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iPod vs. DJ: Which is the Best Choice for Your Wedding?

The music that will play during your wedding should be very special to both you and your soon-to-be groom. Once you have your songs picked out, it’s time to make another important choice. Should you hire a DJ or use an iPod to play each of your song (community article)

iPod vs. DJ: Which is the Best Choice for Your Wedding? article photo

photo by Pen Carlson Photography

The music that will play during your wedding should be very special to both you and your soon-to-be groom. You've probably spent a lot of time choosing each special song that will play during the different parts of your wedding - from the bridesmaids walking down the aisle to the father and daughter dance.

Once you have your songs picked out, it's time to make another important choice. Should you hire a DJ or use an iPod to play each of your songs? Here are some things to consider with the ‘iPod vs. DJ' question in mind.

iPod vs. DJ Round One:

Price -

There's no doubt that using the iPod would probably save you money - most of us already have an iPod so you wouldn't have to figure up the cost of purchasing one unless you don't have one. DJs on the other hand can get quite expensive if you hire one that is capable and professional. Some DJs even charge a fee for setting up their equipment, receiving a list of songs you don't want played and if your reception lasts longer than expected - you can bet on paying extra. The iPod definitely takes the point in this round.

iPod vs. DJ Round Two:

Crowd Interaction -

One of the reasons brides and grooms hire DJs is to help with the crowd. Not only do they play that special song at the correct time, but they can talk to the guests, transition from one activity to another and keep people interested at the reception. DJs must be charming and people-oriented on top of being musically inclined. Unfortunately, your iPod will not notice when people are starting to get restless or when an upbeat song needs to be played. In round two of iPod vs. DJ, the DJ gets the point.

iPod vs. DJ Round Three:

Reliability -

When you've selected your songs, you need to know that they will all be played at the right times and that you won't be let down. The odds are with you that your iPod will work correctly (assuming it's in good condition) and most professional DJs will provide a replacement if they should happen to get sick or be unable to make it. There is, of course, a chance that your iPod could fail or your DJ could be a no show - but don't panic because neither is likely to happen. In round three, both the DJ and the iPod get a point.

The fact is both of the above choices are great. It really comes down to your own preference and desires.

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MEMBER COMMENTS

3 1 2

Priceless

03/11/2010 at 11:26 am

I see all sides. I had planned on doing an ipod if I had an casual wedding outdoors. I have now planned on doing something a bit more formal and I am getting a DJ. I don't want to have to worry about someone playing the right song at the right time etc. In my case (any many others)I think either a dj or ipod can work, just depends on the situation, crowd, B&G preference etc. To each their own! Good luck in what ever you do, I'm sure it will be spectacular! I'm sure the Dj is not out to get on anyone's bad side, but just wants to provide more info than was in the article, good for him as I know I haven't ever worked with a DJ before and any and all info is welcomed at this point.

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FutureMrsCar..

01/22/2010 at 06:04 pm

I guess I'm a bit of a control freak because I want to be positive that my wedding wont end up like my best friends did. She hired a DJ and he was a nice man but he was set up next to the open bar and did not eat anything that afternoon. The man was toasted and started playing the cha-cha-slide and then a bunch of hip hop and r&b from the 90's that was obnoxious. The music was too loud and he was asked to bring down the volume, which didn't happen. People left because it was not the atmosphere her and her hubby had planned and no one wanted to sit there and listen to or dance to the music a drunk DJ wanted to listen to. We're going with a laptop with preset play lists and a song request form on our website so folks can ask for things ahead of time.

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jonniethm

09/08/2009 at 02:36 am

thanks for this, this has been one of my biggest dilemas.

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MESandBCL

09/08/2009 at 02:29 am

I agree with YosemiteBride. Are there some kind of reception police that enforce certain rules or traditions?

Not having a DJ isn't always a "budget dictates" decision.

There is something called "atmosphere". What if the couple doesn't want a party atmosphere?

DJ's are usually obnoxious, out-going, extroverted types who try to keep "the party going". What if the couple are the quiet laid back type? Would they want some over-friendly guy (usually dressed in real tacky clothes) trying to run the whole show?

What if they don't care if everyone is dancing all night, what's wrong with sitting and having a conversation without needing to scream over the music or being dragged onto the dance floor?

What if they like a certain type of music? Do most DJ's have 6 hours worth of instrumental music available? Do they have 6 hours of jazz? Do they have 6 hours of slow dancing only music? Would they have any music at all from the 20's or 30's that our grandparents might enjoy? I bet not.

I'm not having a DJ, so I guess I should go buy some balloons.

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