Booking a DJ for a corporate event: how to make the night a success
Short answer
Choose a DJ with corporate event experience, give a clear brief on the programme, audience and speeches, and make sure the agreement and invoice are in the company's name. A professional DJ usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000 per night, and the Christmas party season in December books up first.
A DJ can make the difference between a corporate event people leave at ten and one they talk about for the rest of the week. But a corporate event isn't like a private party. The crowd is mixed, the programme is full of speeches and presentations, and whoever books has to be able to account for the cost afterwards. This guide goes through what to consider when you book a DJ for the Christmas party, the kick-off, the summer party or the client event.
What makes a corporate event different from a private party?
Three things. The crowd is made up of colleagues of all ages and with different tastes, who don't always know each other. The evening has a programme of speeches, awards or presentations that the music has to fit around. And the evening says something about the company, so the tone matters: the music should feel considered, not random. A DJ who is used to corporate events knows how to build the atmosphere in a room where people first want to chat and mingle, and then dance.
Different types of corporate event
| Event | What the music needs to do |
|---|---|
| Christmas party | Drinks reception and dinner, then a dance floor where every age group gets going |
| Kick-off | Energy on arrival and between sessions, a party in the evening |
| Summer party | Relaxed, often outdoors, with dancing as the sun goes down |
| Client event | Background music that makes it easy to talk and network |
| After-work drinks | A calm start that builds, often a shorter set |
A client event needs a different DJ from a Christmas party. At the client event, the music should stay in the background and never take over the conversation, while the Christmas party often needs to end with a full dance floor. Say what kind of evening it is in your request. Planning a julbord (Swedish Christmas buffet)? See also Christmas party entertainment with troubadours, stand-up and Christmas quizzes.
How to choose the right DJ
Look for experience of corporate events of a similar size to yours. A DJ who mainly plays clubs may be brilliant behind the decks but unused to speeches, microphones and schedules. Ask for a clip or a mix and for references from other companies. Also note how quickly and clearly the DJ replies to your request, as that says a lot about how working together will go. Is the event in Stockholm? See DJs in Stockholm for DJs near you. If you want something extra, a saxophonist playing alongside the DJ can lift the dance floor, and a live band can become the highlight of the evening.
The brief for the DJ
The most important part of the booking is the information the DJ gets in advance. Send a short brief covering the following.
- A programme with times for the drinks reception, dinner, speeches, awards and dancing.
- The number of guests, age range and how much people usually dance.
- Music that should be played, such as an entrance song or the company's own song, and music that shouldn't.
- Who is running the programme and is the DJ's contact during the evening.
- Any dress code or theme, so the DJ fits in.
Remember that lyrics that work in a club don't always work at the office party. Ask the DJ to avoid songs with explicit lyrics if that matters to you, or to play radio edits.
Sound, volume and venue
Find out what sound the venue has and whether there's a microphone for the speeches. Hotels and conference venues often have a sound system, but it isn't always built for dancing. If you have an events agency or a technical supplier, make sure the DJ and the technicians are in touch before the event so everything works together. Agree on a volume where people can talk during the drinks reception and dinner, and when it's time to turn it up. If you need to hire sound yourselves, we have a guide to hiring speakers for a party.
Price, agreement and invoice
A professional DJ usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000 per night. Corporate events in the Christmas party season in December, on Fridays and with long playing times often come in higher, and sound, lighting and travel may be added. Check whether the price is quoted including or excluding VAT, as prices for businesses are commonly quoted excluding VAT.
For the company, it's important that everything is in order afterwards. The agreement should state times, price, what's included and what overtime costs, and the invoice should be made out to the company with the right reference. When you book through Jocky, the agreement is created in the platform and you get a proper VAT invoice, whether or not the DJ has their own company. Read more about what a DJ costs.
When should you book?
December is the busiest month for corporate events, and the most experienced DJs get booked up well in advance, especially on Fridays. Book as soon as the date and venue are decided. For a kick-off or a client event on an ordinary weekday, a few weeks is often enough. Also read what to consider when booking a DJ, or book a DJ directly on Jocky.
Frequently asked questions about DJs for corporate events
How much does a DJ for a corporate event cost?
A professional DJ usually costs SEK 6,000–15,000 per night. Corporate events in the Christmas party season in December, on Fridays and with long playing times often come in higher, and sound, lighting and travel may be added. Check whether the price is quoted including or excluding VAT.
How far in advance should you book a DJ for the Christmas party?
Book as soon as the date and venue are decided. December is the busiest month for corporate events, and experienced DJs get booked up well in advance, especially on Fridays.
What should you send the DJ before a corporate event?
Send a programme with times for the drinks reception, dinner, speeches and dancing, the number of guests and age range, music that should and shouldn't be played, and the name of the person running the programme. Also tell them about the venue's sound and whether there's an events agency or a technician involved.
Can the company get an invoice when booking a DJ?
Yes. When you book through Jocky, the company gets a proper VAT invoice and the agreement is created in the platform, whether or not the DJ has their own company. Add your invoice reference in the request if you can.
What music suits a company party?
Music that works for all ages, from classic party songs to current hits. Let the DJ read the room and build the atmosphere, and ask for radio edits if explicit lyrics aren't appropriate.
