Considering An iPod Wedding?

[DJ Craig]

Planning an iPod wedding seems to be a growing trend. It's tempting to think one can save lots of money over a traditional DJ by simply plugging in a preprogrammed MP3 player. Just let the magic of technology take over while you hear all your favorite songs.

Sounds great but the reality of mechanized music programming has its drawbacks. As with do it yourself dentistry, you may save money but your results may not be what you expected. At the bottom of this article is a short test to see if you have what it takes to be a Master iPod Wizard!

A good DJ has an educated idea of what will work to get people dancing. He does well when he can suspend his own musical prejudices and play for "the crowd". The iPod and the guests are at the mercy of the taste of its programmer. The person in charge of the iPod knows what THEY like but may be inexperienced at playing for a mixed group.

On the other hand, the "jukebox" aspect of the iPod is interesting. It allows for eclectic, random musical changes and songs that might not necessarily go together. If you've ever been to a bar where the jukebox plays Metallica one minute, Sinatra the next, you may have noticed a quirky charm to the unorthodox mix. If you have the kind of group that will dance to anything or is quite musically evolved, the iPod may work out fine.

If it doesn't work out, you may have to bear some responsibility. Perhaps not the best way to start on the road to matrimonial bliss.


Here are some potential pitfalls:

Unless you want to edit each song, there will be gaps of silence between songs which can be a momentum killer.

Even with Apple's "Sound Check" technology, there are often quite significant differences in volume level for various songs. Someone will have to watch over the player all night to make volume adjustments.

You're going to need an amp and some decent speakers. If you need to rent them you will have to pick them up, deliver and set up the system. Then load it up and take it back after the party.

Make sure you have a mic as somebody will have to coordinate and announce the traditional formalities- entrance, toasts, first dance, etc.

Timing is important. An iPod cannot build musical momentum on your dance floor, anticipate when to change tempo, musical style or throw in the unexpected zinger or "Guilty Pleasure". As a DJ, I know that HOW I play and mix songs together is just as important as WHAT I play.

The iPod does NOT take requests. And it is limited to the musical breadth of the person who owns it. A DJ is likely to have a library that appeals to a wide audience and crosses over generations and social strata.

If you still want to do it yourself, let's see what kind of music programmer you are! Take The iPod Wedding Quiz:


1. Can you name the TWO rock songs of the past 20 years that have proven to be MOST likely to get a response from a mixed age group?

2. If you had to pick ONE slow song that would have the widest appeal and get the best response, what would it be?

3. What 3 upbeat Motown songs work just about every time?

4. If you got a request to play Country, what song would appeal to even non-Country fans?

5. Name THE 70s Rock song that people seem to NEVER get tired of.


Answers Below...



Answers:

1. "Love Shack" by The B-52s and "Smooth" by Santana. No other Rock songs from the last two decades have as much dance floor appeal.

2. "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole is the hands down winner here.

3. "It's The Same Old Song" by The Four Tops, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" by The Temptations, "Come See About Me"-Diana Ross And The Supremes. Truth is, there are lots of Motown songs that work well. If you answered with at least one of these, give yourself a full point.

4. "Friends In Low Places"- Garth Brooks. You might try some Jimmy Buffet as well.

5. "Old Time Rock And Roll"- Bob Seger. People still love this song and rush to the dance floor when it is played. Did you say "You Shook Me" by AC/DC? Good guess but that was 1980. If you answered "My Sharona" deduct 2 points.


Scoring:

1-2 correct. Hire a professional to play music or risk the scorn of your loved ones and painful reception memories for years to come.

2-3 correct. You've got potential, you MAY be able to pull this off. If not, you'll have plenty to talk about on your honeymoon.

4-5 correct. OK Hotshot, you know your stuff. Do you have a back up sound system in case of emergency?

<a href="http://www.djcraig.net/weddingreception">Wedding DJ</a>

[septs]

i think i would love to have an i-pod wedding.. very adventurous and unique.. truly. it will make a history...

Originally Posted by septs

i think i would love to have an i-pod wedding.. very adventurous and unique.. truly. it will make a history...

I don't think you quite understand the point of this thread...And I don't see why it would be history-making at all.

[DavidsWife]

We used an Ipod for our Dance, It went over very well.
My BIL and SIL used one as well!
Saved some major $$$

Definitely. At this point Richard and I are going to do that as well, but we still have time to look into it so we'll see. That said, the best weddings I've ever been to were ones with an iPod instead of a DJ.

