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I'm spending way way way too much on my wedding and one of the places I'm hoping to cut back is music. I can't afford to do a live band, and DJs generally give me the creeps. Is it totally ghetto to do an IPOD playlist? Can we have a friend stand in as the DJ?
My wedding is at a four star hotel and its going to be pretty nice so I don't want to shock people with lame when it comes to music, but we are really over budget everywhere else and I don't know where to cut costs anymore.
i certainly hope not.. we're doing it! at the end of the day, who cares though? there's absolutely NO reason to go in debt for a wedding. spend what you're comfortable with and nothing more. as long as the music choices are good, and you're up there dancing, your guests will follow suit and have fun.
I really don't think it is as long as you put some planning into it. I've seen an IPOD done well and one done not so well. The one done well had a few things that helped: A friend in charge of setting up/coordinate the ipod or laptop during the dance, several well thought playlists preprogramed specifically for the wedding and a few friends who helped 'MC' things.
I also hope not. We are having live music for the ceremony and an iPod for everything else. We are renting a professionally preloaded iPod. We would love to have a live band, but we just can't justify it.
I think it is just fine. What can you do?
I have been my own DJ at parties- ie. have had an ipod- and been a smash hit.
I think people remember the food and drinks and spirit of your wedding.
we're doing an iPod DJ, one fun thing we've done is provided a link to our "wedsite" on our STD's which has a special page for requesting songs to dance to. This leads them to a form they fill out with their name, the name of the artist, and the name of the song, then it populates a Google Docs spreadsheet with all the requests. That way, before the wedding, we can "approve" all the songs and create a few playlists that have the requested music on them - that way, we save money, everyone gets to dance to/hear what they want to hear, and it's easy for us to know what other people want to dance to (and we still get the final say)!
We used our iPod and it worked out wonderfully! My cousin graciously volunteered to MC for us and I set up playlists for everything ahead of time, so all he really had to do was make sure the connections were right (he also leant us speakers and set everything up) and press the Next button. We had lots of compliments on our music, so I think people were pretty happy.
I don't think so. We're doing it and I think it should work out well. We rented a nice soundsystem for around $150 and we put a lot of time into setting up playlists. We're actually using a laptop instead of an iPod so it's easier to make the transition between playlists and we assigned a relative to be an MC of sorts for the reception. I did a good bit of research into iPod weddings and one tip I did pick up is to use a 10 second crossfade between songs so you don't end up with the awkward silent pauses in between. I tested it out and it works pretty well!
It can be great, but you have to be willing to do the research and put the work into it...
It's not ghetto - lots of people do an Ipod instead of a DJ these days! Just make sure you really take the time to put together a playlist - there are lots of resources on the web. The flashdance puts out awesome playlists all the time.
I'd also recommend designating a friend to play DJ - if he or she notices that the music isn't quite working for the crowd or something.
We're iPod-ing it (well, iTunes-ing it, really). We'll make up a playlist, plug the laptop into the music system & lock the screen so people can't change the songs, and control it via iPod Touch/iPhone with the remote app. Woo-hoo!
We're doing an ipod wedding. As a music snob, I love that we get to choose all our own music and aren't at the mercy of some DJ who may or may not get our tastes.
we should really stop calling things "ghetto" around here, i mean really
@jennipher wait what people can change the music from their phone??? how is it you lock it?
There is nothing wrong with using an iPod for music if that's what you want to do. However, the term "ghetto" is constantly being misused and really irks the heck out of me. I can bet most of the brides on the 'Bee have never been to a ghetto to know what the "trends" are there.
EDIT: I just saw that snake addressed the "ghetto" comment. I wasn't trying to pile on, that particular phrase just really rubs me the wrong way.
