OK to get someone to just "watch" the music playlist?

DanAll1228

I REALLY don't want to hire a DJ to play their own selection of music; I was just going to load a long, great playlist onto my iPod. I'm thinking about asking guest to send in a song or two on their RSVP cards as well. My question is: could I/should I hire/get someone to just "watch" the iPod during the reception? Do you think a DJ company would go with this, and still want to charge me the same amount of money? I've been thinking lately that there should be someone to watch the timing of the music, etc. during the reception. Thanks for your input!

Tamdude

I am going the IPod route too.  My MC will the the watcher of the IPod.. He will be responsible for playing the songs during the ceremony and then pausing the music during the reception for speeches ect.  I figure after speeches are over, the Ipod can just run and he will be able to go on with his night and enjoy himself.

naomikb

I haven't looked into it but I would assume that hiring someone from the DJ company to come out and watch your iPod would cost the same or almost the same as getting them to just DJ the reception and wouldn't be cost-effective.

I've done the RSVPs with song selections before and it was a great idea and worked well.  You obviously need to put more music in but it is definitely a starting place and a good way to get other music you wouldn't normally think of.

Instead of making someone stand there all night, I would just find someone responsible (like your emcee or best man) to keep tabs on it.  Let them still have their fun but be in control.  And have a place to hide the iPod so people don't go rogue and start changing the music on you.

jemmini6

I'd be wary about putting a guest in charge of this.  My sister did this and he ended up disappearing halfway through so my sister had to switch things herself.

Robyn5298

I bet a professional dj would ask that you pay his regular rate for this kind of thing.  After all, if he can make his full rate at another event, why would he want to take a lower paying gig where he doesn't even get to play, know what I mean?

Is there a family friend that you could hire to do this?  Someone that wouldn't be invited to the wedding, like your mother's co-worker's college aged son?  If you asked somebody like that and tossed them a couple hundred bucks for the night I bet they'd be thrilled.