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Have you thought of DJing your own wedding using an Ipod? This article, from Marketwatch, discusses how many couples are doing just that. Interestingly, when I posted my DIY Wedding article, many DJs wrote to me and pointed out the drawbacks of using an iPod at your wedding, namely that a DJ does much more than play music. She or he helps a wedding flow smoothly, emcees the wedding reception, and makes sure that people are out on the dance floor having fun. However, the cost of a DJ is often around $1500, and a band is often two to ten times as much, while an MP3 player, sound system and songs are typically under $500. When you're pinching every penny, it might just be worth it.
UPDATE: Since this post continues to get attention, I've added a new article, How to DIY DJ Your Own Wedding With an iPod or Laptop. Professional DJs, you'll like how the article ends!
What do you think?
Via infinite loop
- June 6, 2006 at 9:40 am(1) Mark says:
We're thinking of using an ipod at our wedding, and getting her dad to be on the microphone telling people when to dance, etc.
- June 8, 2006 at 2:10 pm(2) Marta says:
I think it's a great idea. With a band or DJ, you might only like about 50-75% of the songs they play – with the iPod you'd definitely know it'd be songs you like.
Of course, you'd have to hope that the bride and groom have good music tastes!
- June 8, 2006 at 2:12 pm(3) Jennifer says:
I totally agree why have a DJ I think having a friend or brother emcee with the use of an ipod would be a great honor, and way more personal!
I am going to use this idea for my wedding!
- June 19, 2006 at 10:02 am(4) Al says:
Not only do you need an iPod, but you need Lightiing for ambiance, and a very good sound system which costs $1000′s of dollars. Recouping these expenses alone justifies the cost of a DJ. However, adding a 5000-10000 song music collection, knowing what's appropriate to play and when more than makes up the cost of a legitimate DJ. Think twice before just throwing an iPod on your Son's stereo and entertaining the most important day of your life.
- June 26, 2006 at 2:34 pm(5) Beth says:
I agree, as a DJ myself and working on planning my own wedding, I would definately go with a DJ. Most people are told to look for a DJ who has stability, and experience in the business, but from my experiences having someone with a smaller amout of experience charges a lot less, and they still do a great job.
- June 27, 2006 at 9:44 pm(6) mallory says:
In my experience, I will be using the old Ipod. Not only is it cheaper, but it ensures that you won't be hearing YMCA if you don't want to hear it. Though time consuming (it took my friend and her fiance several hours putting songlists together for the whole eating and dancing periods of the reception), it was absolutely free. It definetly depends in what formality of wedding you plan on having, but for a semi-formal wedding it is perfect for us.
My only complaint – towards the end of the night at my friend's wedding, the Ipod was left unguarded and some people changed songs. But that's it, and if you can deal with that, you're good to go, I know that we will be.
- July 20, 2006 at 10:00 am(7) Dave says:
How ridiculous is this? So you want to save a few hundred dollars and use an iPod at the most important day of your life???So you spend the time programming your iPod, get all your favorite songs lined up in the order you want them played.??Now what???OK, spend a few hours calling around trying to find RENTED PA speakers, cables, amplifier, mixer, microphones, dance lighting. The article suggests this would be in excess of $100. Boy are they right…WAY inexcess of $100 and more like $300.??OK, you have arranged your rental equipment, but if you want it delivered, and if they even offer to deliver it, it's another $50 bucks or so. Now you are going to set it all up right???Let's assume you have the technical knowledge to patch into your amplifier and set the mixer and microphone gain properly, and you know about speaker placement and feedback issues and sound checks. You are going to do all this when? You have the facility for about 5 hours. Not to mention you're getting married that day. Hmmm.??So you have a friend who volunteers to miss out on the wedding and do all this for you during the ceremony. He has also volunteered to run your iPod all night long for you and deal with the dozens of song requests that will come in. He will also deal with all the disgruntled guests who are unhappy because you don't have the song they want to hear. It's played at every other wedding in the world but the person with the iPod didn't think about that particular song so sorry, out of luck. People start leaving.??Now you have fumbled your way through the Grand Entrance, dinner and First Dance. Your schedule has gone to hell in a handbasket because no one is paying attention to the timeline which allows you to get everything done in the amount of time you have the facility for. You rush through the last few formalities and get ready to leave on your honeymoon…but wait..oh yeah, you have to return the rental gear and the facility wants it out now. You think the guy who rented to you is gong to show up at midnight to pick it up? Try again.??Digital DJ'ing with a laptop allows the DJ to fill your requests faster, bring alot more music because he doesn't have to haul hundreds of pounds of CD cases, setup and teardown quicker which cuts down on the facility time, and the freedon to setup up short mixes so he can go about doing his business like coordinating with the photographer and caterer to make sure everyone is where they need to be and the glasses are filled for the toasts and take care of all the little details that no one gives them an ounce of credit for.??You get top notch professional equipment, not beatup rental gear that looks like it came from a school auditorium, and you get someone to handle the details of getting the equipment where it needs to be, when it needs to be there.??You get someone who has a vested interest in making your guests happy, and providing an enjoyable, hassle free experience on your most important day.??Do you want to trust all this to iPod?
- September 26, 2006 at 10:45 am(8) V says:
I appreciate it when folks present this in a balanced way, I'm actually for the ipod and might try it for my wedding, which will be small and not so formal so the risk is not so bad, but I am willing to admit that there is risk involved. Still I'm tired of hearing *DJS* sound off about how great DJs are, let's face there are advantages to the ipod, and advantages to a DJ, but there are drawbacks to both too. It's about what you can live with.
- September 28, 2006 at 5:45 pm(9) Kris Bravo says:
I have yet to see a comment from a couple who actually did this. Plenty of people considering it though.
That said, you're already paying a wedding coordinator, so why not have them control the flow. We have a friend who sings in a band who will be on the mic' making announcements. I'd rather pay $1k for a new iMac and use my dusty cd collection (& friends) than pay for some stranger to take a lead roll in my wedding.
Sorry DJ's, but you were all invited only cause you had to be. Expect the well to dry up soon. Especially since we can eliminate the risk that you'll put on something in colossally poor taste (as I've witnessed three times before).
- September 28, 2006 at 5:47 pm(10) kris bravo says:
@Al. You can rent PA systems and it's not like being a DJ makes you an expert in music. I'd agree if you knew the DJ before the wedding, but DJ's are an unknown. And unknown's destroy weddings frequently.
- December 27, 2006 at 5:55 pm(11) Doug says:
You ever been to a party with a 3 second delay between songs, you don't get a great flow to any party never mind the most important day of your life. IPODS = Disaster!
- January 19, 2007 at 12:24 pm(12) Ron Grandia says:
I am a wedding DJ who has posted my own to that help people DJ their own wedding with an iPod.
Naturally, I am a bit biased, but I realize there are people that are going to do it, so why not share some useful tips to make it work to your best advantage.
The author of this About.com article is technically correct, but guilty of massive oversimplifications. $500 won't come anywhere near the cost of a sound system that will work for even an intimate gathering of 50 people.
If you want to iPod your wedding, do your homework, do the proper preparation, and best of luck to you! Feel free to email if you have questions.
- January 20, 2007 at 11:26 pm(13) JJ in LA says:
Entertainment is one of the most important things that will 'make' or 'break' your reception. After all your hours of planning, and all the expense of your event, success will come right down to how well your DJ has done his or her job. So if you leave it to an amateur with an IPOD , good luck with that. If you are on a budget, I suggest you cut corners on other items and not entertainment. Leave that to the pros. Your ipod stops working and your party is over. There are NON-cheesy DJS out there, if you are thinking iPOD then you are probably interviewing budget DJS who ARE cheesey.
- January 20, 2007 at 11:34 pm(14) iPodWeddings=CheapBastards says:
"Sorry DJs, but you were all invited only cause you had to be. Expect the well to dry up soon."
I dont think so. I am booked every month starting in February. You see I am a NON_CHEESY Dj who plays EXACTLY what the bride and groom want to hear. I have 3 metting siwth them before, they email me play lists before the wedding and I make sure it gets played. Along with that my wife is the reception coordinator who helps the event run smoothly. Lets see your ipod try to read the crowd, set the mood of the party, blend in songs,keep the crowd moving, make sure all your vendors are synchronized and play the chicken dance (joking). Leave the iPods for the back yard keg parties you cheap bastards. Scrimp on other crap.
- March 10, 2007 at 11:02 am(15) Dirt Mirtly says:
Interesting to note that the DJ has not been replaced – the duties have just been shifted to someone that's never done it, and has yet to learn from their mistakes (at your event.) Congratulations. You have just re-invented the wheel.
- April 28, 2007 at 10:15 pm(16) Jeff says:
This is the 21st century! Everything is always changing!! At least there is one company out there that gets it check out http://www.youdjit.com Get over it DJ's it is a whole new world out there and we are in charge!!!!
- July 17, 2007 at 2:28 pm(17) Tamara says:
I'll be using a borrowed laptop for our wedding music. I've spent quite a few hours picking songs we want to have played. I then got in contact with a professional artist (whom works in the same company as I do) – who will lend me the amp, speakers and mic. Everything has only costed me $100.
I found a free program that can blend songs together (fade in, fade out etc) – which has done a great job.
I'm just looking forward to the big day now.
Keep in mind many halls do come with their own speakers and a mic you can hook up your music player to – mine doesn't which is why I'm not bothering.
- January 14, 2008 at 4:02 pm(18) Amy H says:
Wow. From the get-go, I wanted to use my iPod…even before I knew it was a 'trend' – my mom has all the equipment I need (except lighting, but really, those flashy lights won't fit with my wedding AT ALL). Ha, she even has TWO of each! She will also emcee with the help of a couple others when she needs a break.
There are, of course, things that can go wrong – but there are things that go wrong no matter WHO (or what) you use!
I have to say, though, that hearing these "DJ's" on here calling people who are considering using their iPods "Cheap bastards" fully convinced me that I was right. I don't want some person I don't know having a hissy fit and swearing at my guests and a few of these "dj's" on here have shown that they aren't capable of being collected – even over a simple internet article. What are you going to do when my man's drunk co-worker starts harassing you??? Call him names? Tell him how much better you are? No thanks. I'll take dead silence over that! Also…I really don't think that anyone I'd invite to my wedding would GET UP AND LEAVE because I couldn't play a song they requested. That's ridiculous and rude and I just wouldn't invite someone like that.
- February 29, 2008 at 5:48 pm(19) DJ MC Entertainment says:
An ipod could never provide the selection or the emcee skills of a competent mobile Disc Jockey and Emcee.
Although I don't react with hostility like some of the above, because I've only got 52 Saturdays per year and there are thousands of weddings to choose from. As long as a small percentage of those folks (let's assume 33%) require a reception planner, emcee, equipment setup person, crowd control expert, music expert, PR person, and entertainer….at a price that costs much less than hiring each one of these persons individually…..there will continue to be a market for Non-cheesy mobile Disc Jockeys like
- March 2, 2008 at 1:15 pm(20) MrsWest says:
I have an extremely specific idea of what I want in songs played and even specific recordings. Since most DJs specialize in overplayed pop music from the 70s and 80s, they have only a small collection of what I want. Brahms piano for dinner music. Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and light swing music for dancing (I am always disappointed when those composers are wasted with instrumental versions at dinner music). I want ballroom, not booty, dancing at my wedding. I'll take the risk of a few seconds of dead silence here and there; our reception is semi-formal anyway. In my area, the only DJ that matched my price and personality was booked the same day. All other DJs didn't have the library and were $200 more expensive. Sorry that makes me a "cheap bastard".
I simply couldn't get what I wanted in my area, and I don't mind taking the time to develop the playlists and find equipment. I could care less if I am subjecting my guests to a lesson in "music appreciation" because I am playing music written before 1950. Whenever I've mentioned my playlist to my friends they've been thrilled at the idea of going to a wedding and not hearing the expected traditional "wedding" music. Additionally, I am also not walking down the asile to Wagner.
- March 4, 2008 at 1:05 pm(21) Nicholas says:
My fiancée and I had the same issue trying to save money on our wedding AND have some real control over the music selection!
We both have our own great music collections deeply rooted in our memories-why not use tis music at our wedding!
A musician myself, I put together a small PA system with a wireless mic. Saved us a ton of cash and we feel great!
I see here that there are many of us out there trying to do the same with our wedding planning.
I started a little service that allows others to rent the sound system.
