There is a HUGE trend towards using iPods as a way of saving money for weddings.  People tend to go this route because they would rather their their music played and they feel they don’t need to spend money on a DJ.  But I tend to go to bat for the DJ for a few reasons.

1. You need someone to be the emcee.  Yes, you may have an outgoing friend that can do the job but it is just not the same.  Besides, your friend may be a few drinks in and that mixed with a mic is never a good idea!
2. You still need sound equipment.  And someone to set it up!  So you are still paying for your music needs in one way, shape or form.
3. Your iPod cannot “feel” the crowd.  The role of a DJ is to make sure the party keeps going!  To keep the energy of the party, to bring it up and back down at the right times.  As magical as Apple has made the iPod, it cannot alter the pace of the party.
4. A good DJ will take your musical tastes into account.  And a good wedding planner will make sure they find you a DJ that fits you too!

After all this, if you still feel an iPod is the best route for you, then don’t forget the following.  You need:

• An audio system to play the music.  You may also need an additional system for the ceremony (a DJ would normally re-purpose theirs for you).
• Someone to not only setup the system, but to break it down at the end of the night.
• Someone to be your emcee.  Preferably someone funny and a non-drinker.
• Someone to gauge your music throughout the night (if no one is dancing to the fifth song of the night by your favorite 80s hairband, you need to change it up).

Happy Planning!