DJ or iPod @ reception?

ShantinaMarie · January 2011

We are having our reception at Threes Bar and Grill and they e-mailed me saying I should look into hiring a DJ for the reception, for not only music but also acting as the MC for our dances, speeches. We had just planned on using an ipod until I got the e-mail now I am a bit worried that if I don't use a DJ it will be a really awakard transition into the first dance, father daughter dance ect. Any advice? The DJ the reccomended by the way was DJ Del Sol, not sure if anyone worked with him? Thanks!!

fabutan · January 2011

You could get a friend to act as an MC to make key announcements (i.e. transition between dances, speeches, etc.). You'd have to find someone suitable for the role though (and preferably with previous public speaking experience).

We're only planning to have a first couple dance (no father-daughter, etc. - can't imagine my father handling that!). We're planning to do it straight after our grand entrance and have dinner right after that....hopefully we won't require an MC or DJ either.

I think it all depends on how many "events" you have lined up. If you're planning to have all the traditional elements, such as bouquet toss, garter toss, special dances, open dancing, speeches, etc. ....I'd probably consider hiring a DJ!

Tanq&Tonic · January 2011

Ditto fabutan. We opted for a DJ in order to have a professional MC shepherd the event through...including getting everyone lined up for our sparkler exit. A friend with stage presence could easily fill the role. I've MC'd a reception before, and while it's not hard, recognize this guest is working most of the night (keeping track of your whereabouts, getting people / toasts lined up, directing traffic, etc).

The other thing to consider is that a DJ can adjust the music pretty dynamically based on the mood -- is it dead & he should lead a group dance? Is everyone tiring out & he should play a slow song, etc? With an iPod, I would still designate a friend to be in charge to pay attention to these things so you won't have to. I would actually also recommend iTunes on a laptop rather than an iPod so you can dynamically update / switch playlists, etc. It's a lot harder to smoothly transition between songs / moods on an iPod.

kaesha · January 2011

We did an iPod reception, but we didn't have a bunch of dances lined up (we just weren't interested in it)... and, in fact, we knew our playlist so well that we just managed it ourselves. It was no biggy, and I kinda liked having that power.

But, if you want to take a hands-off approach, then definitely go with a dj!

A.a.A. · January 2011

I second Alyson - hands off - go with a DJ.

We had live entertainment (a 3 piece band) and one of the guys was a good friend. He MC'd for us, announcing our entrance, housekeeping stuff (bathrooms, etc), and when we did father-daughter and garter toss stuff. After the band finished their set or while they were on break, I had certain playlists for the MC to use. One was just background music and the other was dancing music. It was all upbeat music that I liked that I knew my guests would like. I found it easy and cheap.

The only thing you would need to worry about for the iPod/MC is if the place has speakers etc that you would be able to plug into and use.

Tanq&Tonic · January 2011

I just saw the bit about DJ Del...we spoke with him & definitely considered him when we were searching for a DJ. He seems awesome, laid back, and knows what he's doing. He was well reviewed and the most responsive of the DJs (he actually followed up with me actively). He definitely seemed comfortable in front of crowds, but seemed to be more of a music guy than an MC. We opted for more of an MC guy that does music, but Del would have been our next choice, easily.

ShantinaMarie · January 2011

Thank you all for your advice. I guess for me it would come down to the money. If the price isn't crazy I wouldnt think twice about it but there is just SOO much i want to do on Maui so if I can save somewhere I feel it would be here. But we shall see

Thanks Ladies!

jackcody · January 2011

Hi! I'd say get a DJ--they are more expensive then iPods, but then you don't have to worry about transitions and making sure everyone is enjoying the songs. That's their job. I wouldn't recommend DJ Del Sol for dancing...Check out my reviews, but here are the important parts:

Reception Music: DJ Ron, 007 Productions A
I had read some scary reviews of DJ Ron, but he was amazing! During our first meeting he acknowledged the poor reviews and explained from his perspective, which we accepted. His mixing that night (and the wedding) was great, too. The night of the wedding, he was a highlight. I have to say we had an amazing playlist, but he read the crowd like a pro! The dance floor was full the whole night (from 7-10PM). Everyone was jumping around getting hot and sweaty, just when they would’ve left to rest he put on slow songs. The week of he made sure we were comfortable with everything, and reconfirmed all of our MC needs as well. As an extra sweet touch, he made a mix CD for our guests to jam to on their way to the After Party. So glad we found him!
After-Party: Three's Bar & Grill: A
http://threescateringmaui.com/
Yummy! They had our appetizers out for us within minutes of our arrival. They ordered a case of my parent’s choice wine to have on hand. They let us play our DVD on all of their TV screens. The lounges (leather sofas) were perfect for those who still wanted to “party,” but really were just too pooped. And, the dance floor was a perfect size (A/C lifesaver once again). We didn’t pay to use the facilities, and they provided the DJ (see below). We only bought the food. Couldn’t ask for more. Single complaint (if I had to have one): closed at 1AM.
Note regarding After-Parties: We had about 27/44 people go to the after-party. At 11 PM, we started shuttling people home who were sleeping on the couches/bar. At 1 AM, we had 10 people (including us) get kicked out of the bar. 5 (ages 21-25) went on to their condo to have an “after-after party.”
DJ Del Sol: B-
We didn’t book him, Three’s did. He was there, friendly and he played, so that’s good. He called beforehand and asked what music we would like, a nice gesture. So, he seemed very organised and professional. However, his mixing was well below par. The dance floor was often empty. Britney would come on and we’d rush to the floor, but then he’d mix out of it within 10 seconds to a crap song. What?! Things got better once my friends started requesting songs. He just couldn't read the crowd. And, I often saw him leaving the box to refresh his drinks, etc.

AKWinterBride · January 2011

If you don't care about the music, then I'd say go with the iPod, but if you do - get a DJ. It's just one less thing to worry about on your day, even if you get a friend to be the MC, I can see problems arising.
We booked Jay Langworthy, he was very straightforward and actually called us rather than us having to call him. He knows what he's doing and isn't wedding cheesy DJ which is my favorite thing about him.
Good luck with whatever you choose!

Tanq&Tonic · January 2011

Ooph. Brittana, I completely forgot about your 2nd DJ post. I only remembered Ron Tolbert. I'm glad we didn't book Del now!

mdjs · January 2011

We used an ipod for our reception and didn't have any problems. We had a family member who is a professional coach do the MC and it was fine. We only had one dance to announce, but he also announced the cake cutting, and the few other major things in the timeline. If you have a big guest list or a more formal event, it is probably better to go with a DJ. But for a small, informal wedding, there's nothing wrong with an ipod. It saves a lot of $, you can choose the music yourself, and you don't have to worry about someone who doesn't share your taste.

DJ or iPod @ reception?

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