Scratch the DJ, here comes the iPod
Scratch the DJ, here comes the iPod
September 22, 2005Posted By weddings
More articles on the Wedding Songs topic: Wedding Song Info
Wedding Songs and reception music are typically handled by a DJ or maybe even a band. A new trend is hitting the aisles not only saves money, but also gives the couple complete control over the musical selection - meaning you're going to hear less and less "Who let the dogs out!" at wedding receptions. (ok, maybe that only happened to me)
More and more brides are turning away from DJs and towards iPods. With an iPod you can set up a play list that will run for the entire reception. It can even be used to handle ceremony music and background music during dinner.
You can rent an entire setup - including big speakers, an amplifier, cd players, etc. from local music production shops or you can simply use one of the portable speaker setups for iPods that pack a big punch - like those available from Bose or JBL. Surprisingly, these little speaker platforms are actually loud enough to handle a wedding reception.
The best part is the fact that you can just "set it and forget it." Just hit play on your iPod at the beginning of the reception and it will play music through the end.
With DJ's running anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand, iPods are a very desirable option - especially if you own one already. Even if you don't - an iPod and a set of speakers can handle the DJ duties and you won't have to worry about paying extra if the reception lasts a few extra hours.
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Scratch the DJ, here comes the iPod Commentary
December 7, 2005 07:10 PMscott
This is really a bad idea. A DJ's job is to make sure the event goes off perfect. Watching the crowd and adjusting dance songs to keep the flow of the dancing. Also anouncing the bridal party and playing the bridal dance songs. If you need to save money, buy fake flowers. No one will remember that, but everyone will remember that the music wasn't good.
January 20, 2006 11:23 AMCharlene
Good point Im getting married in June and cant even begin to think of a home cd player doing the work. You need a person there to move the crowd along. Maybe if you wasnt thinking of really having a party that would work, buti know we plan to party and get down with the get down.
February 5, 2006 06:33 PMBrenda
Yep, I agree this is a very bad idea! Some halls are so huge that these little speakers won't be heard. DJs work with the brides/grooms beforehand about the music selections. If they don't want to hear songs like "who let the dogs out" all they have to do is tell the DJ to leave it at home. Problem solved. Renting a sound system will cost an average of $500 for 4 hours. This includes the tech to come in and set it up and tear it down. The brides and grooms are already stressing over the details why add more stress with having to plan all the music, then spending up to $500 more dollars for the appropriate music and countless hours downloading or purchasing CDs (at $15 a pop) and ripping them to mp3, on top of what they're already dealing with? (I was a bride once and I know what I'm talking about with that statement!) This idea will actually cost the bride and groom up to $1000, if not more. Why not hire a dj and pay the dj the $500 to $1000?
DJ's also make announcements for the brides/grooms as needed throughout the night. The IPod can't do that, nor can the IPod give the proper introductions for the traditional first few dances of the night. The other wedding vendors listen for the dj as the dance is starting, especially the photographer so he/she doesn't miss the photo opps of these special moments.
Home stereo systems also don't cut it for larger reception halls either. All home stereo systems have a fuse that cuts the speakers if they've been run "hot" for a certain period of time. This is a built-in safety feature to prevent the speakers from blowing. Professional sound systems are built for heavy duty use and DO NOT have these built in fuses that will cut the speakers.
This type of a suggestion really scares me because I can imagine receptions turning into failures if the equipment breaks down. The guests will leave much earlier than expected and money down the drain for the couple. That would be a crying shame!
February 11, 2006 09:19 PMLisa
I think it has a lot to do with the kind of crowd you are dealing with. For a small backyard reception with less than 30 or 40 people it would work well. If you are having your reception at a hall, I say go with a DJ, but if you are just having some music playing amongst family and close friends the iPod is a reasonable option. My stereo fills my backyard just fine.
DJ's are supposed to react to crowds and keep them happy, but they don't always do it properly. If you go the DJ route, make sure you fill them in on your expectations and review those expectations (or have a member of your wedding party do so) on the night of the reception.
