DJ vs Ipod?

kimandmatt2012

Hey Knotties!

My FI and I are paying for the wedding ourselves, and we would like to know if it is considered "tacky" to make a playlist and us an ipod for our music at our reception vs using a DJ? He has a friend who DJ's, but I think the price he quoted us is ridiculous. lol. We still want to do our first dance, the father daughter dance, and just dancing in general! We're not having a traditional reception in a banquet hall because of cost. Instead, we are getting a suite at the JW Mariott which is 1905 sq. ft. which also has a balcony that wraps aroud most of the room. I'm assuming we can fit our family and friends in there. We checked with the hotel and they said that is perfectly fine to use for a gathering such as a reception. What do you guys think?

harpistmom

I might be biased (being a harpist), but I think it is less tacky to have an ipod during the reception, but please, if at all possible have live music for your ceremony!! 

ElisabethJoanne

It's not tacky, but you'll still need a MC - someone to announce "the bride and groom will now have their first dance" etc. A groomsman or family member or friend can do this. Depending on lots of factors, the groom might even be able to do this.

melissasdwedding

We are going to use a ipod for our music, its a lot cheaper. My future sister in law has one, so I tell her the songs, and she's going to get a playlist on there for us. I don't think its tacky at all

eelyak321

For a smaller event, I think you can get away with an iPod, but I agree that you need an MC, whoever that may be. Also I suggest delegating those times when you'll need to change the song or pause it or whatever, because I have been to 2 weddings where they used an ipod with no MC and it seemed very unorganized and thrown together, plus the bride was constantly running off into the corner to put on the right song and it threw off the whole vibe. But if done right, ipods for smaller events can totally work!

kimandmatt2012

Great! Thank you!

tpender13

I don't think an iPod is tacky at all. But, if you want dancing and a good party, a DJ can really help create a good vibe. If the price your friend quoted you seems high, shop around. The people on your local board may be able to help you with specific recommendations. You may find that not having to worry about creating playlists and arranging everything yourselves may be worth spending the money on a DJ.

ingramnusz

I personally don't think it's tacky--of course, I'm doing it myself, so that sort of biases me.  ;-)  We're doing an iPod and having my brother emcee.  Our venue is actually equipped with a dock and speakers for this purpose.

I've been to a lot of weddings, and a DJ can really make or break the party.  One of my good friends from high school had a spectacular DJ who really helped get folks on the floor and having a great time.  My matron of honor, on the other hand, had a dj who had shoddy equipment (CD's skipped every time the dancing got too vigorous!) and horrible taste in music. 

We were leaning towards an iPod reception even before we found out we could do it for free at our venue--some of it is my control-freak nature, but I also found it easier to make a playlist than a "must play" list or "don't play" list for a DJ.  I also completely trust my emcee, which helps.  Chose the wrong person, and it could turn into a drunken fillibuster.  ;-)

nicolray

Go on craigslist, you can find good prices on DJs.  Don't bother with the ipod, It's one more thing you have to wory about on your day.  Are you going to get up and change the music to slow when everyone eats?  Plus, a DJ will help set the tone of the wedding, get people up when the shoulb be dancing, calm them down when the need to be attentive.  Save yourself the stress.

as571106

If you have an iphone or ipod touch there is an app for $5  called myweddingdj. Its really cool, it has fade ins and outs and it has the list all set up so all you have to do is add your songs. anyone can be the one to swipe the screen to go to the next playlist. That is what I am doing.