Not Ghetto at all, but we just decided to get a DJ in leiu of the iPod, and here are a few reasons why:
My coordinator said I could DIY anything I like, flowers, etc., and if they were totally fubar, she could fix it, except the iPod/computer set up. She said the one thing that will keep the crowd moving and the night going is music, and that is hard to do a last minute, work-around fix. We got ours for $695 for 5 hrs, and we LOVE him. He had some great ideas for us, and we are so happy we splurged on him. This is one area I was trying to save money also, and one thing I am so happy I don't have to worry about any more.
Oh and our one demand was "No cheesy BS." So I fancy him a bit of an iPod that can trouble shoot itself, and read the crowd. Not so much of the Blah blah blah.
Oh and ghetto doesn't bother me. Are there really ghettos anymore? We have housing projects, Section 8, underdeveloped areas, but ghetto just isn't offensive to me, it seems like a throback term that has kind of morphed into a new meaning.
Also if we can't say ghetto or tacky on wedding bee, how will we express ourselves?!?! 
@Kingcake, yes Ghettos do still exist. I'm part of the big brothers big sisters program, and my little brother lives in a ghetto. To be fair he'd be LUCKY to even have an ipod in his neighborhood. So no, an Ipod is not ghetto.
That being said, I'm not overly sensitive to the use of the word, but I don't think it's proper around here.
@snake- That was the first thing I thought to say when I saw the post title. Ghetto is in the same league as gay and retard in my mind. There are still ghettos and I assure you that people do not choose to live or be born there.
To answer your question, it's perfectly fine to use an ipod. IndieBride has a ton of info on their boards about ipod weddings.
I dont think so..i mean seriously...music is music....
If your crowd likes to make lots of request though will that be a problem?
lol@ janieleigh. TOTALLY agree!!! ok so i guess we could change it to "is an i-pod poor??" but then again, people will still get offended because poor people cant really afford ipods soooo i guess it could be "is it tacky to have..." But people dont like the word tacky either. Its a lose lose situation.
I think that people need to understand that words can evolve into new meanings over time. 20 years ago if someone said " oh man that car is so ghetto" then yeah, there could be an understandable eyebrow raise like " you think they can afford THAT in the ghetto?" I mean, its not like shes asking if an I-pod looks gay, then there might be an issue...but common...ghetto???
I think if you plug in a laptop, so your designated MC can see and change the playlist as required, it's better than having an ipod with a set playlist.
(and on the side, I agree with the comments of ghetto being offesive)
@Miss Biner, but would anyone acutally call it a Ghetto? I have lived in some seriously underdeveloped cities and I don't know any areas referred to as the "Ghetto". Would you use the word Ghetto when describing you're little brother's neighborhood to him? Even the most underdeveloped neighborhoods would not be called ghettos by anyone I know. Like I said, projects, section 8, underdeveloped.
My point is that the use of ghetto has changed, and I seriously doubt any impoverished families give an eff (i.e. are offended) about what we use to call "iPod vs. no iPod" here on wedding bee.
@JanetLeigh TOTALLY...seriously! There is a difference between being crule and snarky, and saying something that someone may interpret as "offensive" on their sliding scale of offensiveness.
Oh and you know what is offensive to me (as an obtouse example if we're going to nit pick)? We have Christian and Catholic sections! I am offended that we have sections designated for people who think that I personally am a sinner, and that many of my friend's are going to hell for eternity.
Sorry to rant in this thread, but the Weddign Bee Board is losing its luster to me...it is becomming PC and fun-hating and takes itself too seriously. Sheesh.
Ok number 1, to answer your question, I think usuing an I-pod is a great idea. You just have to be creative!
Number 2, I dont think the original poster meant to insult anyone. I do know there is a "ghetto". Anyone who lives in a big city will know that. No matter how much money you come from. And Yes, I to, put ghetto up there with, "gay", "retard" and any other slang that has a direct insult to a group of people.
Number 3, Wow, I never really realized that having an I-pod isnt a ghetto thing at all. That does make alot of sense that kids in the "Ghetto" would love to have an i-pod. Just the cost of one is about 1/4 the cost of having an actuall DJ. Thanks for making me think!
