Wedding Music DJ vs. iPod
Using an iPod (or laptop) versus hiring a DJ or music professional for your wedding reception, has been a popular topic lately. Of course most brides and grooms would love the high-end DJ or band, but I think the decision on what to do is dictated by the couple’s budget.
Depending on who you’re talking to, opinions on this topic vary greatly so I thought it would be fun and interesting to talk about some pros and cons…
By using an iPod, you are essentially DJ’ing your own wedding. You can download songs from iTunes, which allows you to personally select every single song that you want to hear on your special day. It also guarantees that you have full control over what is being played. Using an iPod allows you to forgo the dominating, cheesy DJ that couple’s may have seen at weddings in the past.
Others argue that entertainment is the worst place to cut costs, as a DJ does much more than just play music. Most DJ’s have a nice sound system, they handle the announcements, get your guests out on the dance floor and overall, help make your reception run smoothly. If you do not hire a DJ, you are causing yourself more stress by having to worry about finding an emcee, and by worrying about the music flow the day of. It can also end up being just as expensive, if you have to purchase every song that you would like downloaded on to your iPod.
Some say using an iPod is cheap, others say it is classy. What do you think?
Picture from Affordable Quality DJ Service.
Categorized In: Music
I’m Nicole, Creator of NO Knows Weddings. My goal is to provide you with tips, ideas and tricks on how to plan a beautiful but affordable wedding!
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This is all I’ll say about Ipods….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTS6WQVL1wA
Hi Scott, thank you for the video. I agree, in some circumstances using an ipod in place of a DJ or band can definitely be a disaster. However, this site focuses on providing brides with ways on how to save money. If prepped and organized correctly, using an ipod could be a nice alternative to spending hundreds of dollars on hiring someone.
I agree that this site is dedicated to saving the bride and groom a few hundred dollars; however, an ipod is no solution none what so ever. It does not have a personality nor does it make announcements. The way to save a few hundred dollars is to at the very least hire an intern DJ that is just starting and eager to attain some experience. At least this way you will have some setup a sound system and make the formal introductions. An ipod is just not the anwser for a day as important as your wedding, it shouldn’t even be an option. Any other sort of celebration I would say go for it.
A Professional DJ’s prospective!
I can certainly appreciate helping brides and grooms save money when it comes to planning the most important day of their lives Nicole, but being a “professional dj/mc”..I can tell you that encouraging brides to consider utilizing an iPod for their entertainment vs a professional DJ Company is, I believe, setting them up for a fall.
There are great bands, and bad…there are great dj’s and bad…but an iPod is a disater waiting to happen.
I have encouraged potential clients to never use an iPod…but rather do their homework when researching bands or DJ Companys, and simply budget accordingly.
A good “wedding DJ” carries 80% of the responsibility of ensuring a successful wedding ceremony/reception. Something an iPod can not do!
I personally spend more time in my studio preparing ceremony productions and reception play lists in order to create the perfect ambience for my clients, than I do at the event. Quality is valuable…cheap is not classy or elegant! iPods are cheap.
Not to harp…but if brides cut out the veggie tray, and maybe a few less flowers…they can probably hire a great DJ, have a wonderful time and have the memories to go with it!
Thanks
Skip
Thank you for your feedback, Skip. I have absolutely nothing against DJ’s. In fact, I used one at my own wedding and I have a great working relationship with many around the country. I wrote this blog because it seems to be a “hot topic” in the industry, and because many of our readers are planning a wedding on a very slim budget. Using a DJ can add a personal touch to any wedding day and it definitely takes the weight off of the bride and groom’s shoulders, of making sure that everything runs smoothly but as you mentioned some brides rather put a little extra money towards their food, or flowers, or dress than hire a DJ or a band. With that said, though, most brides still want some type of music at their cocktail hour and/or reception. Therefore, I am not encouraging brides to use an ipod, instead of a DJ, I am just simply stating that it’s an option if money is tight.
Not trying to dog-pile….. but DJ is the more inexpensive aspect of a wedding. You get way more bang for your buck for a DJ than everything else and there are plenty of good midrange priced DJ services out there. Even the high end companies have budget packages where you get the same DJ as an expensive fully loaded package.
Remember that you have put a lot of time and effort into every other part of your day. When your family and friends remember that day, you want them to recall how everybody came together in a wonderful evening of music and dancing. That is what you are purchasing. Along with the piece of mind of having somebody who has performed hundreds of events.
Just think of the contrast of having to either monitor your music all night while others try to play what they want, and having a pro that knows the music and when to play what and being able to sit back and relax while the DJ does all of that for you.
Plus think of what it actually costs. My most expensive package is $1000. Dinner where I am at is usually $60-$90 a plate. For a guest list of 300 that is $18,000-$$27,000. I cost about $3.33 a person.
Thank you for the comment, Corey. It is nice to hear both sides of the spectrum, as I know this has been a hot topic lately in regards to wedding music.