. Just make sure to note it’s a tip so it doesn’t get lost in the accounting.
If the DJ was just okay
Not every DJ earns a big tip. If they showed up late, ignored your do-not-play list, or talked too much over songs, a smaller tip (or none) is a valid response.
But if they did the job competently and kept things running smoothly, tip something. $50 minimum for solid work.
The bottom line
Good DJs make your reception feel effortless. Great DJs make it feel like a party you didn’t want to end. Tip accordingly.
Need to figure out tips for all your vendors? Our free calculator covers DJs, bands, and 16 other wedding vendor types.