Thoughts on music provided by an ipod?

jamers9883

We are trying to cut costs where we can, has anyone ever been to a wedding with music from an ipod?  Is that too "backyard barbeque-ish"?

anniemcd1

I'm doing it and my venue said that they have had a lot of brides and grooms go this route.  I think it must be getting more common. 

rachie17

I don't see any problem with it just make sure you have a very long playlist and maybe ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on it incase any problem arrise like songs skipping or odd silence.
The great thing about a DJ is that they act as an MC as well to make sure everything runs smoothly so it might be helpful to find somebody who can do that. At least someone who can introduce you when you come in to the reception room and then you or the FI can take over the rest of the duties.

ceilidhsaunders

I'm using an ipod.  We're having an afternoon reception after a DW, so we didn't really want a dj anyways.  We thought about hiring a string quartet, but it was just too expensive.  Alas, we concluded that we would use the ipod!

julieandjojo

i agree with the majority above, it sounds like a great money saver but make sure you have someone you trust who can emcee the night and handle the introductions, transitions, etcetera...I may go this route myself but knowing me i would be more relaxed to just have a professional dj take care of it, otherwise i may be worried about how the reception/dancing part will go.

Lasairiona

I really don't get your comparison to a backyard bbq. I personally don't care for ipod djs because I have never seen one that worked well at all. You have to be very particular about the type of music and make sure that everything you pick is danceable, not just great to listen to. Also, you don't have any clue when you are putting your list together what your guests will react and dance to and what they won't. Not to mention, if you play music they don't like and can't dance to, then you're screwed because you aren't able to quickly change over to music that they do like. That is what a professional dj is able to do since it is their job description. If you do have someone in charge of the ipod, they aren't able to enjoy themselves since they have to work.

If music is really that important to you, cut out the unnecessary items you don't want or need and pay for a professional. You can get recommendations from your local board.

sweetviolet

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_thoughts-music-provided-ipod?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:c6ef5af4-a59c-44ff-a5e5-d773806fdc2cPost:63068cfc-c43e-4027-9087-ef79869bd83b">Re: Thoughts on music provided by an ipod?</a>:
[QUOTE] Also, you don't have any clue when you are putting your list together what your guests will react and dance to and what they won't.
Posted by Lasairiona[/QUOTE]

You could always just ask your guests for music that will get them dancing. We're using mywedding.com for our wedding website, and there's an option on the Music page where you can let your guests offer suggestions of music they'd like to hear. We've done this, and gotten a lot of requests through this and through FB email. I've also seen people who have included 1-2 lines on their RSVP cards for song requests.

If you go this route, I think you just want to make sure that you have someone you trust keep an eye on the music in case of technical difficulties and such.

aprovencher21

I think it is an interesting idea and could be great for some people.  I know I'm way too OCD and worried to not have a professional someone up there controlling the music.  If you're relaxed enough, confident in your technical abilities (will your venue have speakers to hook up too?  Battery charger?? etc.), etc.  I'd say go for it......I just know I'm not that type of bride.

lisamuhree

We are going the ipod route.  I used to DJ weddings, and having done MANY weddings in my day I can say this...  I almost ALWAYS played the same songs.  Not because I didn't cater to my clients' desires, but because most weddings have the same dance songs because, well, people like different music at weddings than they do in clubs.  If you have a "normal" crowd at your wedding, they will love anything familiar, again, danceable, but also something they can sing along to. 

So unless you have a very independent crowd, if you mostly go with traditional songs, and have someone just to hit "next" if a song is bombing, then you'll be fine.  Put your songs in order of what you want played on the playlist.  Keep in mind most songs are around 3 minutes long, so for a normal length dance (3 hours) you will need about 60 songs or so.  Our traditional method was to go from old to new, that way grandma has gone home when you get to "baby got back". 

If your guests like to dance, they will dance.  Alcohol always helps, but dancers will dance.  If they clear the dance floor on a song, change the song.  A DJ woudl do the same thing.  If your people aren't dancers, then just skip the dance.  If you know your guests, and know your crowd, have no fear and do the ipod.  Also a tip... IF THE BRIDE IS DANCING, EVERYONE WILL DANCE.  If the bride isn't out there, people may or may not dance.  You control your dance.  No one wants to let the bride dance by herself.  So if you are dancing, your dance will be a success.  When the floor is full, you can take a break.  People have to be nice to you... it's your wedding day.  So in the words of David Bowie, just dance.

CLECyclist

We are going this route for sure. We like a lot more "indie" music (as do our friends and some family) that DJs are unlikely to have. We're making various playlists in iTunes (cocktail, dinner, dancing lists) and discussing it with family ahead of time. It's as tacky (or not tacky) as you make it, I think. Back up your playlists or music on one or more locations. Oh, and there's the whole saving a pantload of money!

uncjillian

We are doing this as well! How nice to see that a lot of other folks are doing the same. Does anyone have any good tips for emcees? My brother and afamily friend are taking care of these duties and I'd love to give them some tips to point them in the right direction as far as pacing and timing and stuff are concerned!