Using iPod for reception music

We're going to use our iPod as a DJ because our venue won't allow a regular DJ. I think we'll probably end up downloading an app like Grooveshark or something similar.

@ M & T Are you just going to pick a station and let it play throughout the reception? What would you do if no one is dancing? Would you simply change the station? Would you create different stations for different parts of the reception?

We are using the iPod. Use some sort of app that blends the music together, that way there aren't posses in the music between songs. Also, make sure it's loud enough. I hear many people who use iPods have issuers making it loud enough, and it turns into a flop. As for the music, I just googled "wedding reception music" and tons of suggestions popped up! I googled how to make a wedding playlist, and there are tons of articles that helped me out.

@Carmella thanks for the great advice. Very helpful!

We haven't worked out the details yet. Luckily we have about 299 days to figure it out.

FH is in charge of the playlist for our iPod and he's been working on it for months. We're doing several playlists: music for eating, music for dancing, and then seep rate playlists for each of the "special songs" (father/daughter dance, aisle music, etc.)

We'll be using our iPod for the music at our wedding as well. Like @soon2bMrsB, we're putting together separate playlists for each part of the evening, so that when we get to the full dancing part of the reception, we can just throw it on shuffle, and not worry about the special songs getting mixed in. We're going to make sure that there is a mix of top 40, classic 80s/90s pop, as well as some of our own favourites, which are a little less well known, but we want to include them because its what we love. I hadn't thought about an app to have the songs blend together, so I'll definitely be looking into that.

We're using a laptop. One of my friends has volunteered to help us "DJ", but really this will just be if we run into any problems along the way, or maybe to make a couple announcements. He'll also help set-up and take-down (maybe.. I don't want to MAKE him stay if he doesn't want to). We are asking people to put in song requests at the same time RSVP's are due so that we can make a good playlist in advance or buy songs if we need to.

We have a lot of music between the 2 of us... Over 100 GB.

Also same as what someone else said, we have a number of playlists for different parts of the day and night. They will be numbered: 1. Pre-ceremony, 2. Precession, etc.

^^I'm doing that too

Since my reception doesn't have meal options I put in that place:

I promise to dance if you play

____________________________________________

by_________________________________________

We were planning on doing this, and putting together playlists, as well as printing out lists so people can make requests. Not only is a DJ not in the budget, but we'd need a permit....blah.

Shimika,

If you'd like to encourage guests to dance, it's not just choice of music, volume, and plenty of bass. Remember to also adjust your lighting as you transition to the dance party part of the reception. A crowded dance floor is usually dark with your dance floor lighting synchronized to the kick drum.

Dan

@ Deja That’s a good idea to just throw it on shuffle. I didn’t even think about the special songs mixing in with the regular music.

@ LadyMonk wow! that’s a ton of music.

@ future mrs.jkr Good idea.

@ Brittany: Although my mom offered to pay for a DJ, I really don’t think we need one. Total time for ceremony and reception is 3hrs, maybe 3.5hrs. People would possible dance for 1hr. I figure that money can go towards something else. And DIY things are giving FH and I stuff to work on together for the wedding. He’s very interested in the DIY part of the wedding since it’s more hands on.

@ Dan: My family loves to dance, so as long as there’s music they will be on the dance floor. On Easter everything was dancing in the living room. They just like to enjoy themselves.

@ Everyone all of your post have been so helpful. Going to write out the categories. FH is going to put the playlist together and I am also going to ask a few people for some song suggestions as well. Thanks everyone! 

We are doing ipod music for background throughout the whole thing, but we are doing lawn games instead of an actual dance. It makes more sense for the group we have invited and our personal styles. We love music but don't really dance and I was afraid of the awkward moment where music is playing and everyone knows they should be dancing but just don't want to.

Im using a ipod and renting these speakers at a local renting place. Cheaper then DJ and MOH husband volunteered to do it for us, Wedding on a budget

@ She's country that def makes sense and sounds like tons of fun. I love games.

@ Amber Awesome! Wedding on a budget indeed. :-D We have a day planner that's included with our venue and I believe she would be in charge of switching out the music for us. One less thing to worry about the day of.

We are using my tablet and playing it through my Bose radio. I started working on a playlist last night.