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Reception music: live or iPod?

katecrobertsonkatecrobertson
10 Comments
in Texas-Austin
We've been looking at music options for our reception. We're going for a garden party/laid back feel. We initially looked at bands, but the ones that were available were very expensive. We have considered setting up playlists on an iPod and renting professional sound equipment to play it. My cousin has volunteered to make sure the playlists are played. Is this tacky? Has anyone done this or been at a wedding where this was done? And if so, do you know where one rents professional sound equipment to play an iPod? We're not that interested in having a DJ because it just seems too big for the vibe we're going for.
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Re: Reception music: live or iPod?

  • kellster22kellster22
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I went to an iPod wedding in Florida recently. It was outside and at first had just a guy playing a guitar. That was really nice for dinner. Then they moved to the ipod for the rest of the night. It works out very nicely. They did have to have someone work the ipod during first dance etc. turn it down during toasts etc. But big money saver and they had all the music that "they" selected.
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  • kelseymwkelseymw
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    For my dad's wedding 3 years ago, I was tasked to make the whole playlist and hook up the iPod. My uncle's wedding recently also used an iPod.   They were both not interested in having DJs and tons of dancing, just music to add to the atmosphere and allow for dancing if people so chose. Most of their attendees were their age (mid-late 40s) so it wasn't a big "party" vibe. It worked well for them.  If your vision for your reception is more like this, then I think it's a perfectly fine idea... not tacky at all. 

    Sound equipment can be rented locally. If you start a topic called "Sound equipment rentals" you will probably get some responses. (I remember it being discussed here a few months ago.) Or, Google is always a good friend! ;)

    FI and I considered an "iPod DJ" to save money, but we ultimately decided to use a professional DJ. We want lots of dancing and "partying". We also wanted someone to play certain songs at certain times, and not rely on a friend to change the iPod.


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  • Mrs.PurdueMrs.Purdue member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I think it totally depends on the vision you have for your reception.  Like pp said, if you're just wanting music to add to the atomsphere without dancing, go for it!  However, if you're having more of a 'party' where there's drinking/dancing, I would really recommend at least getting a DJ.  They do so much more than just pressing play.  Our DJ basically ran the reception.  Sent tables to dinner, alerted everyone to when things were happening ("After this next song, we're going to do the toasts, so make sure your glasses are full!", etc), recognized when songs were clearing the dance floor and immediately segued into some other song, took requests from the guests, said last dance, directed people to flower petals for the exit, etc.  

    I'm not saying that you can't have an awesome party with an ipod, but at least designate someone as the emcee to run the party. 
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  • chloetutorchloetutor
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We're doing an iPod wedding.  I have a good friend who works in music production who volunteered to run the whole thing for us.  Plus, we're into Texas Country which most DJs don't understand.
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  • akg0053akg0053 member
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Chloe I love Texas country too. We are making a specific playlist of those types of songs to give to our DJ. I understand where you're coming from. Our DJ was like "um... what?"
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  • bd503bd503
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Do the ipod! My to-be is a music junky...and I believe it will be better to have music at least the two of you and your friends enjoy rather than some DJ acting too-cool-for-school.... :)  We are planning to do an ipod reception -- for 350-400 people....
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  • chloetutorchloetutor
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm too worried that the DJ would think he "got it" and play Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith all night. Bah!
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  • JudieNJudieN member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My sister did an iPod for her wedding, and it worked out perfectly. As PP have mentioned, she had a friend tasked with playing the right set list at the right time. But no one noticed a missing DJ or band and everyone had a great time.  My FI and I haven't decided about the music for our wedding yet...

    As far as rentals go, I have rented equipment from Rock N' Roll rentals here in Austin for other events and they were very reasonable. You could always check with them.


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