DJ vs Ipod

f1uff

I'm not sure which to go with a DJ or just using an Ipod.

I'm having a small reception of about 35-45 guest, 3 hours, and maybe about 1/2 of the guest might actually dance. I want some kind of music but not sure if I should just go bigger and hire a DJ to do the announcing and music stuff, or just get an Ipod and have a friend do the announcing for us.

DJ
Pro's: Might get most people to dance, music will flow better, and everyone can just sit back and relax
Con's: I don't want guest to feel forced to dance, and I don't want to pay if only a handful of guest actually will dance (5 />guest or so dancing) 

Ipod
Pro's: Simple, cheap, and you can make sure you have all /any songs you want
Con's: I am horrible with songs! I could not get it to flow smoothly if my life depended on it , and no one is helping me pick songs that they would like to hear at the wedding! (I was hoping everyone would give me at least 5 songs that they would like to hear, and so far on that list - /> none

vegasgroom

I'd definitely go with a DJ.  The last thing you should be worrying about on your wedding day is trying to queue up music or deal with play lists, or having someone else that's there do it so they can't enjoy as much of the party.  I think a DJ adds a lot of entertainment value in addition to playing music, and a good one won't make the guest feel forced to do anything, their job is to read the room and go with the flow for lack of a better term, hopefully they'll just find music that will make guests want to dance.

Nadia E

im having an insuite and i think we are going to go with the i pod?? the only reason for this is cost as our budget just keeps gloing up and up. we are also doing a strip tour so i feel after that people will just drink eat and chill.
i have the same problem that i do not think alot of guests will dance as its still a hotel room and not a reception room.  however i may change my mind if the budget allows.

one big con with the ipod is that a few knotties have experienced the ipod cutting out a few times. however if its just close friends and familly im sure they wont mind??

wiwicaty

We're having an in-suite reception so the iPod will be hooked up. I'm creating playlists for every different moment but I doubt that our guests will feel like dancing, as one does in a ballroom. I just want to make sure that music plays during the reception. I put a "your song request" on our RSVPs so I'll make sure to please everyone with their picks.

ahhhitsshannyn

The only reason I say DJ is because I was worried about the flow of things. "Okay everyone look at us we are cutting the cake" "okay everyone stand back we are going to make our entrance" I did not want to put that burden on any of my friends and family to make them announce for us, so we got the DJ. I figure if things get slow the DJ will know how to keep the party going.

bcschuman

We are not doing a formal reception... just drinks, finger foods and cupcakes.  All the traditional wedding reception stuff will be done at our AHR.  With that being said, we will be doing the IPOD because it is less expensive and we can pick music for background noise and not too focused on dancing or special songs.

aegrish

I'm not having either- instead we're having Travis Allen (Young Elvis) come for a few songs and photos.  Much less expensive than a DJ and less hassle than the ipod.  Although if the Ipod option was cheaper at our venu ($275) we'd probably have some songs playing in the background during dinner.

For  a smaller wedding the DJ seemed silly IMO, and not a good use of our budget. Like you said if there's going to be a handful of people dancing, and IPOD could serve the same purpose.  And if you have a friend or family member that is comfortable announcing you (and can do a good job) than I would likely opt for that over a DJ. 

MizLynn

I voted for the Ipod, simply because of the budget.  Like PPs said, you quickly realise how extras get tacked on and if you can save some dough, go for it. 

But, that said, I think it depends on your venue, your crowd and when your reception is. 

I'm having an early afternoon lunch reception, and it's going to be a dry one (no one in our families really drinks like that so I nixed the bar option to save cash) so I can see how an Ipod would make more sense that way. For my reception venue and time, music would serve as more background noise / chill out music. (Even so, we're still getting a DJ cuz fiance wants one. Go figure.)

I think if your reception is later in the evening,  people will be more likely to dance. And if you have a good bar option, then they will certainly be more likely to dance! 

shaq123

We are having a private dinner reception at Maggianos I am sure that we are going to use a Ipod .

f1uff

Thank you so much for all the input.
From reading all the comments I think I might have to go with DJ just because it will be in the evening, several drinks will be available, and its going to be in a hall vs. a suite. Sorry I forgot to add that part in the beginning. I think I would of easily gone with an Ipod if the reception was in a suite from all the comments and votes. Plus, I can really see the benefits of an ipod in the suite. Or does anything think I could still pull it off with an Ipod in the hall?

f1uff

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention to all the brides out there.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Have a wonderful day today!