Check it out: http://www.RentMyGear.net
- April 4, 2008 at 4:53 pm(22) Pol vanRhee Silicon Valley DJ says:
If you are going to do this be sure you check a couple of things. Most laptops and iPods use a mini plug connector. You may get a buzz or humm if you connect it direct to an amplifier or active speaker system such as the eons or mackie systems many places rent out. You also probably cannot connect it direct to the "house" systems without distotrion as they are usually "mic level". Just be sure to use a couple of "DI's" and the problem will go away. Many house systems (and amp rentals) have an inherent hum when non-standard line signals are plugged into them. In my area, for people that want to spend the time programming the playlists, are not worried about killing the energy by having "dead air" between songs, do not need someone to coordinate all the vendors, have someone willing to miss most of the fun of attending your wedding (and are responsible enough to handle it), don't need announcements (or just add a microphone and mixer), want to save a little money, are not worried that a drunk friend will change the music or ramble in the microphone, that don't care about their guests requests (or are handling that in advance), then I offer a system that's made so they can just plug right in and not have to worry about a thing. It looks and sounds great (I can even add a hard drive filled with music for those requests).
- April 14, 2008 at 5:30 pm(23) dglory says:
I was recently in a wedding where the couple did their own music (via laptop, not iPod). They spent a good deal of time picking out music and getting suggestions from other people, and then had someone in charge of music for the dance. It went wonderfully and there were none of the problems that some of the DJs are saying are going to happen.
- April 23, 2008 at 3:04 pm(24) JoAnna says:
I agree with the "classically oriented" music (ie–not pop) article above. I am also a musician myself (as well as my fiance) and have had 4 years of sound equipment training/running to satisfy my desire to want to make my wedding reception intimate for any number of guests. Intimate=what I/my fiance want to hear at our reception.
We are aiming for a live big band/jazz band for the dinner/dancing part, and then later, the musicians will head home, the laptop and sound system will come out at breaks and for dancing, and we can provide everyone with a taste of how our lives were brought together in the first place. It makes for a real nice reception, I'm used to hard work, and it will be worth whatever the pricetag is.
- May 19, 2008 at 10:13 am(25) Bill McHale says:
With respect to the DJs, some of whom obviously feel threatened (as can be discerned by the tone of their responses), they have no one to blame but themselves.
To put it simply, DJs are expensive and often the only time they leave an impression is when they screw up — My brother's DJ didn't even have the song my brother and his fiance had for their first dance (fortunately, another DJ at the Hotel had it and was kind enough to loan it to us). He also arranged the speakers around the whole reception hall rather than on the dance floor; he then played the music so it was loud on the dance floor, making it too loud everywhere for the non-dancing guests to have conversations.
I have had other DJs tell me that they will run the show like it is their party.. well I am sorry it is not their party, its my and my fiance's party. Another engaged couple I was talking with said that their DJ has refused to not play certain tunes because they get people out on the dance floor! I don't care if they get people out on the dance floor, if my fiance and I don't want to hear them at our wedding, we shouldn't have to hear them.
Now, I am not saying that there are not some really excellent DJs out there, and if a bride and a groom want more than basic music; i.e., if they want a lighting system, or if they really feel they need an emcee, then a DJ can be an excellent way to go. But the idea that a DJ is a sure way to have trouble free entertainment at the reception is just plain silly.
- June 24, 2008 at 3:26 am(26) Candido says:
Future brides and grooms the key to make your day exciting and memorable is to involve as many of the senses as possible. Most importantly, don't under estimate the power of the visual sense…your eyes.
Sight is the sense we value the most.
Great bands create numerous opportunities for visual stimulation and since no one else has commented on this I feel I must make some corrections and offer a few thoughts.
Firstly, the cost of the band is NOT often 2 to 10 times more than the $1500 average cost of a dj unless it's a CELEBRITY or a 15 piece big band during the month of June or other popular wedding month.
If you'd like to have a band but feel that bands cost too much unfortunately you've been in dialog with the wrong people. Most of your very best wedding musicians are not in it for the money. They are in it because they love playing music and also feel it's a special honor to be a part of the celebration of the joining of two lover's and their families. I know many great musicians whom aspire to this notion.
Secondly, regarding songs, if you begin dialog with a band early enough you can view their song list and cross out songs you don't want to hear and ask them to learn a few songs that you absolutely want to hear on your day but don't see in their repertoire.
Don't under estimate the power of human performance. Any professional photographer will tell you that a great band will create more photo opportunities than a great dj. If your family(ies) possess a talented singer or two they can sing with the band. Note:Occasionally the family singer is known to be the source of a healthy belly laugh or the fighting back of a tear.
A great band is often the spark behind a truly special once-in-a-lifetime moment. Moments that before cameras and camcorders could only captured in the heart.
Don't rob your eyes of the chance to capture these special (visual) moments. You'll cherish them in your recall many years from now.
Finally, don't cheat yourself of the awesome photo and video opportunities that only a live band performance can offer for yes, close to the same price as a dj.
P.S. Some bands offer "dj time" during their breaks. This obviously gives you the best of both worlds.
- June 26, 2008 at 12:23 am(27) bridetobe says:
I'm planning on using my ipod for my upcoming wedding. A lot of people have mentioned the costs of equipment involved, which I agree could be very expensive, but the easy solution is to use a venue with a good sound system already in place. For instance, we are having our reception at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. They have a technician on-site for the event included in the cost of the rental, and we will be providing a good trust-worthy friend to man the playlists and to announce people coming in and the various dances and cake cutting, etc. Oh and we are going to program our two iPods, in the unlikely event that one should fail (and bring our chargers!). Good luck to everyone, no matter which method of making music you choose!
- July 8, 2008 at 2:22 am(28) Christina says:
This is a very STUPID move. If you want to save a few hundred dollars I would cut out some thing else not the dj. I am a Bride to be and that was very high on my priority list. A dj is someone who makes your event flow the best. Takes the extra stress off the bride to know that everything will run smoothly. I have seen so many ghetto weddings using your ipod, if you want your wedding to go like that, this is very trashy. I have seen weddings where people do this and everyone of them has been terrible, the songs dont play right , they sound like crap, and there pauses between songs where everyone is just standing around, is that how you want your wedding day, the day that is suppose to be the most specail day of your life. Not me personally I would pay the extra few hundred or even a thousand dollars to have a proffessional run the show, to make sure my guest are having a great time, and most important to give the bride piece of mind. If your spending all this money on your wedding what a few hundred more just to ensure your day is a special as possible.
Anyone who says different is completly wrong and dosnt know what they are talking about.
- July 12, 2008 at 8:44 am(29) pam says:
We used a company called You DJ iT for our wedding last weekend and it was PERFECT! They delivered a professional system, set it up and showed us how to use it! We had a party a couple of weeks ago and selected the playlist we invited our wedding party to bring their own iPods it was a BLAST! One of our guest told us that a week prior to our wedding she attended another wedding and the DJ actually ruined the reception! She told us that our wedding was much more fun and unique!! We had a friend of the family do the MC'ing and you would be amazed how getting behind a mic can release your "INNER DJ"! I am telling all of my friends about it and how perfect my reception was! I can't thank them enough! DJ's I hear they are selling franchises so instead of whining about the future of wedding entertainment I suggest you give them a call……..
- July 21, 2008 at 11:14 am(30) SES82 says:
Me and my fiance are using our MP3 player with a a nice 560 watt speaker system. We went to our friends wedding who made Cd's and played them in a nice shelf stereo and let a cousin be in charge of the music and he was an outgoing person so he did a wonderful job at getting people to dance and get them together when it was time for the cake. Maybe if you are having a huge wedding with lots of guests you might want to consider a DJ, but if you are having a small intimate wedding in a small venue then I think an IPOD and Cd's will work just fine. I do agree with people who say that DJ's want to play there music, because I emailed Dj's and all would take requests but when it came right down to it they would play there own mixes. So if you are having a wedding on a budget, then let the entertainment be where you cut the costs. Your family and friends will not care if it's a DJ or a MP3 player as long as there is music playing.
The Dj's on here calling people cheap bastards are very immature. People are not cheap because they need to stay on a budget. You saying that proves that using an MP3 player is a better idea than a smarta** DJ.
- July 21, 2008 at 7:26 pm(31) Gwen says:
As a lot of you seem to be "pro-DJ" (most of you being in the profession, I'm pretty sure) you keep talking of all these extra expenses. I however, have a friend with an amp, microphone and such. We already have a laptop (two, actually) and two iPods. Tell me we won't be saving money! We have very specific musical tastes, NONE of which ANY DJ knows! HOORAY for the death of cheesy DJs!!!! (And, you DJ's out there, "YES, you are CHEESY!"
- July 21, 2008 at 8:56 pm(32) Tanya Petroff says:
There appears to be pros and cons to doing it both ways. At my upcoming wedding, we plan to use a friend who is an amateur d.j. He will play the exact music that we want, but he will fade the songs in and out and he can mix up the playlist as necessary. He will dj using a labtop (which any dj should be capable of). Perhaps the solution for djs who are being replaced by ipods is to agree to use only the bride and groom's labtop/playlist to ensure that they hear the music that they want.
- July 29, 2008 at 11:29 am(33) Sharon & Chuck says:
WOW! We are lucky! A close friend of ours is our Wedding Singer & Professional DJ. I can't imagine our day without him, because he is a great entertainer & Speaker as well!
- August 10, 2008 at 10:22 am(34) Kayla says:
My sister and her husband used cd's on my sister's stereo in a very big building with no sound system to speak of. It cost them money for cd's. I think they figured the final cost at around 83 dollars after they had bought some songs they really wanted and didn't have already. So, with the exception of changing out cd's, we never once felt the need for a dj. I'm planning on doing it with an iPod because I know it can be done, and done well. My Brother-in-law is going to run the music, and he'll do it well since he did it for his own wedding.
I think there are benefits to using a dj, but to those who keep on going on and on about how cheap we are for wanting to save a couple hundred bucks on a dj on "the most important day of (our) lives," I have this to say: A)It's still just one day out of your life, most important or not, B) I'm not going to let that type of attitude (which most vendors have) talk me out of hundreds of dollars here and there that could be going towards my retirement or my kids' colleges, etc. and C) the most important day of your life should be about being with friends and family and the person you are marrying and celebrating. If it all comes down to things that can be measured in dollars, then good luck with the marriage.
- August 12, 2008 at 11:52 am(35) Pattyrat says:
I completely agree with Candido – a band (a GOOD band) is absolutely the best way to go if you can afford it. Although it is more expensive than a DJ. Most DJs in my area are @ $500, whereas the band cost me $1500 – but worth every single penny. That was my number one priority when planning my wedding, and it is the number one reason many of my guests commented to me that it was the best wedding they had ever been to – and many of my friends and family still talk about it. We still had a full dance floor at the end of the night – and we have GREAT pictures and video of everyone having a blast! I've been to many weddings with DJs – some good, some bad. But even the good ones don't compare to a live band. That said, I would definitely go for a DJ over using an Ipod – for all of the reasons the DJs here have mentioned. You don't want any extra hassle on your Big Day. Maybe the Ipod would work if you have someone specifically assigned to the task of operating it and acting as emcee, that's very important. But I would hate to ask a friend or family member to perform that duty when they should be enjoying the wedding. And I hate to say it – but using your own system does say "cheap" to me, and that's not the impression I would want to give my guests.
- August 15, 2008 at 1:58 pm(36) Cafesmitty says:
I don't think you can just leave it up to an iPod. I have DJ many parties, clubs, etc. The ideal of the iPod wedding is good to a point. An iPod is good for background music while people eat, but when it comes to the husband & wife dance, and for your guests it's important you have someone in charge of the music. A DJ can read the mood of the people and make corrections that an iPod cannot. And sometimes, some songs, even if its a fav of the bride and groom, are best left private (hint no Megadeth!)
- August 17, 2008 at 10:02 pm(37) xolodnyj says:
I see some folks are anti-DJ and thats fine. I don't think people who are DJ's trying to tell anyone that they are cheap for not having a DJ. I think people under-estimates the value of a DJ and think a simple iPod can do the job just as well. Listen, I am NOT a DJ, but I do know that a good DJ makes the club hop. I think an iPod is an iPod and it is good for listening to when you have friends over, working out or general background music. I just think that when it comes to weddings, if you are not going to have a band, you should go with a DJ, or at least (as someone says). I've seen the DJ mix two iPods before and that was cool, still it was good to have someone that had some knowledge with music and you don't have to have a professional DJ. We all know friends that are good at music, someone who is DJ as a hobby and seems to be pretty good at it. A friend of mine got married and he had a friend of his do the DJing and it was perfectly cool.
By the way, there is nothing wrong with trying to be inexpensive for a wedding. Gone are the days when daddy use to foot the entire bill. Most of the time, the bride and groom got to pay for most of their own wedddings. Especially if its the second go round. I just think people need to look at their budget and decide on music in this order from most expensive to least expensive. 1. A live band 2. A professional DJ 3. An amateur (friend) DJ 4. an Ipod and 5, lets not forget the mixed tape (or CDs).