But common girls. No one is here to insult anyone! We have all been guilty of saying something that wasnt so appropriate. Lets not get our panties in a knot! =)
and P.S.!!!! In this economy do any of us but the very very privledged have the right to act like we are better then"Ghetto"??????
I live in nice apartments that have some section 8 houseing. Me, my FI and our son are not apart of the Section 8 program but we dont make alot of money. This wedding has been made out of alot of frugle, DIY and creative projects. We have food on the table, a roof over our head and a good car to get to work. We are blessed!
Lets be real ladies!!! All of us are a little "ghetto" right now!!!!!! (or maybe its just because I'm from Michigan! lol!)
We had an iPod wedding and never looked back. There was never a lack of people on the dance floor and I honestly don't think anyone even noticed there was no DJ or band. $600 back in our pockets!
Because of the racist and violent undertones of the word, I don't think I'd consider DIYing centrepieces as ghetto.
10 years ago, gay and retard where a normal part of most people's vernacular but we've realised how offensive it is and most reasonable people have adjusted their language and way of thinking accordingly.
I think snake was just pointing out that it was offensive, especially considering the sheer number of people reading these boards. There are many different ways of saying "do I look cheap?" without offending people
FI and I had a big debate about this recently when we were deciding whether or not to have a DJ or do an iPod DJ.
If you want to do an iPod DJ you need to make sure you and FI put in the proper time to do it correctly so it doesn't come off as ghetto.
My friend's wedding a couple of years ago had the best music ever out of any wedding I've been to and they used an iPod. The cavet is that the bride's brothers were musicians and were in charge of the entire playlist. They literally spent months and months toying around with the playlist, cutting songs, editing music quality and it totally paid off b/c it was just as good what an excellent DJ would've played. They also had access to top notch stereo equipment so it was very professional.
On the flip side....
I went to a wedding last year that had an iPod DJ as well. Although I LOVE the bride and groom to bits and pieces, I have to say their music was one of the worst I've ever heard. :( My friends did not put the same kind of effort into the playlist and quality as the above mentioned example and it really showed. The song volume would fade in and out b/c the quality of the MP3 files really varied. The songs that they played just didn't get people to the dance floor.
You and FI just really need to evaluate whether or not you guys would be able to put the extra time to planning the music. You'll have to pick carefully b/c you'll have to figure out the kind of music your guests like and will want to dance too.
My FI and I really want to have the ability to control our music selection and not leave it up to a cheesy DJ that we don't even know personally. We're 99.9% positive that the iPod reception is they way we're going to go. Plus, my FI has a cousin (who is also in the wedding party) that we are going to ask to be in charge of it. He has his own recording studio, so he knows his music. :)
I'd like to point out that you can often get real, live, wonderful, actual human musicians for your ceremony and/or reception for $150-200 each for the duration. That means you could potentially get three human real musicians for about the price of that dj listed above. Yes, I am a musician, so I know what I'm talking about. Don't be afraid to at least consider real people for your music.
I'm really not trying to make enemies here but you asked for opinions and here is my 2 cents. . .
I would HIGHLY recommend reconsidering your choice to use an iPod at your wedding. Here are things to consider and you can decide what works best for you and your fiance:
1) A DJ is not just a DJ, if they are good they also serve as your Master of Ceremonies - they introduce your wedding party, announce your first dance, stage the scene for garter and bouquet tosses, cake cutting, the last dance, father/daughter dances, mother/son dances, wedding party dances, etc. . . Sure you can have a friend or relative there to make these announcements for you but how do you know they will do a good job? They aren't representing a company so if they mess up, they don't care. AND they are most likely going to be drinking, do you want a drunk guest at your wedding to have a microphone all night?
2) #1 assumes you are renting professional equipment to have a friend/relative use to run the iPod - if you weren't considering that at all then I can't even begin to imagine how the schedule of your night will play out.
