Log in | Join Now! |
  
SEARCH

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
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.    

View All 30 Comments | Leave a comment

MEMBER COMMENTS

10/13/2011 at 09:24 am

Our officiant (and friend) suggested we make playlists of songs we want and when we want them to play (for example, jazz songs for during Cocktail hour) and we can hire a "DJ" of sorts who only needs to change the playlists and watch over the computer/mp3 player.

I like this idea very much bc my FI and I are lovers of music and don't really listen to mainstream, so we'd love to hand pick each song. And we can save money by not hiring a DJ to mix and play his desired songs, but by hiring a DJ to over-see the transitions and that there are no computer errors.

10/13/2011 at 08:43 am

We are hiring someone who performs professionally for the ceremony and time between ceremony and reception while we have photos taken... the reception will be off a playlist drawn up by fi and his best man(they both used to dj)... we are having a morning wedding without dancing so i refuse to pay for a dj... we want background music so for us a playlist is perfect... 

Not everyone has the same requirements for their wedding, so each couple needs to weigh up the pros and cons and decide for themselves which they'd prefer..

profile photo
2 5 3
10/13/2011 at 07:00 am

I hired a DJ thats actually very affordable and he's doing my ceremony music and reception for under $700 including my uplights and he has a great bose sound system with all the professional equipment!! SUBSONIC DJS is the best!!!!!!

01/14/2011 at 03:34 pm

We're doing a hybrid, mainly because we are hand picking every song that will be played throughout the wedding, we're recording the announcements like the wedding party, and we're mixing all the ceremony music.  Granted my husband to be is a musician so that helps.  But we are going to hire a dj who is going to play our play lists at the right times throughout the night.  This way it will be about $300 instead of $1000.  Wedding dj's are such a raquet.  As soon as they hear "wedding" instead of "party" the fee jumps $500 bucks.

More Comments »
Want to comment? You must first login.
Tools-article-footer-top
Edit this Article »| Write an Article »| My Articles »| More Actions » Tools-article-footer-bot
Last Revision on Jan 24, 2010 at 11:27pm
by apax, grant8la
in Budget, Planning Basics
Hair-vendors-inhouse-300x250
Join Now
Wedding Websites
Feedback
Community