DJ vs. iPod??

jmadsen22

I need to get some opinions- My fiance and I are considering using an iPod instead of hiring a DJ to try to save some money. Has anyone thought about doing this or been to a wedding where it's been done?? I am torn because we will save a lot of money by not having one BUT I know that a DJ does more then just play the music...any input would be great! Thank you!

NOLAbridealmost

I think that sounds like a great money saver.  Maybe if you have a guest who knows someone (like a college student or young adult) who wouldn't mind manning the iPod and being a bit of an "MC" you could offer to pay them 100 dollars and feed them in exchange for their trouble. 

Audrey&Austin

If you really don't want to spend the money on a DJ and have someone that could MC and keep track of the music (you don't want it to stop), I think it could work. We decided to go ahead and hire a DJ because we found a great DJ that wasn't too expensive and this way we know the right songs will be played, we'll have an MC and someone that can read the crowd and know what music to play.

bltata

I have lots of musician friends, so I can get my hands on a sound system pretty easily.  Also, one of my best friends, who has actually run sound at a concert hall before, has a really big mouth.  He offered to be my MC.  I'm going to be spending a lot of time putting together songs for a playlist so that we will have more than enough music.  My friend will be doing announcements and helping to keep things in order and the party going.

Just remember that if you do an iPod, to turn off the clicky sound.  Also, to try to break up the music into different playlists, like your dinner music, entrance music, special dances, and the faster dance music.  A backup is also a smart plan, like a laptop with a power chord or a second iPod with the same music loaded on it just in case your battery runs low.  Also try to keep it somewhere that people can't get to easily or you may get a case of the dumb guest that wants to take over everything.

Hope that helps.

SuMmErKuTiE

I've never been to a wedding without a dj or a live band, and I think if you're considering an ipod over a dj then you need to plan it out very carefully. A dj can read the crowd and know which music to play at different times as opposed to a set play list that would just be going without anyone paying attention to it. A dj also acts as the MC for the party to keep it going in the right direction. If it's a budget issue try finding a dj that owns their own business which would make them half the cost. Our dj was less than half the price of most other dj's we looked into because he owned his own business and he did a fantastic job and kept the dance floor packed all night.

jmadsen22

Thank you all so much for the input! I went home last night and actually found a DJ online in my area that does in fact own the business and is a fraction of what the others were charging. I think there are other ways that I will look to save money. I think that it's a litle too risky to do the iPod thing when the DJ is the main entertainment for the night!! Again, thank you all and have a great day!!