IPod to play ceremony music?

Question

We are getting married at the Hershey Gardens, and having our reception in a separate location at a hotel. Because of this, our DJ will not be at the ceremony. So now we aren't sure what to do about the ceremony music. We were thinking of just using an IPod with a stereo, downloading the music, and just using that to play the music. Is this tacky? We checked into a few musicians, but they want about $500 just to play for 30 minutes, which seems like a rip off to me. So I'm not sure what to do.

Answer 1

We did the same thing for a friends wedding, it worked just fine.

Answer 2

I think all DJs are rip offs, and I hate most of their styles of entertainment, so we're doing an iPod as well. our venue is actually a really nice, old-world hotel in a beautiful park, so they have weddings all the time, and the coordinator said that a lot of brides are doing the iPod thing these days to save on the cost, and she actually prefers it because they don't  take up any space (with the exception of the speakers) and she likes that family members can make announcements, which makes everything more meaningful.

I'm so happy we're doing this, and regardless of what people think, I'm happy I could put that $600 (the lowest quote we got) toward something that actually means something to us, like the photographer.

As long as you have music, no one will care where it comes from.

Answer 3

It's a great, cheap way to play all your favorite music without the bunny hop or macarena. I think it's a great idea. Just hook it up, or maybe you can hire someone cheap to buzz through music and announce you and your special dances. But then just play the music and whatever else you need. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 4

It sounds like an outside venue, make sure the stereo is good enough to carry the sound.  It would work great as long as the stereo sounds good.

Congrats!!!

Answer 5

its not tacky at all its cool rock on ,lexi

Answer 6

It's not tacky anymore because it's easy and it saves a lot of money. That's what I'm doing for my wedding!

Answer 7

We were married this past June. We really wanted this popular band to play at our reception so it was pointless to have both a dj and pay for the band also. Since my husband is a musician and is an IT he knows all about this stuff so we downloaded a bunch of songs for the laptop to play while the guests first got there, during dinner, cake and flower toss. It is not tacky at all and works out perfect. I would do it because it is pointless to pay a dj for 30 minutes. A lot of people are going this route these days and have seen it several times in the past 2 years at weddings.

Answer 8

Well with equipment rental and a license to play the songs (you need one for performing the music and one for playing songs you don't own) you're looking at $150 - $200. It might not be worth it, especially since you'll either need to pay someone to man the iPod or else ask a friend to have to work during your wedding. Then afterwards you'll have to worry about returning the speakers and watching the iPod.  

Answer 9

I think the IPod is an awesome idea. I am going to do almost the same thing at my wedding. Good songs can still plat, guests can dance and you don't walk away with less money and didn't even get that much time.