iPods vs. DJs

Lately, I’ve been seeing so many different articles and comments on wedding forums online about the benefits of using an iPod vs. hiring a real DJ for your wedding reception. Been seeing this a lot. Here’s what you need to know about iPods vs DJs.

 

iPods vs DJs

Some say using an iPod is cheaper than having a DJ. This is true, but beware of the “hidden” costs associated with using an iPod for your party.

For example, one important thing to consider – Music that you usually listen to by yourself, or maybe with a few other people around (like how most folks listen to their iPods) will be hard to hear in a room full of a hundred or so wedding guests.

So you may have to rent speakers, cables and other equipment necessary to get the sound you want.

This is probably still cheaper than a DJ, but it’s definitely more expense involved than originally thought.

The other benefits of an iPod vs a DJ is . . . Well, I really can’t think of any.

https://weddingsfromtheheartblog.net/2016/03/29/choosing-wedding-songs-that-tell-your-love-story/

Some will say having an iPod lets you choose the songs you want to hear – you get to create your own playlist. Well, guess what? A professional DJ will play the songs YOU want to hear (and not play what you don’t want to hear).

And, while hearing the songs you’ve chosen, a professional DJ will:

• • play specified songs at key moments – like your grand entrance or your first dance. An iPod can only play what has been programmed in, regardless of what is happening. Sure, you can have a friend watching over the iPod for those special songs, but there will be an obvious stop and start to the festivities. It won’t have a smooth flow as there will be with a DJ.
  • make announcements at appropriate times. Oops, iPods can’t talk.
  • keep the music playing, so there is no “dead air.” You certainly don’t want to have silence when there should be music playing. True, iPods generally don’t have “dead air” either, but if a pause is accidently programmed in, or it comes to the end of a group of songs, an iPod won’t know to keep going.
  • change up the music as needed. Let’s say your party’s in full swing, and everyone is having a great time on the dance floor. To give folks a breather, your DJ plays a slow song (from your chosen list of songs). Most guests will welcome the slower pace, and those who prefer slow songs will get on the floor. However, if everyone clears out and there’s just an empty floor, your DJ will skip past the next slow song on the list and get back to the up-tempo fun your guests enjoy. Again, an iPod can only play what has been programmed in. So if you’ve got two or three slow songs cued up, and your dance floor is empty, the floor will remain empty as those songs are played, unless you get someone to stop what they’re doing, come over to the iPod unit, and fiddle around, pressing buttons until the faster songs are back on.

So, when is an iPod an ideal choice for music? If you want background music only, say for the cocktail hour or for a reception that won’t have any dancing – an iPod will work nicely.

But, with the iPods vs DJs debate, anything else will be better off with the human element who is not just a “button pusher” but has the experience to play certain songs at their designated times, keep a variety of music going so guests are happy and enjoying the party, and keep the flow and transitions between the different portions of the evening seamless and smooth.

So what do you think about iPods vs DJs? Let me know in the comments below.

Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean

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If you’re looking for fun ideas, or need help with your wedding plans contact me at [email protected] or at 937-581-3647.

iPod photo credit: A.Ddiction via photopin cc

DJ photo credit: Pattoli via photopin cc