If you’ve been DJing at home or playing the odd house party, you’ve probably been wondering how you can take the next step into making it a proper career and start earning some money from it. For many DJs, the most practical and immediately accessible ways to do this is to start doing function and event gigs.
Unlike the club or festival circuit, which can be infamously hard to break into, there are lots of gigs out there for event DJs. This could be anything from weddings and birthdays to corporate functions – basically anywhere that there’s loads of people trying to have a good time with some music, they’re probably going to want a DJ.
If you’ve been wondering about what it takes to break into the event DJ scene, we’re here to help. We’ve put together this complete guide to everything you need to know about how to become an event DJ.
What Makes a Good Event DJ?
Being a great event DJ isn’t just about having the best mixing skills. In fact, that’s pretty low down the list of what you’ll need to make it in the industry.
Music selection
First and foremost, your job is to create a great atmosphere for everyone in the crowd. Now, for the most part, these are going to be a pretty diverse bunch. You’ll have the old folks desperate for the tunes from their youth, along with the hip youngsters after something high-energy to dance to. You’ll need to be able to read the vibe of the audience and act quickly, depending on who’s reacting well.
Generally, understanding the crowd and giving them exactly what they want is the number one skill as an event DJ – even more so than any other kind of DJ. If you’re playing a set at a cool electronic night, you can maybe get away with playing some more obscure stuff and taking the crowd on a bit of a journey. For an event DJ, that sort of thing won’t fly. You’ve got to have a library that’s equipped to deal with however things end up going.
Music prep tips
Once you’ve got your library filled up, you need to make sure it’s all organised and ready to go. Having the right track for the moment to hand is far more important than any flashing transitions and tricks.
Start by building smart playlists or crates. Think in decades (80s, 90s, 00s), genres (pop, disco, R&B), and energy/vibes (warm-up, peak-time, cheese, slow jams). That way, you’ve got something that’ll land right, no matter what the crowd’s after.
Some clients will give you a playlist or ask for specific songs. Always ask for any ‘Must Play’ or ‘Do Not Play’ tracks beforehand. It makes your job easier and avoids any awkward moments.
You’ll also want to be ready for key moments, such as a wedding first dance or a team walk-on at a corporate awards night. People remember these moments, so have the track ready with the cue points set.
Being professional
As an event DJ, you’ve got to be 100% professional at all times if you want to get regular bookings. The typical ‘rock and roll’ attitude of DJs turning up just before their set is a sure way to never get booked again. Be early, reliable, well-presented and do everything you can to make your client’s life as easy as possible – they’ve probably already got more than enough to stress about.
That means staying calm when things inevitably run late or plans change at the last minute. You’ve often got to be the calm one in the room, keeping your cool and adapting as plans change around you. Maybe the catering’s running late, and you’ve got to shave some time off your set. You’d better be able to keep a cool head and come up with a solution, without getting stressed out (or at least letting the stress show).
You’ll also need to be comfortable on the mic. Whether it’s introducing a speaker, rounding people up for a big moment, or simply thanking everyone for coming at the end, being clear and confident on the mic makes a big difference.
You’ll also have to deal with lots more requests than typical DJs. Taking some of these requests if they fit the vibe is a key part of the gig, but you’ve also got to have the confidence to politely turn down some of the less-fitting song choices.
Most importantly, remember that it’s not about you. First and foremost, you’re there to do a job. Always be flexible and responsive to whatever you’re asked to do, and be humble enough not to worry about imposing your personal style and DJ brand too much.
It’s also important to look the part – if you’re playing a wedding or formal event, you don’t want to be rocking up in jeans and a hoodie.
Best DJ Equipment for Event Gigs
What you’ll need to bring to a gig depends a lot on where you’re playing. Many venues are little more than just an empty room, and you’ll be expected to bring everything – DJ decks, speakers, lighting, even the booth itself.