About the iPod wedding: Someone suggested that it will cost more or just as much as a DJ and that is not true. You don't have to rent a PA system, speakers, etc. Must stereos have an aux input that you can buy a $10.00 cable and you hook your ipod to it and you have great sound. You don't need megawatts for a wedding reception. And some stereo systems are equip with a mic-in, in which some, not all, will allow you to talk while the music is playing. So don't believe the bull about how much more expensive it will be. On the downside, you will have to set up your own equipment within the allotted time of the hall rental (or wherever you have the reception). This will require one of your friends to miss the wedding perhaps, unless the reception is on the same grounds as the wedding.
Listen, I think its wrong to start off your married life in debt because of your wedding. But if you are going to have an iPod wedding then you absolutely must pre-designate someone in charge of running the music for you. But if you CAN afford it, get a DJ, even if its an amateur one. I think they do more than just PLAY music. They can set up all the stuff and be prepare to play while your wedding is going on. And then tear down the equipment after you and your guest have gone. By the way, whose ipod is it… the groom's? the bride's? They normally leave before the reception is over so how are they going to get it back? I mean, we are talking about providing your own music to your own wedding so it can't be a friends ipod because that isn't "your" music.
- August 17, 2008 at 10:17 pm(38) Cafesmitty says:
Another thing.. as an amateur DJ myself, I have always, ALWAYS, asked what type of music the bride and groom wanted (when I did DJ the two weddings I did). I also show them what I had and if I didn't have it, they did and I we burnt cds specifically for their wedding. I know its not about me and how "cool" I think I am. I take myself COMPLETELY out of the picture because the music that I like can be different then the music that I play at parties. I have DJ rock clubs, country music clubs, and, of course, dance clubs. I've done house parties, holiday parties and theme parties (the sock hop parties were the best!). The one thing that I had always kept in mind is that the music have to be appropriate (i.e., no cussing included). Now someone mentioned that they were looking for Geswhin and etc, but the local DJs didn't have it. Why not work with the person? But I do know that some DJs think that they know what is right and no one else have a clue on what they are doing.
Hey, I am not dissing the iPod wedding. I think its actually innovating, but trust me, sometimes the music you think is "cool" and "great" may not be so for your guests. Now if the wedding is all about you and you want to express yourself, then play anything you want. I can tell you that I know my friends wouldn't be down with some of the artists I think people should hear (Mary Prankster, Muse, Miles Davis) so while you are expressing yourself, be sure to keep your guests in mind. An iPod can't determined what music is inappropriate and an iPod can't take request (sometimes a best man, or another guest may want to dedicate a song to the bride or groom).
- August 28, 2008 at 3:38 pm(39) Christine says:
To everyone who is being negative: If people are only coming to your wedding for the music then that's really pathetic. Who cares if there's a 3 second delay between songs or that a certain song isn't on the playlist? If that's enough to make people leave your WEDDING RECEPTION, in which the whole point is to support and celebrate your big day then you have some really crappy friends/family. It isn't about the party, it's about the BRIDE and GROOM. Guests aren't going to care that you don't have a spectacular speaker system because the point is to just have fun and be there for those you care about.
- September 19, 2008 at 11:01 am(40) Jennifer says:
I for one am having my maid of honors husband DJ our social and wedding reception, I personally feel it would be more intimate and comfortable, plus he know's more about us then a DJ would.
- October 14, 2008 at 12:26 am(41) Wayne says:
My cousin used an ipod for music at his wedding reception as they were doing wedding way on the cheap (outside ceremony, mother made the food and wedding cake, no linens or centerpieces). They borrowed a sound system from my other cousin who has a band, so they had microphones, speakers, amps, etc… The song list was fine and people danced, but the draw back was that they had the bride's uncle MCing, and he was terrible. No charisma whatsoever and a super mono-tone voice so no one even noticed when he was announcing their first dance. But, overall they saved a ton of money and no one had anything bad to say about the music itself. No one requested songs, but it didn't put a damper on the reception. Overall this was a fun wedding, so not having a DJ didn't ruin anything.
- November 5, 2008 at 12:01 am(42) melissa avery says:
I'm getting married next November and I am gonna use an I-pod for the music at my wedding and I doubt that anything really bad will happen that will ruin my day,I will have 2 I-pods just in case one crashes,My brother is gonna run the I-pod but is not gonna be the M.C,The place where our reception is gonna be held has everything we need so we have nothing to rent,We get to chose which songs get played when we want and we save alot of money,Which in no means says"WERE CHEAP"We just happen to have 3 kids to worry about,So will an I-pod work at your wedding??? YES IN SOME CASES ITS THE JUST AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THEN A D.J!!!
- November 5, 2008 at 7:07 pm(43) rose says:
Reasons why I do not want to hire a DJ:
- DJs ALWAYS massacre the pronunciation of ethnic last names.
- EVERYONE has a charismatic family member who will introduce the bridal party, bouquet/garter toss, speeches, etc FOR FREE.
- The last wedding I went to, the DJ played DMX, 50 cent & Ice Cube. um, no thanks.
- Music played at weddings is formulaic and outdated. If I'm going to spend a day going through what music I want played with a DJ anyway, why not spend that time programming it myself?
why i will use an iPod at my wedding:
- it's easy enough to find programs to mix music. personally, i know a DJ who will pre-record a mix for me.
- ever heard of survey monkey? create a survey and send it to your guests. ask them to include music they want to hear and music they don't want to hear. that way, everyone gets a say.
- i've gone to weddings where DJs have played fabulous music and ones where DJs totally bombed. the key to success at any wedding are the people who attend. cheesy music or great music, your guests are there to celebrate your night with you. you know who the party poopers are, so if you want your reception to be a blast, scratch them off your list or let them sit in the corner and sulk. you can't please everyone, but you can please those that matter. if you can do it and save a few hundred bucks doing it, then it's a win-win.
- November 6, 2008 at 7:05 pm(44) Yehudit Steinberg says:
I've been reading many different opinions on the ipod wedding and have a little different take on the pros and cons. Our wedding production company, Sacred Events is adding an ipod wedding package for our event management clients that want to go this route.
As a wedding planner, I have been to hundreds of different wedding receptions from small and intimate dinners with very little dancing to the 'rip roaring re-invent the club at your wedding party'. I am a little different from most planners, as I have been a wedding DJ prior to event producer, so I do know the benefits of 1. having a good DJ and 2. having a technician onsite for any electronic gliches, which do happen.
I think that ipod weddings do have their place especially in this year of budget restraints. It really comes down to the atmosphere you want to create and the amount of dancing you want to have take place at your wedding.
If you are having a small intimate wedding 30 – 65 guests and you are not having a lot of dancing, the ipod could work well. We planned a wedding where the guests just wanted to visit and talk. Most of the time, the small weddings are like this.
You could spice up the entertainment with an ethnic dance act like Mid Eastern Dancers, or performance art like the Chinese Plate Jugglers and have the ipod background dinner music and it would work fine. As long as you had someone on staff that kept an eye on your sound system and was there to take care of any gliches.
But if you want to get a dance floor moving and keep it moving, you need a GOOD DJ or band. The music should be appropriate for your guests. So many times, couples will hire a band, and they can be very loud, in a small space, the older guests will leave before cake.
We've had an R&B band interactive with the guests, before the dinner even was served and the energy of the party was great for all ages into the night. I suggest you really think through the entire wedding experience and your budget and make decisions accordingly. You can have amazing atmosphere, fun and memorable wedding without spending a fortune.
What you really need to do is have a well thought out good plan and a manager to make sure all your wishes are followed, in a timely manner.
- November 17, 2008 at 7:29 am(45) DJ Bytemee says:
You guys are all retarded. Ipod weddings are ridiculous, wedding DJ's are washed up cheese balls, and bands are some washed up musicians singing at YOUR lame ass wedding because thats all they can get. Also, wedding djs are labeled as cheesy for some of the music they play, but guess what? They are playing that crap because it has probably been requested 10 times by your cheese ball relatives. They are only playing what people at your lame reception are requesting. Its not like they get into their car when they finish your reception and rock out to the YMCA and the Chicken Dance on the ride home. They probably hate playing it more than you hate hearing it. Getting married is an all around ridiculous idea. Get over yourselves.
- November 20, 2008 at 12:13 pm(46) Jacqui says:
We are using an IPOD and will also have a computer to download itunes for songs we don't have in our list. Guests will be able to pick a song if needed and then there is the all important ones you forgot. This will give everyone the music they want to hear. We are lucky we already have all the equipment needed. I think using the ipod will work out great.
- November 30, 2008 at 6:26 pm(47) DJ Dave says:
I gotta say as a DJ I am pretty shock at some of my fellow DJ's on here. First THERE IS A DJ for every BUDGET!!! Also Yes it is YOUR DAY!!! There is NO reason a DJ should play any songs that you don't want to hear on YOUR DAY!! With that said there is also No Reason why the DJ should not Have ALL THE MUSIC you REQUESTED. I have been in the business for over 20 years. Although I do not recommend an iPod at a wedding, It could be done. BUT with that said there are alot of things to consider, Who is getting the "rented sound system there and take it away", Who will professionally announce the important things, who will work with the staff of the hall, work with the video and photographers. Perhaps Us DJ's are thinking of the higher end weddings. But you should think of these things as well. I had a bride give me 4 hours worth of music that I played. I warned her many couples will want to dance to THEIR OWN wedding song that day in most cases I get a lot of requests like this, not to announce but just to slow dance. Now will your Ipod be able to do this? In my case I explained to several couple I was unable to play anything but the "Playlist" They where very unhappy. Although the wedding went without a hitch and NO ONE DANCED. The bride and groom where happy on THEIR DAY. I can't say the same thing for the guests that asked when I was gonna play something "THEY" could dance to.!!!!
I also agree with some posts that SOME DJ's are expensive however you have to understand if they are professiona:
A/ l they get music from professional sources I subscribe to 3 music services 2 are radio services which means I get new music before you hear it usually takes about a month for the song I got today for you to hear on the radio.
B/They are INSURED
C/They have Professional equipment
D/YEARS IN THE BUSINESS-Like myself I have 20 Years in, so I can work for "big money" however I do not work with everyone and every budget!!!
E/They LISTEN to their CLIENTS NEEDS AND WANTS (Or DISLIKES)
F/If These DJ's are concern about losing jobs, perhaps they should do what I also offer….. You want an iPod wedding sure, I got that sound system you need to fill that hall…. AKA RENT YOUR SOUNDSYSTEM and TAKE THE NIGHT OFF, OR BETTER YET RENT 1 SET UP AND DJ ANOTHER PARTY…. CHANGING TIMES REQUIRE WORKING SMARTER!!!!!!
- December 5, 2008 at 12:55 pm(48) Nat says:
I totally disagree with an Ipod for a wedding. First off I want my friends and family there to enjoy my wedding not to worry about the music, timing of the events and all the various things that could go wrong. A good DJ better play what you want, they're employed by you. Ipod seems tacky to me unless maybe-it's a very small at home type wedding. We have 100 guests and I can't imagine one of my family members dealing with that.
- December 5, 2008 at 6:18 pm(49) Trenna says:
We had an ipod hooked into a GREAT sound system that we bought for $300 which we use on a regular basis at home thru our LCD tv and to play our ipod. Thats all we needed.
There were NO downsides to having an ipod at our wedding. It didnt make our perfect special day any less special. We had a semi formal wedding and our celebrant was mc so she had a microphone and pa system.
It took time to select the right mix of songs and put them in order for our 4hr reception.
There is so much info out there that using an ipod should be equally as good if not better than a dj. So many times Ive heard of djs playing songs that the bride and groom werent happy with even after giving them a list of must play and must not play songs.
You know your guests better than a dj who's a total stranger. Its not too difficult to select songs that not only the bride and groom like but songs that will be enjoyed by everyone and songs that will get people up and dancing.
Its more about the ambience created by the people and the bride and groom than the music. If the bride and groom are happy and if they get up and dance it will encourage everyone else to do the same.
So why wouldnt you save a tonne of money and stress by using an ipod and a simple speaker system. You dont NEED to go overboard with lighting and all this other professional dj equipment. As long as people can cleary hear the music your good to go.
- January 30, 2009 at 11:29 pm(50) Aaron says:
It's my opinion that the wedding reception is a celebration put on by the bride and groom, for their guests. Many people on here are saying that "it's my wedding and the DJ better play what I want" To a degree I agree, if there is a particular song that you don't want played then the DJ shouldn't play it but the DJ is there to put on a party not demonstrate the bride and grooms music tastes.
I was a guy who wouldn't pay the $1200 bucks for a DJ. I said we'll do it ourselves. 5 years ago we didn't have an Ipod we used our computer and a playlist. We now have a video of my wife standing in the middle of the dance floor with her Dad for 5 minutes waiting for the father daughter song to start up. I looked like a fool.
We also learned that there is a huge difference between a stereo that rocks your living room and one that rocks a dance hall.
Funny thing was, when I found out how much my wife spent on other things like $600 bucks for flowers, 300 on toole, and hundreds more on ribbons and other stuff I totally would have spent the money and got the DJ.