Not to say that DJs aren't great, but that's just been my experience so far. I'm always open to hearing both sides, so this thread is helpful .

[Heather]

I loved our DJ because he facilitated the whole reception, too. Besides, if something went wrong I could yell at him to fix it. Can't yell at an iPod.

Originally Posted by Heather

I loved our DJ because he facilitated the whole reception, too. Besides, if something went wrong I could yell at him to fix it. Can't yell at an iPod.

Well, you could try. But I don't think it will get you anywhere.

[Complicated Woman]

We used an iPod! We were happy with it. My cousin DJ's at his college radio station and he was our MC, so everything went smoothly, and we saved about $500 doing it. Worth it for us.

And of course, it made history.

[SerendipityCrafts]

We had an Emac/Itunes wedding LOL

It was fine (but yes, we had some volume differences) for our small/casual reception but to be perfectly honest, it would have been nicer to have a DJ to facilitate, organize, and introduce.

Re the quiz; we scored -

You've got potential, you MAY be able to pull this off. If not, you'll have plenty to talk about on your honeymoon.

[vslg1]

As a DJ...these are just some of my problems with IPOD weddings

• scheduling conflicts - Something is almost always going to happen that will throw your schedule of events off a bit...How will the IPOD compensate for this?
• Don't you still need someone to man the equipment?
• Do you have professional level sound equipment to amplify the music coming from the IPOD?
• Often when someone puts there list of songs together, the list consists of favorites of the bride/groom. While you may not think that's a problem...I think its important to remember that although the wedding is about the bride and groom...the reception is really a party for the guests...they are the ones that will see more of the dance floor than anyone else...

[NovemberGal]

Originally Posted by vslg1

As a DJ...these are just some of my problems with IPOD weddings

• scheduling conflicts - Something is almost always going to happen that will throw your schedule of events off a bit...How will the IPOD compensate for this?
• Don't you still need someone to man the equipment?
• Do you have professional level sound equipment to amplify the music coming from the IPOD?
• Often when someone puts there list of songs together, the list consists of favorites of the bride/groom. While you may not think that's a problem...I think its important to remember that although the wedding is about the bride and groom...the reception is really a party for the guests...they are the ones that will see more of the dance floor than anyone else...

Some of the exact points DJ Craig made in his original post.

Clearly it's not for everyone and should be considered carefully. Our DJ was FANTASTIC and kept the floor packed all night, I wouldn't change a thing. But I've been to an "iPod" wedding that was a blast as well, "manned" by a cousin of the groom who handled any challenges and snafus quite well...since we were never aware of any problems.

[Heather]

Originally Posted by vslg1

although the wedding is about the bride and groom...the reception is really a party for the guests...

It is not really a party for the guests. It's a party to celebrate the guests of honor, the bride and groom. We had a DJ & like Nov, I wouldn't have changed a thing - but iPod weddings can be great, we just needed a facilitator.

Originally Posted by vslg1

I think its important to remember that although the wedding is about the bride and groom...the reception is really a party for the guests...they are the ones that will see more of the dance floor than anyone else.

Since when? If not for the bride and groom, there'd be no party.

[DJMrEDHQboston]

“ iPod Weddings” by Disc Jockey Mr Ed Mullen
Getting married, mister? Congratulations.
Are you handling the details with your fiancée? Great.
Your job is to arrange the music? Brilliant.
You are doing it yourself? How so?
Your iPod! You’re kidding, right?
How much are you spending on your wedding?
Oh, it’s a control issue? You want your favorites played?
Have you really thought this through? Didn’t think so.

Although an iPod is a very efficient personal music system, there are several problems that arise when depending on your iPod to handle your wedding reception. Your risk vs. reward is not as clear cut as you might think. So, here comes the “tough love.” I’ve been a mobile disc jockey since 1979. I have some frank advice for you, since you get only one chance to handle this wedding music issue…
To put it as simply as possible: Get a pro. A experienced professional disc jockey solves many reception issues in the planning. Your preferences and song list should be completely explored months before the ceremony and delivered by someone who has been there before. The well-prepared DJ also has professional grade sound equipment and back-up gear that is dependable.