Some other venues will have some or all of this already set up, especially if they’re the sort of place that already has live music or events often. Always make sure to double-check what kit they’ve got beforehand, as this will not only significantly change your fee but also saves you from the embarrassing moment of forgetting some vital gear or lugging heavy speakers to a fully kitted-out venue.
DJ Decks
DJ Decks can mean anything you use to control your DJ music and can vary from a £100 controller to a full CDJ club setup.
When deciding what DJ decks to go for, you’ll need to consider:
- Number of Channels – this is typically either 2 or 4 channels. For many DJs starting out, having two channels is fine, but having four gives you the power to use alternate sources like your phone or get more adventurous with mixing things like acapellas and loops.
- Software Compatibility – Most controllers and standalone DJ units are designed to work with specific software such as rekordbox or Serato. Check out our guide to the best DJ software if you’re not sure what’s right for you.
- Audio outputs – For event gigs, having proper balanced outputs (like XLR or ¼-inch TRS) gives you better sound quality, which is important when you’re playing through big speakers in a large venue. Avoid anything that only has a 3.5mm aux out.
- Build Quality – Events and travelling to gigs can be tough on gear. Look for solid construction, quality faders and knobs, and durable jog wheels that won’t break from too much use.
- Mic inputs – Some cheaper controllers don’t include a mic input. At events, you’ll often need to make announcements or hand the mic to guests, so at least one dedicated mic input with volume control is a must.
- Controller vs. Standalone – A DJ controller needs a separate laptop to work and is generally a more affordable and portable option. A standalone controller works as a complete setup – which can be slicker, both in terms of workflow and visually at an event, but these are generally more expensive.
Best controllers for event DJs
The AlphaTheta DDJ-GRV6 (£719) is a great mid-priced option and comes packed full of features
For event DJs, using a controller with a laptop can be a great option, especially when you’re starting out as you can get really powerful options without breaking the bank.
Some of our top picks would be:
The Alpha Theta DDJ-GRV6 as a more budget-friendly option, as this gives you four channels, a club-style layout and some tools to let you remix tracks live.
If your budget will stretch to it, the Pioneer DDJ-FLX10 is a great option as it packs pretty much all the features you’d get in a pro club setup in a more compact and affordable package.
For open-format and scratch DJs, the Rane One is a top-tier pick with motorised platters that replicate the feel of real turntables, plus rock-solid build quality and Serato DJ Pro support. It’s a bit bulkier, but perfect for DJs who value that vinyl-style control.
Best all-in-one systems for event DJs
The eye-catching AlphaTheta Opus Quad has all the features you could possibly need for any gig.
If you’d rather leave the laptop at home, an all-in-one system is a great option. These systems let you load tracks straight from a USB and often feel and look much closer to pro club setups, making them ideal for event DJs who want a streamlined setup in one box.
Some standout picks include:
The Pioneer XDJ-RX3 is a compact and reliable 2-channel unit that’s perfect for solo DJs and smaller events. It’s got a large touchscreen, club-style layout and loads of performance features without being overkill or too bulky to carry.
The XDJ-AZ is AlphaTheta’s new flagship standalone system and brings true 4-channel USB playback, big CDJ-style jogwheels and advanced streaming support. If you’re doing bigger events or want something to grow into, this is a serious bit of kit.
The Opus Quad offers the same core features as the AZ but in a striking, more design-led format. It’s ideal for premium venues or DJs who want their setup to stand out visually, and iot features a unique Zone output which lets you control different music in each room from one device.
The Denon Prime 4+ is another powerful option that rivals anything on this list in terms of features. It’s affordable than the Pioneer picks, and still comes with loads of features, streaming options and four full channels.
Speakers
When choosing speakers for event DJing, here are a few key things to look out for:
- Power rating (watts): Look for at least 1000W peak for small to medium events. More power gives you better headroom and cleaner sound at higher volumes.
- Size: 12” speakers strike the best balance between portability and punch for most gigs. Go for 15” if you want more bass without adding a sub.
- Inputs and outputs: XLR and TRS (¼ inch) inputs are essential. Look for options with XLR out if you’re daisy-chaining multiple speakers.