- February 4, 2009 at 4:54 pm(51) KaiCee says:
I am using my MP3 player for my wedding, however we are having an informal wedding to begin with. I already have hundreds of songs downloaded, so that wasn't really a problem.
My Mp3 player cost about $100 but I already had it, the pa rental was $42.50. As far as the lighting goes, it really isn't that important to us, we're not out to impress anyone we just want to have a good time and certainly lights are not the reason for having or not having a good time. Being surrounded by family friends and booze it
- February 24, 2009 at 5:46 pm(52) Asis says:
I am seriously considering the iPod play list route myself. My fiance and I have pretty particular tastes and we are also trying to eliminate strangers at our wedding.
The venues we are looking at have great sound systems, so with a little planning the coordinator of the sites will be able to help us. They already let us know that they can arrange it all beforehand. Whether we will wind up using the iPod or loading mix CD's, it shouldn't be a problem.
Remember that many wedding venues are used for several different types of events. They have sound systems already, people use those dance floors all the time. I highly doubt most people would wind up RENTING equipment.
I don't think we'll have a problem getting people dancing because it will be small, 50-60 people, nearly all family members, so we're close. We'll just shout at people to join us.
- February 26, 2009 at 7:15 pm(53) Joe says:
ha ha ha, Ive recieved way to many hugs from the bride, free drinks, referrals, smiling faces, letters in the mail, huge tips and lasting memories at the weddings ive played to ever believe an ipod could do it better. A well equiped DJ can almost do anything! It comes down to simple communication. Your DJ needs to be appreciated. It drives me insane when I show up to a gig and there is no table set for me, no one knows where im supposed to be, what time everything can start, what songs to play(not play) and they get mad when something isnt what they want. Talk to your DJ its an easy thing to do for something that may be very important. A profesional DJ with a smart Bride(groom) or whoever else can and will lead to an excellent night. I prove it almost every weekend.
- March 30, 2009 at 7:58 pm(54) Rhiannon says:
I was pricing I-pods just last night for this very reason. I found a 8GB which holds up to 4,000 songs for $147 dollars. Connect the music player to your home theater with compatible cables, and you have a sound system. Borrow your friends karaoke machine for a mic, and allow your friends to DJ. They can scroll through your I-pod for music choices and make announcements or share a special memory over the mic. I will be DJing our wedding with an I-pod!!
- April 11, 2009 at 10:22 pm(55) DJ M says:
As a DJ myself I'm shocked to see fellow DJs calling people cheap bastards and retards. This does our profession nothing but harm. Just think about what you're saying.
Booking a DJ can be a daunting task. We've all been to a party where some idiot DJ has played Smack My Bitch Up at Auntie Floss's 60th Birthday. Take a step back though and consider how this happened. If you rang round several DJs and then booked the cheapest one at the end then that's asking for trouble. People think they can book the cheapest DJ available, not even speak to him beforehand then expect the night to run exactly how they want it to.
As a DJ myself I put a lot of effort into giving people exactly what they want.
I like to properly consult with clients before the event. I encourage clients to make a tracklist beforehand leaving ample time spare to incorporate requests from guests on the night and to change the music around depending on what's working on the dance floor. You can set up what is, in your eyes, the perfect track list but that's no guarantee your guests are going to dance to it.
It's the DJs job to get the crowd onto the dance floor. Imagine a DJ is playing some 70s disco classics and the floor is full of middle aged people having a bit of a boogie. Suddenly, after 20 mins they get bored/tired/want a drink/cigarette and they all sit down. The DJ then has to change the music to get others onto the floor who may not like 70s but love 80s or whatever genre takes their fancy. The iPod would just solider on with whatever it's programmed to play, it won't react to the empty dance floor.
2 second gaps sound terrible too. Quite often I see people leave the dance floor when a track has a quiet start only to run straight back on when the track kicks in and they realise what it is. On a dance floor you can't let people rest, not even for a second or they'll lose interest.
Some of the comments I've read on other sites are shocking too. Like one bride-to-be who said her mate had an iPod docking station and it sounds amazing. Sure, I bet it does sound amazing in your empty front room. How amazing is it going to sound in a party venue with all your guests talking at the top of their voice.
And for those saying lighting isn't important. Show me a nightclub with no lighting, I'd love to see it. Clubs spend ludicrous amounts of money on lighting as they're an important part of creating the right atmosphere.
Renting a PA & Lighting system won't come cheap so the savings might not be as much as you imagine. What if the PA fails, what next. I carry backup equipment everywhere I go. Do you really want your night ruined just to save a few quid. If you think it won't happen believe me, it does. Equipment has failed on me in the past and I look after my stuff.
My advice would be to find a DJ who has a good reputation. Ask him for some references from previous clients. Converse with him about exactly what you want played and what you don't want played. How loud you want the music. How much interaction you want him to have with the crowd. Make sure he carries back up equipment in case of a failure. Public Liability Insurance. All equipment electrically tested. Signed contracts detailing your commitments to each other.
There are DJs out there capable of giving you exactly what you want. Just don't expect them to cost £80.
- April 21, 2009 at 9:02 am(56) Phyllis says:
we will be using an Ipod, or even Pandora Radio. Putting together a song list is actually fun. The DJ at my first wedding pretty much sucked, the music was typical, and didn't fit our tastes.
If people dance they dance. If they don't they don't.
- April 24, 2009 at 10:27 am(57) Chrisitna says:
I believe that you can DJ your own wedding but YOU should not be involved at all if you are going to use this option you should a) identify a friend or your day of coordinator as the person that will orchestrate the ipod – you need this person to assist with playing different songs for your special moments (first dance, cake cutting, father dance, etc.) b) you should lay out a detailed playlist and create those playlists in the ipod before hand , c) do a test run with your friend/day of coordinator to ensure it runs smoothly.
For more advice or to schedule a consultation email email@example.com.
- April 28, 2009 at 4:28 am(58) Margie says:
I am in the wedding business and can certainly see both sides of the fence here. We are in a recession and can understand clients wanting to stay within a certain budget. Cutting costs on your entertainment can prove to be a modest savings (when looking at the percentage of the overall wedding) at the expense of your party going badly.
A good DJ can be well worth their price and make for a very enjoyable evening. Such a DJ should also never treat the reception like "their own party". It is the bride & grooms day and the bride & groom should have full input into the playlist. With that said, I have seen Brides & Grooms create (and insist upon) their playlist which killed the party within 2 songs. (For those that have posted tales of horror stories about DJs ruining a party, are you certain that it wasnt a DJ that was respecting their clients playlist?) DJs should certainly respect your "do not play" lists (The Chicken Song or YMCA or whatever music you object to hearing on your day). At that same time, you should value a DJs experience in reading the crowd give them some latitude to get (or keep) the party going.
As for having a friend or family member behind the mic, running the playlist etc I have a warning for what I have seen with regard to friends and family being given responsibilities on your wedding day. Friends and family typically get caught up in the festivities and fall behind in the commitment they have made to you for MCing, catering, bartending, photographing etc. Put a couple drinks in your friends / family and they quickly forget that they have an important role for your day.
- May 2, 2009 at 11:04 pm(59) Sebastian says:
If DJs didn't play the stale set of times universally I might think they have a point. How many times have I suffered through the Chicken dance, or Strokin', or the other members of the standard wedding D J set? They play the same 40-50 songs (September, Play that Funky Music, etc), wherever you go in the US, and want to say they do a good job?
ClearChanneln couldnt homogenize it any better.
We had dueling pianos at our wedding.
- May 4, 2009 at 12:07 pm(60) taina says:
We're doing an ipod for our special songs. Not any trouble, just make a playlist on itunes. One for the "first dance" tunes and another list for the instrumental music during the meal.
Our reception hall has a nice sound system that the ipod will plug into easily. No extra expense.
For the main entertainment at the reception we've opted to play Guitar Hero (or Rock Band! People can take turns and 4 can play at once. People can dance or watch. The little kids will dance to anything. It is a relaxed afternoon reception. The Reception hall also has nice TV so we just bring the wii and the instruments.
The best part about it – it is so US! It suits our personalities and lifestyle and lets our guests share in the fun.
- May 22, 2009 at 12:52 pm(61) Steve says:
As a former profesinal D.J. I was never paid like these hack wedding D.J.'s I am planing my wedding with an IPod due to the simple fact that my bride and I want to hear the music we want to hear. Who cares about your guest. It is our day and after spending money on and for your guest, this is one thing that you can have as your own.
You don't need a lame D.J. charging you $100.00 per hour, when he makes about 15 bucks an hour (if he is lucky enough) at his day job. Take your IPod, hook it up your home system and get yourself a karaoke machine for your P.A. system. I know the mic will be in mono but, a mic is always in momo. Never hire a D.J. for $100.00 bucks an hour. Just buy the equipment you need and then take it home and enjoy it for the rest of your life.
- June 23, 2009 at 10:49 am(62) Matty Mo says:
Wow, talk about some rather pretentious people on both sides of this discussion. I love how so many of those getting married seem so "hipster" in their tastes. God forbid you would have to listen to some music that is played at every wedding i.e. YMCA, or The Chicken Dance. I'm sure your diverse guest list would be much more happy with setlists from groups like Angels and Airwaves, Colplay, or Death Cab for Cutie. Yep, I'm sure that would get your party going! It boils down to selecting what your budget allows, if it's an iPod wedding then so be it. However, deejays taking shots at people getting married for being cheap and those people, in turn, defining all deejays as cheesy and outdated is just ridiculous.
- July 20, 2009 at 10:23 pm(63) Steve says:
What do I think?
I think if you can't afford simple entertainment and you have pinched every penny then you should not even have a reception with dancing. Just go thru a drive thru in Vegas…It's cheep~!
- August 15, 2009 at 11:15 am(64) Shannan says:
I thought about this as a solution for our low budget and as green as possible wedding reception but…. the fact that we have everyone pitching in all around with their own duties… I wanted to take the stress off the family. I hired a guy from my childhood who is giving a great deal and I gave him the song list that will be played, no chicken dance, and let him know that any requests had to be from that list.
I think communication is very important and the DJ is in the business to make the client happy. And knows that future referrals are on the line if he doesnt do what he/she promised.
An MP3 player cant emcee. That is what my decision came down to.
- August 15, 2009 at 11:43 pm(65) Tom Ohlendorf says:
I have a better way to cut wedding costs, replace your planner or consultant with your DJ. Why not? Almost every wedding planner or consultant I've met is clueless as to what really happens at a wedding.
I've been doing weddings for over 19 years now and, in the end, I end up running the show anyway.
So, there you go, fire your planner and hire a DJ.
- August 27, 2009 at 1:55 pm(66) Steve says:
I can understand saving money, but, why would anyone want to risk one of the most important days of your life to chance. You an your guests won't remember if the roast beef was cold or the balloon arch was flat, you will remember if you had a great time or not. Professional Dj services take the chance out of the event.
There are Professional DJ services and there are the weekend warriors that do it for the money and have no concern for your special day. If you interview several DJ services, you will be able to tell which ones will be the right one for you. Call their references. Previous clients won't lie.
It all comes down to this. Do you want a fun, worry free event or the stress and the chance of your event being the worst day of your life.
- August 29, 2009 at 1:10 am(67) CBnBB2010 says:
"Leave the iPods for the back yard keg parties you cheap bastards. Scrimp on other crap."
Why do some people have to be so rude and call those thinking of doing this "stupid"? Some of us (like myself) cannot afford a DJ but really, really, really want music for their reception. My wedding is not going to be huge; my reception will most likely be in a community center–100 people or less. I've been to weddings where an ipod or cd was used for the ceremony only, and it turned out fine. Not saying things can't go wrong, but I'm on a very tight budget so I'm having to cut corners everywhere. If someone can afford a $30,000 wedding, great…but I'm not one of them.
- August 30, 2009 at 7:31 pm(68) GHoff says:
This is an account from a friend of mine:
My wife and I took the weekend off to visit her parents up in Menohmen MN. (225 miles – six hour drive each way) Up towards the Minnesota/North Dakota border by Fargo. We stayed at the Casino Friday & Saturday evenings. Friday they had a concert by the band Styx. (Really – they are still alive ) Then on Saturday night they had a wedding in one of the smaller ballrooms.
Between 6pm and 1 am I walked past the ballroom 4 or 5 times to see what was going on. The B&G had a large dance floor (rented) with an ipod plugged into one (1) powered speaker with no lighting or Master of ceremony. The first time I passed by the room they were doing toasts to the B&G. There was no organization, no control over the microphone loudness and no order to who would speak and when.
The next time I walked by the B&G was on the dance floor having their first dance as husband and wife. No one was paying attention to what was going on, many of the guests were out in the hall or outside smoking. When the song ended it was silent. The B&G stood there for what seemed like forever but was probably 30 seconds then each walked away in a different direction. Then another song started "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz but no one went onto the dance floor. It looked like two of the bridesmaids were in charge of the music selections. I hung around for several songs but then went on my way.
