Wedding Reception Forum

Dj vs iPod/iPad?

Does anyone have any info on using an iPod or iPad for music instead of a dj? We're trying to save the 500 and I found an iPad app called my wedding dj, we played around with it and it seems like it would be ok, even takes requests. Has anyone had success with this?

Re: Dj vs iPod/iPad?

  • em01092em01092 member
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2012
    If you're having a low key, budget wedding, an iPod can save you hundreds on a DJ. Here are some things to consider:

    You may have to rent sound equipment like speakers and mics, if you or anyone else want to do toasts. This can be costly and a huge PITA, so weigh the potential costs there against hiring a pro to handle it for you. Peace of mind can be worth the extra $. 

    You may have kids (or adults)  run up to it and change songs in the middle of another song. This is extremely annoying. 

    Don't appoint a family member, BM or GM to "man" the iPod for the night to prevent the aforementioned from happening. If you want someone to man it, hire a high school/college student. Your attendants are honored guests and should not be working at the reception. They should enjoy themselves.
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  • I haven't used that app, but I agree with pp. The sound system speakers, mics are what you need to consider. Also, do you need an emcee? Like someone to introduce you/the wedding party. I know it seems like a lot of money, but DJs do more than press play.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dj-vs-ipodipad?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:f562ed9f-f547-4c02-b794-4674d715bc68Post:0f3baaa8-1a61-467b-a79a-67adf5c3f3c1">Re: Dj vs iPod/iPad?</a>:
    [QUOTE]If you're having a low key, budget wedding, an iPod can save you hundreds on a DJ. Here are some things to consider: You may have to rent sound equipment like speakers and mics, if you or anyone else want to do toasts. This can be costly and a huge PITA, so weigh the potential costs there against hiring a pro to handle it for you. Peace of mind can be worth the extra $.  You may have kids (or adults)  run up to it and change songs in the middle of another song. This is extremely annoying.  Don't appoint a family member, BM or GM to "man" the iPod for the night to prevent the aforementioned from happening. If you want someone to man it, hire a high school/college student. Your attendants are honored guests and should not be working at the reception. They should enjoy themselves.
    Posted by em01092[/QUOTE]

    <div>Quoted for truth.  This x 100.  </div>
  • edited April 2012
    The banquet room we have rented has all the speakers, mics, and stereo equipment on hand, so that's kind of why doing the iPad thing is so desirable.... The app is password protected so not just anyone can change the song in the middle but gives them the option to request only.... I don't know it's hard, we do have an mc and my brother has offered to key an eye on the iPad but will it be the same without a dj? We are trying to keep things casual and not so typical but I just can't decide!
  • I agree with all the posts.

    I would use the ipod. For sure.

    Perhaps even consider having the hostess "man" the songs ?

    Otherwise I think reaching out to the local schools would be great. I'm sure if the school agrees, you could find someone in the music department who could do it for extra credit ?

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  • As for a DJ doing more than just "press play", realize that a good DJ will work with your caterer to coordinate times for dinner to start, cake cutting, toasts, etc.  Your emcee may do this.   However, DJs are also good at reading a crowd -- they can see what your guests are dancing to and adjust their playlist based on people's response to keep people on the dance floor.   We had a slight glitch in the middle of dancing where the DJ lost all power to his sound system, but his mic still worked.  He adlibbed perfectly, and lead the crowd in singing "Sweet Caroline" for the 60 seconds it took to get the system up and running again.  Your iPod cannot do that.   

    But, if you're on a tight budget, and your venue can set up the sound system for you, then an iPod might be a great alternative.  Just test out the app first (like at a house party or BBQ) and make sure it works like you think it should.


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  • Your reception venue might provide your speakers and everything, but it is a good idea to check with them! I agree that it would be irritating to have to deal with renting/buying that, hooking it up, etc...

    We had an iPod at my reception. No one bothered it and changed songs (although we only had about 30 guests, all close family and friends, most of whom probably did not know how to work an iPod!). I had my sister (maid of honor) start the music for my husband and I's first dance, and the father/daughter dance, and I don't think she minded since it took all of 1 minute out of her time as a wedding party guest. The best man announced my husband and I when we entered the reception, which we really liked :-)
  • I say go for it. I have seen a lot of people doing this now.

    We have a dj (but he is FI's cousin and is also walking in the wedding party). He has all the equipment so that is all good. We just have to figure out logistics. He does most of the family parties and has it set up so he can have a playlist going without having to stand right next to his system but we need to have him annouce certain parts of the wedding.... we have to work that out.

    Our wedding is casual and we want ti to be fun (like one big party) so we don't need a profesional dj...although FI's cousin is pretty close to one and comes free.
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  • Our venue is a historical site and the accoutistics of the building don't allow for amplified music. The venue has a sound system so we're using that and our iPad. Our wedding is small (75 people) and my half is religious and will leave when the dance starts. If you are having a small wedding go the iPad route!
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