Technical Difficulties
Got some home speakers? What are you using for your amplifier? Briefly, my professional DJ speakers are better than your home speakers. I use powered JBL EON-15 G2 speakers, some of the best portable speakers available. A mobile disc jockey depends on durable, high-performance equipment gig after gig after gig.
Thinking of renting PA gear? Rental equipment costs money. Rental equipment also costs time. Pick-up and drop-off does not include your shopping time spent finding the right sound rental company. Got time? In the week prior to your wedding, time is your most precious commodity. Does the money-back guarantee give you any comfort if it fails at your wedding reception?

Risky business.
You will not get a chance to test rental equipment. You can’t even do a venue sound check. Are all the connecting wires included? Are your XLR cables matched with 1/4″ speaker inputs? Too technical? This is just chapter one. Do you plan on any toasts or blessings to be delivered? Did you forget about the microphone? Would you say that all microphones the same?
When you are listening to your iPod, you involuntarily adjust the volume to your comfort. You’ll soon find out that all songs are not recorded at the same volume. Since you are pumping raw iPod sound, you have no volume control or equalizer (bass vs. treble) control. Your iPod is smaller than your keys. Have you ever misplaced your keys? Doesn’t it turn your stomach if your drop your digital camera on the floor or your cell phone on the parking lot? How durable is your iPod? Any back-up plan? What could possibly go wrong?

Musical Magic - or Mayhem?
What about your song selections? With an iPod wedding, you’ll get your songs and your random mix, but, you won’t get pacing, such as breaking up a lengthy, fast-paced set with one or two ballads. This is especially vital for a reception including a variety of ages. Are guests of all age groups attending?
“Got my favorite song?” Who will be asked this question? You will. It seems you forgot about audience requests or what tendencies are occurring on the dance floor. Observation is one of the most important skills of disc jockeying. A pro disc jockey takes the bride’s and groom’s song preferences and presents them in such a way as to provide the guests with the couple’s very own musical signature. “Reading the crowd” is the disc jockey’s primary skill. Do you really think that “the crowd will dance to anything” anyway? Are you willing to bet your special day on that idea?

Time Keeps on Slippin’…
Should your wedding day responsibilities include troubleshooting power needs like batteries or chargers? Your attention will be directed to many different people during the ceremony and reception. Every person in attendance would like some of your time. Not to mention, your new partner. Your priorities need to be re-examined if your iPod gets as much attention as your new wedding ring. This statement will also be posed to you, by your new spouse. Guaranteed. Remember the difficulty that you two had selecting the names on your guest list? Your time spent with selected family and selected friends is such a memorable part of the wedding reception, so hold it as a gift with great value. Is your attention going to be diverted by sound equipment during the most important day of your life?
Maybe you had the breakthrough idea to ask a wedding party attendant to watch your iPod. So it seems that this friend is no longer a guest, but is now working for you. Maybe you’ll trust a non-guest who will baby sit the iPod. And maybe you’ll want a first-time chef baking your wedding cake too. Speaking of other vendors, are you aware that experienced vendors like the disc jockey, caterer, photographer, venue manager, video-grapher and wedding coordinator together work out the final details and fine-tune the timing…during the event!

Money Well Spent
Is it cheaper? Sure, hiring a professional costs more than a do-it-yourself project. But, is your wedding really a do-it-yourself project? This may not be the best time to show how frugal you are. You are planning the biggest party in your life and you have the opportunity to select experienced, professional vendors-so do the right thing. Although your input and your needs are essential in the planning stage, you must transition to the “guest of honor” stage to fully enjoy your wedding day. Don’t you want to experience it together with your new bride as the happy couple? You will get a fair representation of what the modern disc jockey does during your personal meeting, months before your event. That’s why I like meeting the wedding couple to get both bride and groom perspectives on what to do and what not to do. The clients supply me with a song list and wedding preference timeline, just like they will tell their needs to the caterer, florist and so on. Your mix of traditional and modern choices makes your wedding unique. The DJ is the one who will weave your choices into a musical tapestry worthy of your most special occasion.

Get Real.
You should know, by now, that the modern disc jockey is not so anxious to play line dances. This optional choice is covered in part of the couple’s song-list and is called the “do not play list”. We understand and appreciate that kind of instruction. You should know that the modern disc jockey uses judgment concerning objectionable lyrics. Your iPod does not have that kind of filter. The glut of sunny wedding music advice on the web does not give you the real life pros and cons about the modern disc jockey. There are some major practical limitations when you pre-program the music event, days before your guests see you walk down the aisle.
Every vendor wants a well-planned wedding, just like every client. So, let the chefs cook. Let the florist bring the flowers. Let the photographers shoot. Let the limousine driver drive. Let the professional disc jockey provide the soundtrack for your once-in-a-lifetime reception.
Did you ever hear the old line about “making or breaking the reception”? What do you think they were talking about? A smart bride once said, “Good entertainment isn’t cheap and cheap entertainment isn’t good”. So, you want to have an iPod wedding? Are you kidding? Comments / Reprint Permission? www.DJMrED.com Boston

[brittgirl]

Hmmm. Not sure about this, is it really becoming popular?