The next two times I walked by to peek in – the "stereo typical" wedding music was playing but again, no one was dancing. Most of the young kids were out in the halls running around like crazy people. The adults sat there like lumps in the darked room. For "Beat it" by Micheal Jackson I did see a bridesmaid with two little kids get out and dance a little but quickly left the floor when the kids got bored.
It was a complete disaster and I felt bad for this couple who looked to be in their early 20′s with a room of all ages and yet the dance floor for the most part was unoccupied and there was no "excitement" level or direction for the group.
- September 22, 2009 at 2:47 am(69) Monica says:
WOw!!!! I never thought there would be so much hate about using an ipod at your wedding. It comes out fine. If your venue has a system all you do is pay to use it about 50 bucks and plug in you ipod and the night will go smoothly. Okay, so you dont have a person who makes weird noises at random times, so what its better that way. Download or buy cds like Wedding music or Dinner Music, (We got both in instrumental) and set upa playlist with about 50 songs and had the playlist on repeat and it was plain romantic. Im sure you can do the same with regular songs as well. It wont hurt to have your brother o brother in law welcome the bride & groom for the forst time, and say special announcements. Our wedding turned out great without a DJ and without a band. Oh and it wasnt to save money either, it was just an idea we thought would be great and glad we did! Hope this helps others who want to save money or just want a romantic night!
- November 2, 2009 at 1:17 am(70) HappinessIsLettingGoOfAttachments says:
I have had a great time reading all the comments. Well I have been giving a lot of thought to using an ipod for our ceremony and reception. Then it came down to "What will people think of me if I use an ipod?" I then became convinced that I had to have a DJ and that a DJ will help with the flow of the event. My greatest fear though is having a cheesy DJ that says stupid things, tries to get crowd interaction, or plays awful 70s music. Also, since when has the DJ been given the highest honor of coordinating all vendors, announcements, and events? So far, the only DJs I would semi-trust are $1200-$1800. This is way more than I want to spend on music. After reading all this I am back on my ipod kick.
I think the whole wedding industry is way over priced in the first place. It is horrible how vendors try to play on the emotions of people by saying this is "the biggest day of your life" or "this is YOUR day". This is a special day of hopefully many to come. It just so happens that all your friends and family will be gathered at once. I think Miss Manners would say that any guest should graciously attend a wedding reception without complaint. This is the Bride and Groom's gift to the guest. With that said the hosts of the party should graciously make their guests feel welcome and comfortable. I think with the ipod route you must consider appropriate music for everyone.
I am still up in the air about what to do, but I am pretty sure I'd rather save some money. We'd rather spend extra on great food and plenty of alcohol. Once everyone is drunk they won't care what music is playing:)
Just like I'm sure photographers have had to adapt to people only wanting digital copies of photos, DJs need to adapt to people being able to DIY. Offer better prices DJs; times are tough.
- November 10, 2009 at 11:05 pm(71) Ipod Wedding for me says:
We are having a very small, mostly family reception only (Civil cermony will happen days before). If we weren't doing the ipod thing, we would be just having a food/cake reception. I am not getting a photographer (a relative is taking pics) and I am doing the flowers and food myself. Family members are making decorations, some food and the cake. Total cost of everything from clothing to rings to hall to food is $1200. This is my second time down the aisle and after many years under my belt I have come to the realization that it isn't about how much money you spend or what impression you leave others. This is about joining your life with someone that you love and celebrating that fact with others that love you both. The perfect wedding doesnt always end in happily ever after and a small budget, no dj wedding can last a lifetime. Do what makes you happy and as stress free as possible (saving money makes me less stressful.lol)
- November 20, 2009 at 4:47 pm(72) par says:
It is so possible! We did it. My son is a licensed preacher. He performed my daughters wedding. Two weeks before the wedding, our dj had backed out. My son placed an ipod on th pulpit next to him and ran all the wedding songs from the pulpit. No one knew what he had done except immediate family until after the wedding. If he can officiate and dj, it can be done by anyone.
- November 24, 2009 at 5:49 am(73) rob says:
Interesting enough, all people that wanna use an ipod, is cause they dont wanna hear a certain song or what not, If that is the case, then whyh not just point it out to your entertainer, I myself am breaking into the dj business in my area and well have had terrific feed back from lots of people…a real professional dj will spend several extensive hours working on your wedding before the day even comes…he will have had planning sessions and what not with the bride and groom prior to all being said and done, he will have the just of the do's and dont's of this venue. He will give you the peace of mind that everything is in his hands from the second he shows up, there is nothing to worry about
- December 15, 2009 at 12:56 pm(74) djjdub says:
Don't let the beat……………..DROP!! Good luck getting smooth transitions between songs! Also, what about requests? The bride and groom don't always know WTF is up when preselecting music. How can they?
- December 16, 2009 at 2:58 am(75) DJ Lion says:
For all of you out there trying to save money go for it! More power to you. I understand and wish you good luck. I have never heard of an ipod that has years of experience doing great weddings or can beat match seamlessly and keep the dance floor full and the party flowing just by changing up the music to request from your guest. I always consult with customers at least 3 times prior to their wedding and Iron out all the details and time line of the whole day how they want it planned out to the smallest details. I have a top of the line PA that can't be matched by a rental, intelligent lighting, trusses, and back up equipment that once in a blue moon is needed. I've done 50 to 1500 guests over 15 years and have never advertised. All of my work has come from word of mouth or attendees of a past event . I'm sorry for those djs who have performed poorly in the past but you can't blame me for it. An ipod can play a song list and that's it. Everything that I do takes all the stress off the couple getting married so they can enjoy one of the happiest and most memorable days of their life with all of their guest. I will pay a dj friend of mine to dj my own wedding in the near future because it is too important to me. I will cut cost on some other things but not my dj for my wedding. Peace
- December 17, 2009 at 3:05 am(76) DJ Muenchen says:
I am a DJ from Munich (Germany) and it's really fantastic to see some opinions of this fact in USA.
A wedding party with an ipod, is like playing football wizh a table tennis ball… Please all grooms and brides in the world…. don't do these mistakes, only to save money.
It's always better to engage a pro-dj with a perfect equipment. Make sure that he plays you music requests…. and you'll be happy hopefully for the rest of your life.
- February 27, 2010 at 4:16 am(77) DJ München says:
Oh yeah Frankie, you're so right.
Sorry, but for a real party-atmosphere is a professionell DJ neccesary. Feeling what the people want to hear and play it. Not only letting a playlist do the work…
- March 25, 2010 at 1:05 pm(78) Lenora says:
For people that think it's insane to do an iPod wedding…are you willing to give me the $1500 for a DJ??!! My wedding budget is $3000. $1000 for food. So I should use HALF my budget for a DJ? I have a friend that is more than willing to MC and he won't be missing out on a thing. It's his honor to announce us and guide our reception. He will still be able to eat, drink and be merry. Once the formalities of the planned dances and the cake are over, he is free for most of the time. He is a true friend and it's his gift to enhance our special wedding day. We will have whatever music we want without having to deal with "DJ knows best". We have a friend that is loaning us his professional sound system and another friend has a music site membership to download our music for free. We are paying, literally, nothing for our music. And our guests will have a blast! ALL of our guests! DJ's don't want you using an iPod because it takes away from there business…too bad! In case you haven't noticed we're in a recession! If you do your homework and it's well thought it…you CAN have a great iPod wedding!!!
To people that say "don't compromise on your special" and "it's YOUR day, don't take chances", here's what I say to you. I am marrying the man of my dreams. In the end that's what makes it special for us and our famiy and friends.
- April 9, 2010 at 1:26 am(79) hochzeitsdj says:
Ipod Wedding vs. DJ Wedding. Take the second and the party going on.
- April 14, 2010 at 2:27 pm(80) ajk says:
So it sounds to me like my options are an I-Pod, A cheesy DJ or a rude DJ… I was trying to make a choice but this has made up my mind ill go with the I=Pod thanks!
- April 25, 2010 at 8:36 pm(81) shawnajeanne says:
i love how exagggggerated the dj's responsibilities are in some of these posts. most people already have the songs they love on cd's, ipods or other music files…we do. we're taking the money we would have spent on a dj and putting it toward a bose sound system that will be used at our reception and for years beyond. the sound will be incredible and i'm quite looking forward to not having a mouth on a mic instruct OUR guests all night. i've been to sooo many weddings where i've requested songs and the dj is rude or simply doesn't have them. i am not putting my guests thru that. sorry dudes, your time is o-v-e-r…
- April 29, 2010 at 3:02 am(82) madison says:
The bridal couple of a wedding I went to recently had hired a rather well known radio DJ to do the music at their wedding. There is no other way to say this, other than to say that he was awful. He contributed nothing to the flow of the ceremony, and he would insert random sound effects in between speeches or announcements, but not adjust the sound levels of his system so it could actually be heard. I cringe to think how much they spent on hiring him – and yet, one of the key things that everyone remembers about the night is how dismal he was.
My fiancee and are going down the iPod line.
- May 3, 2010 at 6:17 pm(83) Yasmine says:
My father has his own sound system so we are using that, along with my Ipod. I suggest checking around and seeing if you have any friends who might be in a band or know someone who has the equipment and is willing to loan out their system for your big day. I recently went to a wedding and the DJ used his own Ipod to do the music, so I figured, we could do that ourselves for super cheap. One of our groomsmen is going to be the emcee. Great idea for a big savings. Just make sure you have someone around who knows how to check the sound levels and set the system up correctly.
- May 12, 2010 at 4:32 pm(84) Big Daddy says:
I just DJ'd a wedding this past weekend for a friend and used a combination of CDs and laptop to play the music. The difference (and something more DJs should be doing if they're not already): I connected to the internet during the reception. If a guest requested a song I didn't have, and it was something on the couple's "do not play" list, I simply downloaded it from Amazon. Each song took about 30 seconds to acquire, cost me less than a buck each, and allowed me to say "yes" to every request.
I don't think there's a right answer, and that the decision has to take into account whether you want to pay someone to handle entertainment, or to take one of your friends or loved ones away from the event (and it does take them out of the festivities). But a DJ no longer has the excuse "I don't have that song." Don't hire a DJ if they can't go wi-fi and download requests.
- June 18, 2010 at 1:32 pm(85) ken says:
I remember I was at my best friends wedding which was very nicely laid out. However, I notice that their was no DJ. There was an Ipod and a small P.A system. I guest the best man was the dj that night. Boy was he fustrated and didn't look like he had a good time. Everything was unorganize.. meaning bad programing. The grand enterance was poor. Feedback was heard often… the music was too loud to hear anouncements clearly. The music for dancing had to always stop, oh yea and a lot of the chessy music that the bride didn't want changed her mind on not haveing those songs for the older and younger crowd. Yes its about the bride and groom.. But your wedding will have guest all from different backgrounds. Its not the best time to let people know you are too cool for certain songs. The truth is.. most people like to hear whats familiar to them. As far as having a stranger dj at your wedding is not a good idea.. True.. but you can meet up with him or her two times and discuss things you want and don't want. Its a matter of how you orgainize things before hand. If the DJ dosen't want to work with your needs.. there are plenty more other djs who needs your booking. An ipod does not understand reading the crowd, cordinate your wedding, MC, do sound check, check sound levels, hype the crowd, set up/tear down equipment blend music, and anything else that the dj dosen't get credit for. Most of the time when the cordinator is gone.. the DJ takes control of the matter by his past experience. So leave the pressure and the stress to a profesional DJ and have your guest.. the ones important to you.. relax and have a good time. This is your wedding day… remember that and your most likely only doing it once in your life time…. don't skip on entertainment.. it will be most obvious.
- June 18, 2010 at 1:42 pm(86) EPServices says:
Wow, I wasn't expecting for everyone to get so fired up for this issue.
I am using a laptop with Spotify downloaded, so you can listen to almost any song you can think of, just by searching and adding it to the playlist. There are features in this program that also allow you to lock the songs playing so no one can interrupt or cancel them, but they can add their songs to the list. Spotify also blends the songs together so there is no dead time between songs. If you rent or borrow a decent sound system, this is a really great alternative.
And if you are afraid of looking "cheap" then don't showcase the ipod or laptop- put it behind a flower arrangement and whoever is in charge can discreetly stand there and handle things when they come up.
I also think that the beat matching and flow that DJs are so good at isn't necessary for every wedding, especially smaller weddings.
Your decision first and foremost depends on the type of wedding you want, and if you don't want a club-scene party at your reception, then don't hire a DJ. If you do want that, then get that DJ- but make sure you communicate!
And Big Daddy- saying yes to requests that are on the bride and groom's do not play list is a perfect example of why people are choosing NOT to hire DJs.