3) Where do you plan on putting the iPod? Do you intend on spending the entire evening making sure that it doesn't get into the wrong hands? What I mean by this is that some music is just not appropriate for weddings; i.e. Buckcherry's Crazy B!tch. There are SOOOO many songs that are popular today but highly inappropriate for weddings while Grandma and Grandpa and kids are still in attendance. If you are going to have an iPod, conisder this and delete any songs that you don't want played before your recpeption starts.
4) DJ's are well trained (hopefully) to know what songs should be played and what time of the night they are appropriate. Guests are going to respect your DJ more than they are going to respect a guest at your wedding and if you DJ says a song isn't appropriate then you do not have to worry about it not getting played.
5) If budget is your limitation, get quotes from various vendors. Check Craigslist for new DJ's (may not be as good as an established company but better than an iPod). Any reputable DJ will allow you to go to a different wedding they have booked (with permission from that bride and groom) so you can see their style. If you don't like them, then dont' hire them.
6) How do you imagine the evening going? Sure you are thinking about your dress, the color of flowers, if you used the right ribbon on your invitations, etc. Think about your guests for a minute. They want good food, good drinks, and a good party. A month after your wedding 90% of them aren't going to be able to tell you what candy was served as a favor, what types of flowers you used, or whether or not they used paper or linen napkins - they ARE going to remember whether or not they had a good time. DJ's have the responsibility of making sure your guests have a good time.
7) If you are worried about having control over the type of music played, then make a list and give it to the DJ. They should be able to offer you a typical playlist and you can cross out what you don't want and add what you do. That just makes their job easier - they won't be offended if you tell them what to play, you're paying them so you can do whatever you want.
It's your wedding and if you want an iPod - go for it. I'm just commenting so when you make the decision you can be sure you've really thought through all of the aspects.
Why am I so passionate about this? My fiance owns a DJ company and I have seen too many wedding ruined because they don't put priority on entertainment. I'm not advertising for him, I wont' even mention the company's name. BUT I have been exposed to the aspects of wedding entertainment that I probably would have never considered had I never met him.
GOOD LUCK!
I was initially kind of worried about this but we decided to do it anyways. I truly dont think anyone will think twice about it, I mean the only ppl there will be family and friends.
---hahahahahaha it seems like every post I have read lately has some sort of threadjacking bc of everything having to be so "per-snickity"....I mean really, do we not own big girl panties and cant just ignore this kind of stuff. Be positive ladies, if your offended just move on and dnt comment.
Normally I refrain from making judgments on others' behavior here on the Bee, but if you use this term lightly, I just hope you are aware of its serious roots--
The term "ghetto" came into widespread use during WWII to describe where Jewish people were required to live prior to their transportation to concentration and death camps. The word is so full of hatred and racism that I can't help but view it as ugly.
@snake: You can only control it if your iPhone/iPod Touch has the remote ap installed, and is synched with your iTunes library. And you lock the computer screen so that people can't go up to it and change the song at will (so, basically, you don't need to have someone standing there all the time to control the music -- you can do it from afar with a "remote" and mingle).
lol the title of this post made me laugh!! it's not ghetto to us an iPod, maybe just ask a music savvy friend to "play DJ" for the night or make a great playlist ahead of time. it's a valid point that a DJ can also play the role of MC to announce all the major parts of the reception, but your coordinator can do that too. i was actually at a wedding where they had a live band, but during their set break they plugged in a iPod and one of our friends played DJ and played a bunch of Micheal Jackson songs and it was the most fun part of the night ha! The band actually had to take a longer break then they intended because we were all having so much fun dancing and singing to MJ lol! I think they even got a little pissed but oh well, it was awesome. They were great too, but just sayin, in the end you're throwing a party. and if your guests are laid back enough to get down to an iPod then fantastic, do it :)
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