- Weight and portability: Make sure you can carry them solo, especially if you’re doing mobile gigs.
- Durability: Events can be chaotic – choose something with a solid build that can handle being knocked around a bit.
Best speakers for event DJs
Even small portable speakers like the JBLs can be fine for smaller venues and can pack a surprising punch
Here are some of our go-to picks:
The JBL IRX108BT is a compact, ultra-portable option with serious punch for its size. Weighing just 7.9kg, it’s easy to carry and is still powerful enough to fill out smaller venues. It features Bluetooth, onboard EQ, feedback suppression, and an 8” woofer that puts out surprising low-end for its footprint. Great if you’re tight on space but still want proper sound.
The Mackie Thump 15A is a punchy, no-nonsense option. Its 15” driver delivers solid low-end, and with 1300W RMS power, it can hold its own at bigger events. It’s basic on features but sounds great and is solid value for money.
The Electro-Voice ZLX-15P is another go-to for mobile DJs. Clean sound, rugged build and loads of EQ options via the rear LCD screen. It’s got a slightly tighter, more refined bass than the Mackie and handles larger venues well without distortion.
Many pros consider the QSC K12.2 the gold standard for powered speakers. It offers premium sound, pro connectivity, and a polished look. Although it’s pricey, it’s built to last and covered by a six-year warranty.
Booking Your First Gigs & Getting Paid
You don’t need to worry about an agent, logo, or fancy branding to start booking gigs. Most event DJs get their first event through friends or family – people always need a DJ for things like birthdays and weddings. These low-pressure gigs are perfect for building experience and confidence without diving straight into high-stakes events. Realistically, you probably can’t expect to start straight off and get big, highly-paid gigs right away.
Offer to DJ your mate’s birthday party or your cousin’s wedding for a reduced rate (or even for free if you’re just starting out). The goal isn’t to make money straight away. It’s to build experience, grab photos and videos, and get testimonials and reviews. Every successful gig becomes marketing for the next one.
Once you’ve got some social proof, it’s time to build your online presence. Start by setting up an Instagram profile dedicated to your DJing. Post clips from your gigs and other content that showcases your style. Don’t stress about having the perfect branding from day one – consistency is more important than perfection.
For more information on how to market yourself as a DJ, check out our complete guide to DJ promotion.
Build a simple website using tools like Squarespace. Even if it’s only a page or two, it makes you look much more professional. Include your bio, a clear list of services, rates, a few testimonials, and a contact form or booking email.
Also, it’s a good idea to post mixes to SoundCloud, Mixcloud or even social media like TikTok to give people a sense of your sound. You don’t need a huge following to get booked, but it is helpful to have a digital footprint that shows that you’re serious about this.
How Much Should You Charge?
Pricing is always tricky when you’re starting out, and it can be easy to undercharge. Remember that you’ve got to think of your rate not as an hourly fee for playing music, but as a full-service package that includes your prep time, gear and travel.
Here are some typical UK rates as a guide:
- House party: £200–£300
- Birthday party: £300–£400
- Wedding: £400–£800+
These vary quite a lot depending on where you’re located, the equipment you’re bringing and your level of experience. To get a better sense of what you should ask for, look into what other DJs in your area charge for similar packages. As you get more confident, you can create tiered packages depending on what the client needs – a “DJ-only” rate, one that includes a PA system, and one that includes lighting as well.
To find out more about how much you should be charging, read our guide to how much DJs get paid.
Learn to DJ event gigs
The mixing skills you need to succeed in event gigs aren’t always exactly what you’d imagine – being amazing in the club doesn’t always translate to being able to mix well at a wedding or party. Open format DJs have loads of tricks up their sleeves to be able to mix a massive range of music and pull off fun transitions that keep any dancefloor packed.
In our Open Format DJ course, we break down all these tips and tricks, including the secret formulas to multi-genre mixing, so you’ll be able to confidently transition between any two tracks.
Open Format DJ Course
3.25 hours
64 lessons
Creative
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