- June 29, 2010 at 3:57 pm(87) Jenny says:
I'm planning my wedding and this is what I'm thinking – an ipod for the specific songs for the ceremony (walk-in, entrances, walk-out, etc) and for the specific songs I want for dances at the reception and beyond that I decided to go with pandora creating stations for various parts of the evening (going from Frank Sinatra and Julie London at the start, to danceable 80′s classics and as the evening wears on to club music (a mix of hip hop and electronic dance music). I spent a few days at work refining my choices for my pandora 'stations' by 'disliking' songs I don't want played until I was happy with the selections. My venue (cost $400) includes tables, chairs, sound system, mics and internet. My ambient lighting? Discounted christmas tree lights from last January
- July 9, 2010 at 8:33 pm(88) Not a friend says:
And off in the distance, the faint sounds of "Dueling Banjos"…….
- August 6, 2010 at 12:59 am(89) Mr. Green says:
You pay for taste. A good DJ has good taste, a good selection, and some style. MOST PAY SHOULD PAY FOR IT cuz the average person has crap taste in music.
- August 19, 2010 at 12:09 am(90) DJGEO says:
I'd love to hear back from some of those 2006 -7 & 8 people on here who did the Ipod and how it went.
To: So it sounds to me like my options are an I-Pod, A cheesy DJ or a rude DJ
You do have another choice… a GOOD DJ who listens to what you want. I have an open port into my sound system if someone is into obscure music…that I'm sure Aunt Sally would love to dance to. after she's done dancing to 50cent. and the stuff you like… How about the young ones…Is all your Ipod music Radio edit hmmmm?
Pay $700 for a veggie plate but not a DJ… cost saving brilliance.
In this economy, My bare bones wedding is $725 and up for 4hrs… and I'm in San Diego and I'm good be it 25 or 225 guests.
Do the DJ
- August 25, 2010 at 8:51 am(91) Ryan says:
We are using an iPod for our wedding. My uncle happens to DJ as a hobby and he uses an iPod. Most of my family plays some form of musical instrument and half play in a band – including myself. We have a very good sense of what a wide range of people want to hear at a party and on a dance floor. We know all too well about having the sound just right. My dad owns his own sound system so we don't have to fork over the cash for that. We have the venue all weekend, so the sound system will be set up the day before and all the sound checks will be performed then. No problem.
If we had to pay to rent a sound system, only had access to the venue the day of, and had no experience entertaining a large group of people, then we would definitely go with a DJ. But we would do our research – we wouldn't just pick a DJ based on who's the cheapest – because those DJs are cheap for a reason. The difference between a regular joe blow DJ and a DJ who actually knows what he's doing is night and day.
I be sure to weigh my options before choosing to do the music myself. I had a best case scenario for doing the music myself – not everyone will have this luxury.
- September 2, 2010 at 12:07 am(92) St Louis Wedding Bands says:
I would hire a band!
- September 27, 2010 at 2:09 pm(93) Sandra says:
The big thing to bear in mind if you are going to use a iPod for your wedding reception is that an iPod cannot cross-fade. Most contemporary songs have a 10 second fade out and that, coupled with a 1 second gap of silence between tracks, will leave your guests standing on the dance-floor like lemons. It doesn't sound like much but believe me, when you're used to going to discos and having continuous music, this gap is an eternity! You could, of course, buy a disco program for a laptop but we're getting into spending money which defeats the object.
- October 31, 2010 at 7:48 am(94) chris says:
I would get a band, its just far more memorable. But an Ipod is great for those with a budget.
- November 9, 2010 at 3:41 pm(95) Rob Perkins says:
A DJ is more flexibel as a Band, but a Band is a Band…
- January 30, 2011 at 3:24 pm(96) Bob says:
In the same boat as everyone else. Pricing a wedding, trying not to spend a fortune, and then I see I could potentially spend a good chunk of my budget on a DJ? The guy who brings in his laptop and speakers and introduces the bridge and groom? I think I picked the wrong business. What a racket these wedding DJs have set up.
I am pricing out renting a mic and speakers or seeing what the venues have as well. It is 2010. I have a 64GB iPod and a MacBook Pro. One of the two will get the job done. There is "DJ software" available all over the internet to avoid the "3 second gap" these pro DJs say will ruin my night.
I might as well price a band too. They might end up being the same price as Mr. Laptop Button Pusher.
I being far from cheap here, I just don't think you are getting your money's worth with these guys. It is bad enough how these reception venues nickel and dime you. The last thing I need is to pay someone a grip to work his laptop. I can upgrade to top shelf booze and a crab cake with the filet for that DJ money.
- February 3, 2011 at 9:54 am(97) Kate says:
Whoa, the DJ's out there sure are getting agitated by the mere suggestion of this. As a photographer who often hears "I'm just going to have my uncle take some photos" or even better "my DJ provides this service" (ahem!!), I totally understand your frustration. I get that a DJ not only chooses the music, but also keeps the schedule for the evening. However, some peoples weddings just aren't like that. I recently shot a wedding where after the ceremony, that was pretty much it. The bride and groom put on a playlist that they had set up before the evening, and everyone sat in a tent eating food enjoying their drinks. No cake cutting, no bouquet toss. There were some speeches, but they were very informal. They had borrowed some decent speakers from a friend. The tent company they hired put up some lights for them. Everything was very laid back. I think as wedding professionals we need to understand that to some brides and grooms the service we offer just isn't an element of their day that is terribly important to them. Some people aren't into music. Others not that concerned with their photos. To take it personally seems a waste of energy.
- February 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm(98) will says:
I have assisted a professional dj at weddings before, a good friend of mine. However, for my own wedding I decided to do it myself, no Ipod but a lap top. It was very easy and you can even just get a DJ mixing, beat matching software off the internet and make your own seamless mixes incredibly easy with the touch of one button. gave the feel of having a DJ when the music was playing (no dead air) and it cost virtually nothing. I had a friend with some really basic lighting and the venue had a competent sound system. It was great. No need to get a DJ what's so ever
- February 9, 2011 at 9:47 pm(99) Carl says:
I am getting married in 7 weeks. During the reception dinner and program we hired a duo to play live music (2hrs). After the program we are going with an IPOD. Just make sure you have 2 IPODs (just incase). We looked at having a DJ or paying the duo for more time. This confirms everything now after reading multiple articles and comments of these proclaimed DJ experts; (Who, are the only ones who know how to plug wires into an amplifer, and also the only one who know how to plug sound equipment into an electrical outlet via an extension cord). My neighbor is a DJ and also the guy at our music shop is a DJ. Guess what?! They use an IPOD, sometimes a MAC or PC. So, Just make a few different playlists, some new, some old. Rent some equipment, plug some stuff in (if you don't know how go on youtube), use your IPOD. Keep it cool, no reason to hire someone who echoes into a microphone just between the end of a song and the beginning of another song.
- February 9, 2011 at 10:03 pm(100) Sarah says:
I agree with Carl.
- February 25, 2011 at 11:35 am(101) Wendy says:
Can anyone tell me aprox how many songs you need to choose and download for the Rock'n part of a reception to get through the night ?
- March 15, 2011 at 11:21 am(102) Dave says:
Biggest mistake you can make: "A DJ does…" Every DJ is different. Funny to see that people actually think the ipod is a good substitute. We rent sound systems to those who think they can do it by burning their own CDs/hooking up an iPod for $275. EVERY time I have picked up the system after the reception, my sick sense of humor has to ask the people at the party how it went. SHOCKING-"nobody danced and/or nobody knew what was going on". No kidding? If it was as easy as just playing music that you thought would rock the party, DJs would be out of business! Amazing how people will budget $10,000 – $50,000 on a wedding reception, yet do not want to pay $700-$1000 for a decent DJ. That is like buying a house, and telling the builder to leave off the doorknobs because you will get those on your own at the local home depot. Seriously?
- April 16, 2011 at 4:26 am(103) Adam says:
I have recentlly been drafted to be an iPod DJ at my girlfriend's sister's wedding. I think that if you know the right people, having an iPod DJ is a viable, much less expensive option to hiring a live DJ. Currently, I have 2436 songs in my iTunes playlist, which would be more than enough for a wedding. The bride said she wants 90′s music, so I downloaded those songs from Frostwire. NO, THIS IS NOT ILLEGAL. It is illegal to share songs that you have downloaded on your computer with other people around the world. When I download a song and add it to my iTunes play list, I am NOT breaking a law. I have also looked into renting a sound system. In Northeast WI., a 4 Speaker sound system with a mic., mixing board and amp is about 250 bucks for a night. That is a lot less than the 650 the DJs are charging in this area. In the end, having an iPod wedding gives you a lot more control over the music for your wedding, and also saves you money. Do not spend money on a DJ if you have a friend who has thousands of songs already…
- May 16, 2011 at 12:38 pm(104) Kimi says:
Geez people, wake up already this is 2011.
Music is a huge part of me and my fiance's relationship and we refuse to have someone we don't know play at our wedding.
As a coordinator myself, I have seen many an event epically fail because of the music/DJ.
The music for your wedding should be played exactly the order in which you want your event to flow. Additionally, it should have music you want, music with meaning. We have a wedding coordinator who will direct the flow of the wedding. WE don't need a stranger playing current POP, Etta James or Heaven forbid, Rap music.
We're Ipoding.
- May 18, 2011 at 4:48 pm(105) B says:
I recently went to a wedding reception with an ipod as the dj… the music was terrible, the flow was slow and they had a hard time getting people out on the dance floor. The couple regretted not sucking up the $500 for a DJ…
I think it's a great idea as I am a sucker for DIYing and saving a buck or two. If it's the right time and place. Using an ipod is not a risk I will be taking at my own wedding, but I am using the same DJ from my fiance's sister's wedding. He had a good personality and kept the party going. It pays to ask around…
- June 1, 2011 at 1:35 am(106) Nicole says:
I was really struggling with this decision but I ended up going with a DJ for the following reasons. 1. We bargained and got a great DJ with excellent reviews for $650. The DJ had a online request form for us OR our guests to request songs we wanted, and he had a specific place for us to list the songs that we didn't want played. So we had complete control over what music was played. I have a number of gregarious people in my family that would have been great mcees, but it was really nice to have the DJ's experience with "reading a crowd", not to mention his extensive music collection. There were a few songs that we requested that he didn't have so he made sure to get them before our wedding so he was ready! I was impressed. I have to say, I do believe we made the right decision.
- June 3, 2011 at 8:31 am(107) Larry Green says:
True, iPods provide music on a basic scale, but, what wont happen?
Forget about in-the-moment, creative programming and effective mixing.
Subsequently, forget about maximum, overall dance floor response.
Participation on the dance floor aside, wedding entertainment has been defined as the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment during the wedding ceremony and/or reception, and, wedding-day events, performances, or activities designed to entertain friends and family, relevant to the fact the couple have joined their lives together in marriage. Its not an iPod, but quality, wedding-appropriate entertainment that sets the tone of the reception. Its the entertainment that keeps the agenda flowing smoothly. An iPod can never do that.
Its the entertainment that maintains the interest of the wedding attendees, keeping them from becoming restless, bored, and leaving early. An iPod cant do that either.
Just music, is just that. A skilled Wedding DJ, who is also serving as an effective Master of Ceremonies, uses music as a tool during the receptions festivities. A really amazing wedding reception, where friends and family are having fun, feeling connected, and participating, is a series of entertaining events that happen in sequence. In this light, a wedding is an entertainment-driven event. Music alone, especially delivered by an iPod, can never accomplish this. Instead it takes the very real wherewithal to plan a unique wedding celebration from an entertainment perspective. Once planned, it requires time consuming preparation to assure everything will be presented so that folks will be involved and have fun. Finally, in order to assure that whats been planned and prepared will actually be impressively delivered to those in attendance, the wedding receptions entertainment has to be well-staged and skillfully directed. Just music can never do that, and neither can an iPod.
- June 6, 2011 at 6:43 am(108) Matt Garland says:
All the complaints People have found against the DJ can be easily fixed – by talking to the DJ. Ok so you don't want the macarena playing at your wedding, so tell the DJ. Sit with him for 7 hours sorting the playlist out and going through the timetable. If he's the kind of guy you want DJing at your wedding, then He'd be happy to go through all this with you guys. Remember theres always someones drunk uncle that requests these songs too, the same drunk uncle that would 'have a go' on the ipod and put them on anyway. Yes, you will save a bit of money using an ipod and some rented lights (by the way, if your going to do it, for heavns sakes take a laptop where you can have a play que rather than an ipod) but seriously, a good DJ makes a wedding a fun time. And shop around, different DJ's charge different prices, a lot of people, me included, charge enough to cover expenses and thats it. Because they love DJing.
For reference, if you do want a good quality wedding DJ service, at a decent price, check me out on http://www.project-dj.co.uk or 07599 140 158!
