To use an iPod or to not use an iPod for your wedding….that seems to be the question. Bands, DJs, CD Players, iPods…there are already so many options! Finding the right kind of music for your wedding is an important step in your wedding planning process.
Finding the BEST way to play your music is a question you need to answer. We’ve compiled some tips that might come in handy if you decide to go with an iPod wedding.
If You’re Planning An iPod Wedding On Your Own
• Don’t even THINK of doing it all on your own. Have a friend help you at the wedding. Let them be at the controls to ‘work’ the program and coordinate the highlights, etc. A ‘dry run’ to work out logistics is a must.
• Do a sound check at least a few days or a week before the wedding. This will ensure that everything will run smoothly on your big day and that the sound quality will be at its finest.
• Select the special songs you’ve chosen for special highlights at least 2 or 3 weeks before your wedding day if possible. Add them to your playlist on your iPod. Select your favorite ‘Dinner’ or background music CDs and add them also, and do the same with favorite dance numbers.
• Consider renting an iPod already ‘loaded’ with dance songs and romantic movie soundtracks. Then let the DJ add your MP3 playlist. More and more DJs offer ‘loaded’ iPods with dock and speakers for around $200, sometimes less.
If You’re Having A DJ
• Give the DJ your special MP3 selections and include them with the music program you and your DJ work out together.
• Make sure to have a meeting with your DJ at least 2 weeks before the wedding to finalize your plan.
• Have the DJ print out a program (your script) including all toasts, special dances, special ‘must play’ songs, even your ‘don’t play’ selections.
• Coordinate your ‘script’ with the caterer, photographer, videographer and have a friend the DJ can call on to help coordinate special moments such as first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, toasts, etc.
So whether you’re using a DJ with an iPod or doing the music all on your own, in both cases- we should say all cases- you’ll want to incorporate all the musical elements that will add the magic you’re dreaming of.
To find out more insider planning tips- tips you’ll be glad to find out before your wedding- read more from our Complete Guide to an iPod Wedding and check out our Music Planning 101 pages for more planning ideas and tips!
2 Comments
I love the ipod graphic you have in the post – looks like a proper 21st century wedding! The tips about an ipod are really useful – you definitely need to make sure that things are tested thoroughly before the big day so that it all goes off without a hitch. If you are hiring a live band they will usually be happy to play music from your ipod through their PA system in the breaks between sets but you should make sure all the equipment is compatible before your wedding.
Some live bands are more than happy to leave their speakers set up after they finish playing so you can use them to complete the evening of entertainment with songs of your choice. Although they will charge a small extra fee for the extended time involved, this will usually end up being much cheaper than hiring in a DJ!
Thanks for the comment, great tips you’ve got here! Testing out the sound is SO important, yet it can be overlooked. It’s good to know that there are live wedding bands out there that are willingly able to provide great quality for the wedding!