Weekend party and wedding DJ

Couples planning weddings, parents booking birthday and graduation parties, schools, community groups and small companies holding staff events.

A flat booking fee per event, usually based on hours played, with extras for add-ons like MC duties, extra lighting or travel to distant venues.

• Reading a crowd and picking the right music
• Confident speaking as an MC
• Setting up and fixing sound equipment
• Reliable and well organized

• Commercial general liability insurance, since many venues ask for proof of cover
• Music licensing: check what you need in Canada (for example from SOCAN and Re:Sound) and whether venues already hold licences
• Check with your municipality whether you need a home-based business licence
• Heavy gear and late nights, plus winter driving, so plan loading and travel safely
• Use a written contract with a deposit to protect against cancellations

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the sound system, lighting, music library and transport you choose. Get quotes for your own gear list, as these are estimates rather than fixed prices.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many weekend events you book and what you charge. Time needed is estimated from around 8 hours a week, plus travel, setup and late nights.

Check whether venues ask for commercial general liability insurance, and what music licensing you need in Canada (for example from SOCAN and Re:Sound). Also check with your municipality about a home-based business licence, and use a written contract with a deposit.