DJ or No DJ? Is it appropriate to do your own music?

hehblondie84

Hi Knotties!I need help here. I think a DIY music setup is risky, stressful and tacky. My fiance doesn't see the value in paying for a DJ and would rather borrow speakers and play from an IPod list. We don't want anyone to 'entertain' or engage our guests. We want someone to announce when appropriate and to simply play music to ensure smooth flow and musical transitions.I should note our ceremony is taking place in a country club, it's in the summer/indoors, and is a summer-formal affair.What have your experiences been? Have you been to weddings where they just have a playlist? Did it go well? What value do you see in hiring a professional DJ but one who doesn't charge $800 for the night (I would like someone at about 1/2 the cost).Thank you for your help!

jagore08

Look at the post below yours.

danieliza1127

I've never been to a wedding with an Ipod or laptop playlist and no DJ.  I think for a formal reception in a country club, you should have a DJ.  You can specifically tell your DJ that you don't want him doing anything other than playing the music and making the specific announcements that you want made.  If he's cool with that, great, if he's not look for another DJ.The risk with Ipod and DIY music is that someone still has to be in charge of it.  You can't just press play and walk away.  Someone will have to "man" it to keep guests or kids from messing with it or changing the order of songs and to handle any problems like a song not playing, or stopping the music to do the cake cutting or bouquet toss or whatever.If I were you, I would post on your local board and ask for recommendations of affordable DJs in your area who aren't really big into being all showy and crazy but are low key and just do what you ask them to do.

scoetto

I replied to your other post.

Jamilynn627

I have never been to a wedding that didn't have a DJ or band. I don't think the music is the best place to cut, especially considering the venue and formality of the event. DIY is a pain - you'll have to have someone man the iPod or laptop, and it sucks to have to make guests "work."

britab

I went to a wedding with an ipod DJ and no one really danced. That was part of the reason we had a DJ. Ours was about 400 dollars and well worth it. He kept the night flowing and the guests dancing.