If you are planning to go ipod… try calling a local dj asking if he will rent you his lights for the night, explaining your on a tight budget, if he's not using them, the answer will almost certainly be yes.
- June 9, 2011 at 2:36 am(109) John says:
I believe there is being frugle with your money and watching your pennies and being cheap. this is going to be the most important day of my life so why in the world would I want to spend the time, additional money to download songs that I dont have, and finding one of my friends that wants to be responsible for everybody having a good time dancing. Oh and they need to now all different types of music because I dont know about you but our guests like many different styles of music not just dance or rock or country. Spending the extra money we felt was well worth it. The DJ company that we are going with has been around for over 15 years and the have several dj's for us to actually pick from. They are bringing thousand and thousands of song and TAKING REQUESTS
- June 15, 2011 at 9:37 am(110) Jennifer says:
No offense, but every wedding i've been to the Dj played alot of music that totally kept me off the dance floor… and well everyone else too…
- July 18, 2011 at 3:40 pm(111) KC says:
I just went to a Caribbean beach wedding where the groom created all the playlists on his iPod and rented a sound system from the resort. It was fantastic! The music was more suited to the couple and their guests and EVERYONE was dancing and having a good time. If you have a little imagination and time it's a great option.
- August 4, 2011 at 10:12 am(112) Frank says:
Ipod vs DJ…
So I'm a wedding photographer who's going to ALSO be the DJ at a wedding soon…
That said… I've shot multiple weddings and I can see the difference between a DJ and an ipod DJ. EACH has their own use… sure you can remove the 3 second gap, sure you can cross fade each song with an ipod or "Free dj software".
What it boils down to is what you want as entertainment…. I would easily recommend a DJ just because they already have all the music and understand how to set everything up properly.
"But the room is already setup we just need to plug in the ipod".
OK… sure… but then you run the risk of whoever's acting as a "DJ" screwing things up… Let alone having friends/family thinking "wow, they really couldn't afford a DJ to atleast play the music??" We alllll know that people talk about your wedding and how bad or cheap it was. OR how amazing it was because it was so entertaining.
There's more to music than constant flowing beats… There's peoples moods, there's reading those in front of you to understand when to switch it up… to know when to play a cute song to when to play an old school track because an older group is near…
I understand that not everyone has the budget… but if you do… get any sort of dj that's got good reviews… They're there to remove the stress of having to make sure the mp3′s are all sound leveled properly. To make sure you're having a good time. etc… etc…
As for a band… If at all possible… that right there is amazing as an option….
The way I've always seen it.. your goal during this part of the day is to entertain your guests… it's a festive day where everyone should be having a great time.
- August 29, 2011 at 4:10 pm(113) Oldies DJ says:
I still spin records. The sound quality is still superb. At the beginning of the digital age (CD's) not all labels did a good job in transferring the old tapes (mastering) to CD's. The latest tracks (for example David Guetta or Mike Candys) sound much better, even on a MP3. The CD's from the 80ies and early 90ies often sound poor.
- November 7, 2011 at 6:47 am(114) ดูหนังออนไลน์ says:
thank you very mush
- November 7, 2011 at 6:57 am(115) fix money says:
If you are going to do this be sure you check a couple of things. Most laptops and iPods use a mini plug connector.
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- November 12, 2011 at 3:52 am(121) St.LouisDJ says:
If you had a bad experience with a DJ it's because there was no communication between you and the person you hired– or maybe you just hired a bad DJ. Any legit DJ will have several conferences with the Bride and Groom way before their big day to figure out their playlist and do not playlist and to make sure everything is in order for the reception.
Word of mouth is the best form of advertising or way to get a referral on a DJ or any vendor.
There are DJ's for every budget. Just like everything else you have to do your homework to make sure you have the right person Experienced person overseeing your reception.
Everyone who has a collection of music and a couple of loud speakers is not suited to be a wedding dj just like a person who has a lot of pots and pans and the desire to cook can't provide catering service for your reception.–though I've seen it happen at a wedding or two and it's not pretty.
The bottom line is some people ipod their receptions because of financial necessity and others are doing it our of ignorance–which concerns me more. I must admit, there are some cheezy DJ's out there who make me sick.
The way I keep from getting lumped in to the generalized list of bad DJ's is make sure I have happy bride & grooms and guests who will then go out and talk about what a great time them had under my direction.
Bottom Line: Please do your home work on any vendor you hire for your wedding day and make sure you are comfortable with them before you hire them.
- November 20, 2011 at 11:56 am(122) 5231ja2006 says:
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- November 20, 2011 at 11:58 am(123) 5231ja2006 says:
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- November 20, 2011 at 1:07 pm(124) mike says:
As D.J for over 30 years I must have done over 1000 weddings. What makes you doing your 1st or second as good or better?
I know that the first few dozen times I D.J'ed where not my best. Just like any trade experince does make a differnce. At a wedding you only get one shot and no sorry that was wrong can I do it again?
Ipods are like the old juke boxes in some ways, automaticly play chosen music. if someone selects 20 rock songs it will play 20 rock songs (EVEN IF ONLY ONE PERSON OUT OF 200 LIKES ROCK).
A D.J should play not just what the bride likes but a fair mixture that will entertain everyone at the party.
D.J's play cheese because people ask for it or dance to it. I don't want to here Abba's dancing queen everytime I work, but if Granny won't dance to R&B, Indie, dirty funk, electro and 2 step then that's what I need to do to make her evening too.
Too many people say "IT'S MY WEDDING AND I DON'T CARE WHAT OTHERS WANT"
What a selfish world we are becoming. I've played many strict lists to empty dance floors with bored guests wanting to leave or request everything that i'm not to play, Let me do what i do best and entertain.
- December 12, 2011 at 5:05 pm(125) jason says:
Hello all I'm writing to say that there are pros and cons to both. As a DJ I have to admit that having a DJ at your event takes alot of stress off of you as a good DJ like myself will have held several meetings with the bride and groom to discuss the music that will be played at there wedding. You should be provided a form that list all of your important songs first dance, cake cutting, father daughter dance, etc. Any DJ who refuses to play or not play what you want should not be hired. The problem is a DJ thinks about the impression he leaves on the crowd so when he is restricted to play only what he has been told to play he worries about the crowd thinking he sucks. Having been doing this for ten years I have had a couple give me a playlist only to release me to do as I please after they realize nobody is having fun at there reception. I also have mobile Wi-Fi with iTunes so I can get any song that may be requested. If you are on a budget as many people are these days I say take time to look at both ways the iPod wedding or the DJ either way at the end of the day all that matters is each other. Just remember a good DJ with good equipment should make your party great. And a iPod with the right music and sound system will do fine if you don't want to try to please everybody.
- December 12, 2011 at 11:55 pm(126) denise says:
I agree with jason he seems to be very knowledgeable only wish he was in my area to DJ my reception. My fiance and I have thought about the iPod reception but I worry about not having the music our guests will dance to. So after reading Jason's comments I. Think we will search for a DJ who offers Wi-Fi as this will guarantee all of our guest are happy. Thanks Jason.
- December 13, 2011 at 3:13 pm(127) steve says:
Imagine doing your party with an iPod and your guest don't dance to the music because your taste for music may not be what they like. Having a DJ allows you to adjust your game plan as he or she will have variety of songs for all ages and with Wi-Fi today's DJ is able to give you the last minute songs you may have forgotten about. Don get me wrong using an iPod that's loaded with music you can have a good reception but once you take into consideration the sound system as well as set up and tear down I'm more than sure you can find a DJ for the same amount or maybe just a little more. Imagine grandmother wanting to hear her favforite dance tune a DJ with Wi-Fi can get that song on spot and you can watch granny cut up on the dance floor priceless….
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- February 24, 2012 at 7:39 pm(130) Bookingforyou.de says:
a Dj is a good performer
- March 18, 2012 at 4:12 am(131) Ted says:
I love how most of these DJs refer to themselves as experts. Experts have formal training, and do things that other people can't do. Anyone can wear graphic button up shirts and make everyone around them feel awkward because they have no friends of their own, and as such require a job such as this to feel like they have some kind of life. I don't care if you are good at picking songs off a computer, you are no expert.
- April 15, 2012 at 5:58 am(132) Bungle says:
For a big wedding, a DJ makes sense. You will need a big sound system and professional lighting equipment to get the atmosphere that you need to fill a sizeable venue. That's probably not an issue if you're having that sort of event; you will have already signed up to a huge budget (£15-20k) so the additional cost of a DJ is a relatively small expense.
We're having a more intimate affair with 60 or so close friends and family in a smaller, informal venue. We will be DJing our own wedding because (a) it's more appropriate for our event (b) we don't have the budget for anything bigger (c) we can and most importantly (d) a wedding is also a social occasion. People get together who don't often meet up all in one place, and they want to catch up over a few drinks, we don't want to lay out hundreds of £s on something which isn't going to be appreciated by our guests.
- April 15, 2012 at 5:59 am(133) Bungle says:
We will be playing from a laptop through the aux in on the venue's ipod dock. We will trial the system beforehand and if it proves to not be powerful enough then we also have a stereo amp and some large quality speakers that the best man can set up easily in a matter of minutes. We are researching the music and while we will play a lot of stuff that we love it is all contemporary well known music and recent favourites that will get people dancing. They are our friends, we know what they want and we will allow them to suggest songs via the RSVPs. We have 3 months to finalise the playlist and when we're happy with it, the various CD audio files will be mixed using freely-available downloaded mixing software so that we have one file that no-one can mess with on the night. So no dead air between songs, no lengthy intros or fade outs and no friends trying to take over. We will make CD copies as a back up; the laptop will be in a staff only area and protected by the venue's people. We won't have an MC – we don't need one. Granted we won't have the quality of mixing that an experienced DJ could provide, but we don't think it matters. We know our guests, they will have fun regardless.
- April 20, 2012 at 3:15 pm(134) Tes says:
I agree with the "iPod wedding", if only because it DOES save you money and not just a couple hundred dollars. I've been searching (and searching ) trying to find a DJ in the area that costs less than a $1000, the event is only going to be 6 hr total. While DJ's ARE professionals and they DO a good job, they are just too expensive for most people. It's not saying they aren't worth it. However, when you're not willing to spend that much on a DJ, they lose their luster rather quickly.
As far as equipment goes; yes, it is specific equipment that you do have to know how to use in order to get anywhere with. However, many local music stores offer audio equipment for rent. The one I found prepackages the equipment you need for your event and provides hands on teaching in how to use it and set it up. Its going to cost us less than $100. Take that coupled with iTunes, the iPods and laptops we already own, and that we already know more than one person who would be happy and willing to run it just for the chance to do so; we will be saving much more than a few hundred bucks. We will literally be saving near a thousand.
Are your guests really going to care if there is a delay in songs? Are your guests going to get upset if you don't play what they want to hear at your wedding? Are you comfortable letting someone else have control over the music? Or do you just not want to deal with it at all? If so, then go for a DJ. You can easily find someone who will give you what you want, but do be prepared to pay for it.
But if you feel like you can DIY your music, then go for it. Who's going to complain anyway? The only problem is that if something goes wrong, you have no one to blame but yourself. Also, "saving" money on certain things (like the DJ) can allow you to put money elsewhere, where it will be of much more use. So, if being cheap is getting exactly what you want and making your money go the furthest, then so be it.
- April 26, 2012 at 10:17 pm(135) jason says:
Hello all its me again. I have to say that maybe I need to raise my rates because I'm hearing people having a hard time finding a dj for under 1000 I personally charge 85 dollars per hour which includes smart lighting and two York subs and 4 york speakers numark ns7 and Mac. Anyway I think a iPod wedding as I said before is Okay but a dj who loves music and takes his profession serious will be better for such an important day. Nobody including a dj can be an expert at music as music is a taste and different strokes for different folks however a dj has experience and usually can read a crowd and understand what type of music they like by testing the waters which is why djs refer to themselves as experts. Anyway to all couples just look into both sides and make the best decesion for you as I said before all that matters is each other..
- May 12, 2012 at 7:28 am(136) Linda says:
Some of these comments here seem like a DJ is always an option and is always in the budget. It's not. I've cut everything I can, bought everything I can second-hand and gone with the lowest food budget that will still feed my guests well. I care a lot about my guest's comfort and enjoyment and am doing my best to provide a great experience on a tiny budget. I am using a laptop for ease of use, and will have a backup laptop as well. I rented a sound system set up exactly for this purpose for $150. My father is an electrician and my fiance is an electrical engineer so I think we have the set-up covered. I hired an emcee who has a lot of experience performing and speaking in front of crowds (actually he is my sister's brother, lol, but not related to me so he's working for food and as a favor). He would not normally have been a guest so we're not asking an invited guest to work. I have spent countless hours creating a playlist based on what has worked at the weddings I've attended in recent years, tons of internet research and the expertise of my friend who is a professional DJ. I've created "reserve" playlists for every genre so my emcee can get a feel for what the crowd wants and change it up if need be. He's got copies of my playlists and we will meet up at least once beforehand to discuss the playlist and any announcements. I researched lighting and got a great deal on an LED light used by DJ's and we are renting a mirrorball with 2 spots for $20.
