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So my post about iPod receptions garnered lots of feedback; mostly from people who support using an iPod over using a DJ. I figured this was a good time for a poll!! (my first one 
)
Most of the comments on my post centered around lame DJs and lengthy do-not-play lists as the primary bonus of using an iPod/Laptop. But would you choose an iPod over a band?
I’d prefer a band but most likely can’t afford it.
We’re having a combo: a cajun band for dancing but ipod for dinner and post band. Hopefully it will be the best of both worlds 
Cost. I’d love a band, especially a funk one, but there’s no way we could work it into the budget.
Sorry, iPod receptions just seem cheap.
I would have loved to have live music. We didn’t have room/money for a band so we hired a solo jazz guitarist for the ceremony, cocktail hour and first hour of the reception. Then we used an iPod from there. It worked out really nicely for us.
we booked a band, but we’re getting married in mexico. where good entertainment is a lot cheaper.
i really like the idea of splurging on a good band for a shorter period of time (during dinner / first dance, etc.), especially one that plays the couple’s favorite type of music, then using an ipod for later on, after older guests start to leave. it seems like a great way to save money, but still have a fun and meaningful reception.
A band for the reception might be a wonderful choice for many couples. I’ve been to many functions with bands and they honestly aren’t my cup of tea - I’m not a fan of “cover songs”. No band, no matter how amazingly talented the lead singers and musicians, can be all things to all ppl. Had we done a DW in Mexico like Marisa is planning, a mariachi band would be so much fun!
We did hire a harpist/classical guitarist for two hours for the ceremony & cocktail hour. Pretty sure none of our guests thought our ipod reception was cheap, nor did DH and I feel like we missed out not having a band.
It boils down to personal choice (and budget plays a large part as well).
We had an iPod/laptop combo for the following reasons: budget, formality, and personalization.
We weren’t big on dancing at our wedding, so the music was more of a background thing. The hubs and I made our own play list, which was great. Plus, our wedding was small and casual and I don’t think a band would’ve jived with our overall feel. Oh, and we were on a budget (did the whole thing for $7K), so, yeah, if we could go “cheap” on something, then we did.
Music, classical jazz, is piped into our reception venue already. Going this route is free for us. We could have the speakers turned off and bring in other music of our choosing (band, dj, etc), but we are not having dancing, so to have the classic jazz in the background is absolutely fantastic for us.
If we were having a dance floor, then we would opt for a dj or live band.
Our combo: mariachi band, bagpipers, string quartet and dj. And that is just at the reception!
i’m having a sax player for the cocktail hour and a DJ for the rest of the reception. i feel like the DJ offers more song and genre variety.
As musicians ourselves, having a live band was an absolute MUST. Our band is quite pricey, but having a live 10-piece band will definitely be worth it. From personal experience, guests seem to get much more into the music and dancing with a live band (provided it is a good band, of course). There is something much more energizing about actual musicians versus a man wearing headphones.
We used a laptop for dinner and the first part of dancing. We wanted a completely customized playlist. My brother acted as DJ. Then we opened it up for his band to play, and later the hubby played with them as well. It was totally us, so much fun, and cheap.
We’re using an iPod - it was mainly a budget choice for us (as well as a fear of cheesy, dominating DJs), but I’m psyched about it because the best wedding I’ve been to in terms of dancing used one. Of course, future hubby dude and I are definitely putting a lot of work into the playlists - that seems key. I’d love to see a post explaining how to do an iPod wedding from start to finish (mainly re: dealing with the trickier elements folks have mentioned in other posts, like different volume on different songs, fading between songs, instructions to give your MC-friend-who’s-appointed-because-there’s-no-DJ, etc.)!
Ipod receptions are NOT cheap! They are classy! Sorry, but I think having people singing songs PRETENDING to be the real thing is cheesy! I prefer the real “Frank” or “The Fray”! Seriously, some people splurge on other things….photos, etc, so to say that an IPOD wedding is cheaap is just ridiculous!
I’m having an over $50,000.00 destination wedding with 100 people and an IPOD reception full of “requested” music from our guests! Had to buy the songs on ITunes…..definitely NOT cheap….and it IS very personal!
I like it!
Yes….I repeated myself, I feel that strongly about it! LOL
I used an IPOD for my wedding reception, it ended up being so wonderful. My close friend (that didn’t quite make the cut to be a bridesmaid) was the MC for the reception, and gave the most wonderful and touching speeches before the first dance, and before the father daughter dance.
I wouldn’t do the iPod thing unless I could have someone control/announce the whole time, so if I’m going to hire someone to do that, then why not hire a DJ anyway? I found one for 575 for 4 hours, so I’m happy.
~Ash
Let me get this right, your spending 50,000 on your wedding but your too cheap to get real entertainment. I just recently went to an iPod wedding that my cousin was raving about. There was down time in between transitioning from dinner to dancing, and she picked the music. Songs she thought were going to be great to dance to, were actually pretty bad. One of the songs “Ran” my flock of segulls, I mean come on thats an awful song.
If you want something done right get a professional. There are good DJs and good Bands, thats why its important to get referrals.
[...] Pineapple and I decide to join the bandwagon and have an iPod/Macbook set-up for our wedding. The main driver, like with many people, for us was [...]
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Mrs. Corn, Newport, RI Age and Occupation in '07: 31, HR for public accounting firm Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Consultant for public accounting firm Engagement Date: October 7, 2006 Wedding Date: September, 2007 Blogging Since: June 1, 2007 Venue: North Lawn of Fort Adams State Park About Me: I am a lazy scrapbooker who loves the instant gratification of making cards and I am very easily distracted by all things shiny. In honor of my childhood nights spent hibachi BBQing on the beach with my family, we are hosting a traditional New England Clambake for our reception.
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