Wedding DJ Tipping Guide
Your DJ can make or break the reception. A great one keeps the dance floor packed and handles announcements smoothly. Here's how to show your appreciation.
Tip ranges last verified: January 2026
Standard Tip Range
$50-$150, or 10-15%
Standard tip range
Plan on $50 to $150, or 10% to 15% of their fee. For a $1,500 DJ package, that's $150 to $225. If your DJ absolutely crushed it, kept everyone dancing, and handled any awkward moments gracefully, go higher.
Owner vs employee
Same deal as photographers. If they own the company, tipping is optional but nice. If they work for a larger DJ service, a tip is more customary. Ask when you book if you're not sure which situation applies.
What makes a tip-worthy DJ
They read the room well. They didn't play songs you specifically said not to. They made smooth transitions and kept the energy up. They handled the timeline without constantly checking with you. If your DJ did all this, tip on the higher end.
When to tip
End of the reception, as they're packing up. Put it in a labeled envelope so it's easy to hand off. If you're too busy, have your wedding planner or a family member deliver it.
Calculate your exact tip
Use our free calculator to figure out exactly how much to tip based on your contract amount and tipping style.
Open CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What if my DJ was just okay?
A smaller tip is fine. $50 is reasonable if they did the job but nothing special. Save the big tips for DJs who genuinely made your night better.
Do I tip the DJ and MC separately?
If it's the same person, one tip covers both roles. If you hired a separate MC, tip them each. $50 to $100 for an MC is standard.
Other Tipping Guides
Last updated: January 2026