DJ iPod

JMU_Bride09

I posted this in the DIY board and the budget board, but I figured it would go here as well.

FI and I really want to do the iPod reception.  Not just bc it will cut costs, but also bc we want to seriously personalize our music.  Now, I am at no loss for songs to play, but I really have no idea what types of songs to play when.  I know we need our dance song, the father daughter dance song, the mother son dance song, but are there any other types of songs that we'll need?  Also, when in the reception do we plays these?  And what types of music should be played when?  Ie, during dinner, during the cake cutting, during the dancing, when we first arrive, during the cocktail hour, etc.

Thanks!!

jenniferceline

I'm having similar questions/concerns. We'll be using our Zune, most likely, as our "DJ."  I'm thinking of compiling different Playlists and naming them things like "Dinner," "First Dances," etc. 

I'm still not sure what "type" of music I'm going to use at each moment. Our reception will be held in a private room in an Italian restaurant in Las Vegas, so I'm considering some Frank Sinatra, etc. music for arrival & dinner.

One of my main problems is deciding WHO will be the one to change playlists. I'm considering my brother since he is a groomsman & has a Zune (so therefore understands what we're asking him to do).

Gordonsgal

I'm sorry.... this isn't going to be nice....But just from personal experience..... I was a designated "DJ"  and maid of honor for my friend's wedding in October and it sucked! I couldn't just relax and enjoy myself because: someone was telling me they couldn't hear the music or the music was too loud... then it was time to change playlists... then right before the couple's first dance some idiot tripped over the power cord and unplugged everything and everyone started yelling and hollering at me like it was my fault!!! Ugh, and I can't even tell you how many people kept walking up to me requesting songs while I was trying to eat .... like I had anything to do with it... it's an f-ing playlist!!!!!
Their wedding could have been spectacular, but for me it was seriously a nightmare!
After that night I had a huge new respect for DJs and the next Monday we paid the deposit and signed the contract for our DJ.
I hope I'm not ruining anything... I just want you to really think about both sides for this one. Whoever you pick to run your ipod is more than likely not going to enjoy your wedding. So I wouldn't pick your maid of honor! If I could go back and change my friends mind I would soooo do it!
I'm sorry, but spring for the DJ!
Good luck!

jenniferceline

Gordonsgal - Aw, that's awful!  Well, we're sticking with the Zune because, for us, it's a restaurant reception with (likely) less than 60 people (more likely around 40)... so a DJ just does NOT make sense. Also, there are coordinators at the venue that control the sound, etc. (the music gets played through their sound system, as the restaurant music usually does). I've been sure to read many reviews & bios from others who have used my venue & an iPod... with no issues.

Gordonsgal

That sounds good. I'm sure it will much better for y'all! It seems like you're going to be much more organized with it. It seemed like that was her major problem.
I'm really sorry if I came off as nasty! I love that your getting married in Vegas! My FI and I had a "secret" wedding with a few of our friends out there last April at the Little White Wedding Chapel. We always wanted to get married in Vegas just the two of us first... then have the big wedding. I love Vegas!!

brit_bell90

I'm going to use an iPod too, but then again we have a band. The band we're having does all original songs though and it's not something we can slow dance to or anything, but they're extremely entertaining. We've decided that all of the guys from the band can "DJ" if we need to introduce something like the first dance etc. They're our best friends, and absolutely hilarious, so I think this will work out well. Good luck!

JMU_Bride09

Thank you, girls, for all of the insight!  I really like the idea of making separate playlists for all of the different "categories" (dinner, first dances, etc).  And my FBIL did hint at some interest a while back for being the one to DJ the iPod, so if he's into it, Im not going to dash his hopes (lol) but I do appreciate the insight Gordonsgirl and will remember your experience!  I definitely don't want a close friend/future family member to not enjoy my wedding bc of a task.

antimony

I'm planning to do pop/rock/stuff we like for the cocktail hour, and then switch to instrumental for dinner.  Not sure if I'll switch back to pop at some point after dinner or not -- we're not having dancing. 

One recommendation I've seen a lot: use a laptop, not an actual iPod -- if you need to fix something on the fly it's a lot easier with a big screen.