Are Wedding DJ Bookings Slowing Down in 2025?

The wedding industry is constantly evolving, and one of the hottest topics among DJs right now is whether bookings are slowing down in 2025. Some DJs report steady gigs, while others are struggling to fill their calendars. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why some vendors might be seeing a slowdown, and what you can do to stay competitive.

My Experience as a Wedding DJ

I have mixed feelings about this trend. While some DJs claim they’re fully booked, others—especially solo operators with higher prices—are struggling. In my experience, larger DJ companies seem to be thriving. Since they have multiple DJs on staff, they can afford to charge lower prices and still make good money through sheer volume.

For me, my bookings in 2025 are about the same as last year. However, since 2024 was my first full year in business, I was hoping to see more growth by now. That being said, it’s still early in the year, and trends can shift as wedding season approaches.

The Impact of Engagement Season on Bookings

One important factor to consider is engagement season. Most engagements happen between November and February, during the holiday season and off-season for weddings. After that, couples start planning, which means DJs typically see an increase in inquiries.

Lately, I’ve noticed a trend where younger couples are waiting longer to book their vendors. It’s becoming more common to get inquiries just a couple of months before a wedding. Some couples even book their DJ after they’ve sent out invitations! If this trend continues, we might see a shift where last-minute bookings become the new normal.

The problem is, established wedding vendors will be booked out a year or two in advance. If you leave your planning to the last minute, your choices may leave something to be desired—you might end up with fewer options, higher prices, or even have to settle for a vendor who isn’t the right fit. This can impact everything from your DJ and photographer to your venue and catering. If you’re set on specific vendors, it’s best to secure them early. Otherwise, you may need to be flexible with your budget or expectations.

It’s never too early to start planning, reach out to our team now!

Location Plays a Huge Role

Where you live has a significant impact on wedding bookings. Some areas, like New Jersey or New York, are wedding hotspots with high demand for DJs. In contrast, places like Seattle tend to have a lot of cheaper outdoor weddings primarily in Summer, which means DJs in these areas have to work harder to secure bookings throughout the year.

Average Wedding Costs by State

What Other Wedding Vendors Are Saying

I’ve seen a lot of discussions about this online, and DJs aren’t the only ones noticing changes. Photographers, in particular, seem to be feeling the slowdown more than DJs. One photographer mentioned that they typically book 20-30 weddings a year, but in 2024, they only booked 15. For 2025, they currently have zero.

Why Are Vendors Struggling?

• Oversaturation – The photography & DJ market is packed, with new vendors entering the industry every year. Couples have endless options, which makes it harder for any one vendor to stand out.

• Pricing Issues – Some vendors are pricing themselves out of the market. With wedding costs rising, couples may be cutting back on photography & music or opting for cheaper alternatives.

• Shifting Priorities – Some couples prioritize videography over photography or choose shorter photo sessions instead of full-day coverage. Some couple may choose to self-DJ their wedding (I highly recommend you DO NOT do this)

• Last-Minute Bookings – Just like DJs, photographers may start seeing more bookings later in the year. The trend of waiting until the last minute to book vendors could be affecting their numbers right now.

How DJs Can Improve Bookings in 2025

If bookings are slow, it’s time to reassess your marketing, pricing, and service offerings. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

1. Optimize Pricing & Packages

If a certain package isn’t selling, either tweak the offer or improve how you market it. Sometimes, it’s not about lowering prices but about better communicating the value. As a couple searching for a DJ, they should always have a package that fits your needs, like Cinderalla’s shoe.

2. Use Visual Marketing

When I’m on calls with potential clients, I always direct them to my Instagram, where they can see real photos and videos of my DJ and lighting setups. This makes a huge difference in conversions, and I can reference exactly what we’re talking about. The proof is in the pudding!

3. Showcase Your Skills with Music Samples

Having a mix or music sample available on your website or YouTube can set you apart from competitors. Couples want to hear your style before booking. Check mine out here!

4. Add an Upsell Service

I recently added a photo booth to my services, which has been a great way to increase my bookings. Adding a related service like lighting, video production, or even dance floor rentals can make your business more attractive.

5. Experiment with Paid Advertising

I tested Google Ads with a small $200 budget and believe it led to at least one, possibly two, bookings. One of them came through my YouTube gig logs, which was unexpected but proves that even small exposure can make a difference.

Final Thoughts

While wedding bookings may feel slower for some DJs in 2025, I’m optimistic that things will pick up as the year goes on. It’s possible that last-minute bookings will become the new normal, so staying adaptable and improving your marketing strategy is key.