I looove music and I looooove dancing so I do wish I had the budget to hire a professional to ensure it all went perfectly. But the fact is that it's not in the budget, and for everything it will run us about $250, which is significantly cheaper than the lowest priced DJ I could find. I'm very happy with my decision, I've put a lot of time and effort into this and we'll see how it all pans out in about 6 weeks . Honestly I'm having so much fun planning this that I think I may have missed my calling!
- June 2, 2012 at 12:11 am(137) SCyankee says:
Im on the fence deiding if Im going to use my laptop/Ipod or hire a MC/DJ. My wedding is only going to be small close friends and family so Im leaning toward an IPOD wedding. I see all the DJs getting mad &it makes me feel better about leaning toward the IPOD idea. Joe the DJ from another point pointed out exactly why I am leaning IPOD. He said something about getting mad that no one knows where he is supposed to set up. There was no table for him. B/G were getting mad a music selections etc. IF I was the B/G I would be mad that you didnt have this all figured out! Your the professional. Its your job to insist getting with the bride groom and organizing the details. Thats why they hired you a professional cause they didnt want to deal with entertainment. If any DJ comes to an event with no idea of whats going on I have to say thats why so many people think DJs are nothing more than button pushers. DJs keep saying they can feel the mood &put the right song on. If I dont want to hear YMCA than I dont want to hear it. Even if it does get the crowd on the floor. Dont tell me I should cut corners other places besided the DJ. What Ill be sharing with friends&family are PICTURES. Pictures mean more when decorations and flowes come into play. A good photographer will get shots of most the crowd on the dance floor even if it was for one or two important songs all night. Those are the photos people share. Never of the lighting, the new looking speakers.Now before I get bashed by all the DJ's out there, I have been married before. I did have a DJ and he was great. In fact I still have his card and recommend him to everyone who ever says they want a DJ for a wedding. it seems there is a 50/50 split between people who loved their DJ or hated them.
Just to be clear I have also been at a wedding where the DJ never showed up, no back up, nothing. What saved the day? You guessed it, an IPOD and the built in sound system.
- June 26, 2012 at 8:54 am(138) Frank says:
Don't cheap out. Yeah you can make your own playlist and use an iPod but does everybody attending have the same musical tastes as you? The reception is for your guests and you want everyone to feel involved. You get the biggest bang for your buck with a professional DJ but you have to do your homework because there are some bad ones out there. Interview your potential DJ.
Ask questions.
What percentage of their business is weddings?
Will he/she be the one performing?
Do they prepare custom song lists for you or do they have a set list?(If they don't take your input-RUN)
Do they sing or play instruments during their performance?(Stay away from them unless you see and hear them first)
Do they have back-up equipment?
Do they use professional equipment?
How do they get the crowd involved?
Do they tell jokes or stories?(Again, stay away from them unless you have seen them perform)
Do they bring gimmicks?(inflatable instruments, etc.)
Ask for references and call them.
A good wedding DJ will know what to play and when to play it. A great wedding DJ will be able to direct your reception and make sure things go smoothly. You'll be stressed out enough just planning out a wedding, let the professional do it so you can relax and enjoy it.
- July 2, 2012 at 10:58 pm(139) Steve says:
I only started up my own dj service about 8 months ago, and did my first wedding this past weekend. And I tell ya, I couldn't imagine how you can dj a wedding with only an Ipod. Yes, with an ipod or mp3 you can select all your own music, But a GOOD dj, should be always getting there hands on all types of music. if someone ever asked me to play nothing but celtic music, I could do it..someone asks me to play nothing but classical piano music, I'd have it. I know the wedding I just did. I played some of the usual songs played at weddings. But as a dj who doesn't like just playing to the norm, I played a couple songs that people would never usually hear. Granted I made sure to run it past the bride a week prior( like any good dj should be doing, not just showing up and playing what ever he or she thinks will sound good) and also, if your going to hire a dj, why not look for the guy who runs his own service? You can call up a dj company, who takes the money then sends out who ever they have hired and is available. Look for independent dj's.
- August 2, 2012 at 5:20 pm(140) EmilyC says:
An iPod wedding is a great idea if you don't mind your guests talking about how cheap you are to bring your iPod as the entertainment on the most important day of your life.
I have been a guest at two iPod weddings. Nobody danced, the songs all sounded the same, and of course people talked about it afterward and not in a good way. You only get married once and there are hundreds of DJs out there just starting out who will work for a low price. Just look on Craigslist. You don't have to go all out and get the most expensive, sought out DJ in town.
- October 22, 2012 at 4:17 pm(141) bride to be says:
Although the final decision is not made yet, I am also leaning towards using an iPod and asking a family member to hold the microphone.
Nowadays we do everything electronically because we can.
To begin, people have started to do electronic Save the Date (email/eVite), as well as electronic RSVPs. There are also wedding websites used to include a lot of the information traditionally had to be printed and mailed in the invitation package, like direction, accommodations, and local information which is great because we not only save postage we also save trees this way I am even considering doing an e-Guestbook bring my laptop to the reception and people can leave us messages on it. So whats wrong about doing e-music?
Yes, a DJ may serve more functions than an iPod, and there are still a lot of people who value the benefits of having a DJ – good for them. And for people who choose not to have a DJ, good for them too. For example, me personally, just dont want a stranger at my wedding telling my guests what to do. Also my guests and us are not really into dancing so we will probably be using the DJ money to hire another sort of entertainer which will serve us much better.
In addition, I seriously dont think that using an iPod means that we are being cheap. The technology presents a new option and people are simply choosing the more efficient and intimate way of celebrating their big days.
Finally, the average wedding costs nowadays are way too unreasonable and ridiculous and there is nothing wrong about trying to save some money. If my guests are truly my friends and are reasonable people, none of them should ever judge me for being smart and tech-savvy and if they do, they are probably just jealous about how smart I am.
And ultimately, it is MY day, and I do it my way.
- December 8, 2012 at 12:12 pm(142) DJ Decybals says:
you guys will spend 2000 on a dress and 800 on a cake, but you want to SAVE on your MAIN ENTERTAINMENT? when is the last time someone spoke about how GREAT the cake was or how NICE the dress was? 10 years later, do they remember the color of the flowers? NOOOOOO. they remember if they had a great time or NOT! you pick.
- December 8, 2012 at 12:48 pm(143) Scoop says:
Why don't they save on food instead? McDonalds does 20 nuggets for FIVE DOLLARS!! Imagine how many people you could feed for like 50 dollars. No need for catering, just put a gigantic bowl of nuggets on a milk crate (you can pinch them off of just about any convenience store/gas station with EASE if you have even the most mediocre of ninja/stealth skills), and instead of souvenirs, people can take home the extra sauce packets! Not sure if you've heard, but good ol' Ronald McDonald has done some serious overhaul to they're selection of dipping sauces! Seriously – This. Could. Work.
¡Viva la Revolución!
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- January 31, 2013 at 9:43 pm(145) Steve says:
I find it interesting that you see people say "your days are numbered DJ, we're in charge now with new technology!" People who think that really don't understand how great hiring a professional can make your party. It's true if you are poor and trying to get off the hook as cheap as possible the ipod seems like a great idea and maybe your only option. But it's really silly and insulting to say that a professional disc jockey ads no value to your party. I mean why not pick your own flowers? Have your uncle BBQ in the parking lot? Have your aunt make your a dress? Just use your smartphone to take some wedding pictures? Because all of these trades are perfected over many years of experience. You really can't compare someone with no experience selecting music to someone who has done it for 20 years. Why are DJ's so defensive? You'd be insulted too if some random said they could do your job for free. It's really the wedding couple's guests loss when it's all said and done. Ipods don't mix songs like a pro and since parties are dynamic events sometimes the pros change what song is next at the last second to keep the energy going good. I am a long time DJ, I enjoy when the guests are having so much fun during the reception that when the time is up they are bummed it's over. I can guarantee you that never has happened with an ipod playing. If you really want to save money, something I've done for couples on a tight budget is rent my sound system to them, they use an ipod for the first half of the event then pay me to DJ the last two hours when it's time to kick it into high gear. I really like this format because I don't have to coordinate their wedding for no pay! They handle that and I do what I do best make the party happen.
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- February 15, 2013 at 2:26 am(147) Yourevent says:
thx so much for you re different feeds. I wrote a blog about this by myself. Also to compare DJ and Band. Still whatever you choose Ipod or DJ – the DJ has the goal. A DJ always will follow the vibe of a crowd or their request….even some special request or suprises. That s what a DJ stand for.. We also see the trouble that to many weedings are starting to think "the cheaper the better" . but they go the wrong way. I even have many discussion about technologie ,, where it leaves. records, cd, mp3.
- February 23, 2013 at 3:52 pm(148) Jason says:
Its me again. I have to say my attitude has changed about the ipod verses dj debate. As a Dj myself I recently was the best man in a friends wedding and as a gift to them I provided my equipment we carefully set up a playlist that I thought would be a crowd pleaser. It was about two hours into the reception when we realized nobody was dancing. I removed tuxedo jacket and took over. Soon the dance floor was packed and when his reception was about to end the hall offered a extention of time for 200.00 and guess what the guest paid for it as they were having so much fun. We ended up partying until 2:30am. Sorry Ipod but dj's are simply more effective.
- March 10, 2013 at 3:28 am(149) Sean says:
I agree with Jason, even though I do get a general play list made before the event, I always and I mean every single time I work, I always have to move the music around, remove it, or add music to the list, it never fails and even with 3 terabytes of music there is always at least 5 songs I don't have that are requested. On the other hand If money is an issue do what you got a do, Ipods are fine but a slow way to retrieve a song in just a few seconds, in fact in the name of speed I ditched the laptop and went to a mid tower that is going into a rack mount, no external sound cards or drives, I hat clutter, I don't work clubs so no need to bring externals with me. Most people speak of their reception as if its going to the party of all parties. They buy kegs of beer that barley get drank and someone always for gets to bring some major part of the event, then they have to run home or buy something at the store to get by. If you can find a good wedding planner go that route one with insurance if possible, and good ones are hard to find. Who ever pays the bill in my opinion gets to hear whatever songs they want to hear even if it slows down the dance floor, cause the people on the floor are generally not that hard to please and they don't write out your paycheck at the end of the night. I am never mean to anyone and I will do my best to work in requests.
- March 21, 2013 at 11:32 pm(150) Basement DJ says:
I find it quite interesting that there are so many people leaning towards using an iPOD to DJ their wedding. I once was a DJ and still have about 20k worth of equipment and lights hooked up in my basement for my own listening pleasure now. Yes I did say 20k!!!! Your 300.00 iPOD is NOT going to crank out the sound that a professional DJ rig will produce. I'm not talking about how loud it goes either, I'm talking about clarity, experience and ambience. I've been to 3 different weddings where the bride and groom decided to save money by using an iPOD, and all three weddings ended earlier with the bride and groom being upset because they had so much leftover alcohol and food, not to mention they rented a hall that is now empty. I'm actually DJing another friend of mines wedding this weekend, strictly because she refuses to use an iPOD because she too was at the 3 weddings that I attended. So folks before you try to "Save" money and act "Smart" as another poster put, you may stop to think how much your money savings and intellectual decisions will cost you in the long run. Not to mention the embarrassment, I'm sure you have your favorite genre you love, but Aunt Bessie probably doesn't like punk music and I'm sure Grandma isn't really into rap. DJs help to coordinate all of this and keep you free to enjoy the happiest day of your life, not leave you wondering where everyone is, because they will all be dancing along with you
- April 13, 2013 at 10:15 am(151) daniel says:
We bought a 4 channel sound system with powered speakers that are 200 watts RMS each pushing 15"s. Its on stands and its a simple plug and play system. It cost half of what a dj costs and only slightly more than renting a similar system would have cost us. We used it for the stag and doe and a few parties as a test run. It was simple enough to hook up a macbook and put on a playlist allowing the MC to change the list, adjust the sound and add last minute requests. We asked for people's favorite songs on their save the dates and put them into the playlist. Incidentally we have three professional dj's in attendance. These dj's play clubs where beat matching and creating a mood is important on a song by song basis. For a wedding a playlist works great. Test your system. 200 people in a 5000 sq ft hall sounds different then cranking your home stereo in your living room. Now we have a system that we can sell or reuse instead of yet another $1800 spent on an intangible, or one time use thing. Now to tackle the $1400′s worth of chair rentals.
- April 17, 2013 at 11:25 pm(152) Jacob says:
Trying to decide between a DJ and I-Pod check out the below video on You Tube