Its hard to choose a DJ when its so important to you, we had this issue as well. I basically checked pricing (Package & hours) and more importantly if I liked the actual person who would DJ. I asked lots of questions at our
meetings to make sure I felt comfortable. I liked the ones with a lot of 'wedding' experience, as well as ones who could accomodate our requests. You have to be able to basically 'trust' they will help facilitate a wonderful evening.
Try to choose one with great reviews, ask around, etc. Most any DJ will accomodate your playlist and ideas, especially b.c all couples are so different they have to.
We choose not to do the IPOD thing for two reasons- our wedding was too big for this IMO AND if I put someone in charge and it didn't go well then I would be PISSED. So in all this wedding planning I have had no stings attached for this
reason. I wanted guests to be guests and not have to worry about being in charge of something. I would personally rather have a cheap DJ then an IPOD I guess.
Not all weddings need special lighting. BUT you are having a tent, so that depends on time of day and year as well. Flood/up lighting would be your cheapest option I would imagine if its needed. OR could hang outdoor
lights back and forth across the tent.... Either way would be beautiful I think!
- HMM :)