[Ciarrai]

With all due respect sir, that article is very condescending to the reader. While yes, it does provide some good advice and good tips for reception music, you (as I assume you are the author) spend much of it talking down to the reader as though he/she is an idiot. Brides and grooms are adults and should be spoken to as such, not as kindergarteners who depend on others to make their decisions for them.

While I'm sure you are excellent at what you do, I hope you don't speak to your customers like you write articles.

[Heather]

I flagged both his posts this morning but they haven't been removed yet. If you're going to spam a thread, at least make it your own thread.

[Ciarrai]

The first one's gone now I see, but the article's still here.

[DJ Craig]

I decided not to delete the article as it has spurred some debate and some people may find value in it. I'll leave it to the reader to decide if it's worth their time and form their own opinions about the author.

[Heather]

Craig you rock. So much more diplomatic than I am, lol.

ETA: No pun intended.

[NovemberGal]

Originally Posted by Ciarrai

With all due respect sir, that article is very condescending to the reader. While yes, it does provide some good advice and good tips for reception music, you (as I assume you are the author) spend much of it talking down to the reader as though he/she is an idiot. Brides and grooms are adults and should be spoken to as such, not as kindergarteners who depend on others to make their decisions for them.

While I'm sure you are excellent at what you do, I hope you don't speak to your customers like you write articles.

Wow. Ciarrai's right, although you make some accurate points (essentially, the same ones our resident DJ Craig did above), you come across as a real jerk while doing it. There's no need for condescension and sarcasm right off the bat. There are potential clients here for you, you know. Did you really think this through, and how you'd come off toward them? Didn't think so.

[CB&BB2010]

(A little long, bear w/me!)
I agree with Ciarrai & Nov.Gal; "ouch" & about 2 feet tall is how I mostly felt reading that.

I cannot afford a DJ but have my heart set on having music for my reception which is why I've just begun considering creating a CD of a variety of music for it. I've asked my best friend to ask her boyfriend (who I'm also good friends with) if he would mind to "man the equipment" at least during the special dances; I'm sure I could find someone to do so & would even offer to pay them--or have more than 1 take turns.

I've searched through many on-line lists for wedding reception music playlist suggestions and taken into account the diverse crowd I expect to have. I come from a bluegrass pickin' family but don't listen to much of it myself, plus this is an interracial marriage so no doubt his family/friends will want to hear R&B. So I figure some of that, some country, a classic rock here & there as some of my friends like, some oldies, some newer & older love songs, some line dances & a couple songs to entertain kids there.

I guess I learned a FEW things from the article, such as expecting a variation in volume from song to song and the "now you have a guest working for you" in regards to having someone "man the equipment" which prompted me to be willing to pay somebody SOMEthing for doing so. I was also considering trying to rent a stereo but not being able to test it out at my site, I'll go another route as far as what to use.

Making a backup, already thought of that...
My wedding isn't going to be the kind to make everyone gasp with awe as I'm on a tight budget so I'm simply trying to find ways to stay within that budget but not give up things I really want to have. Trying to find less costly ways of having them yet still have what I want.

I AM looking for ideas as to how to balance out the variation of music, so as not to play all the country at once, then all the R&B, etc but yet not "jump" from song to song either.

[BridalBelinda]

I swear to god if I hear the chicken dance at my wedding someone is going to get killed!

[Ciarrai]

Originally Posted by BridalBelinda

I swear to god if I hear the chicken dance at my wedding someone is going to get killed!

Er, okay. Put it on the do-not-play list then.

[TonySchwartz]

I am a DJ and also provide clients an oppurtunity to rent my iPod PA System, if they choose to do so.

I may be in the minority, but I believe if a bride is better suited for an iPod then so be it. In fact, the weddings that have used the rental system - a DJ would have been overkill.

Often, these are weddings with 50 or less people and they are very short in duration and dancing isn't the priority.