Pros and Cons of the Ipod Shuffle

It is certainly becoming the new craze to ditch the DJ and go with an iPod playlist for the wedding reception.  While this is a great way to save money, it's important to consider the extras you will need to run this show on your own.  Like all DIY ideas, it is absolutely crucial that you test it out before the big day.  Here are some things to consider...

• An Emcee- you need someone to announce the important events of the evening including:

• entrance of the wedding party
• first dance
• father daughter dance (and other planned special dances)
• call tables up to the buffet line
• cutting of the cake
• tossing of the bouquet/ garter toss

Make sure this person has a lot of personality- preferably that goofy uncle or a family friend who knows a lot about you.

• A microphone & speakers- you can rent an AV package with these items for less than $150.  This sounds like a lot but compare that to $800 + for a DJ.  Make sure your AV equipment includes a hookup for the iPod and that the speakers transmit 100 ft or so from the source.

•  Make sure you put together a really good variety of songs.  DJs know how to feel out the crowd, so you'll have to anticipate how your crowd will act.  I generally recommend 4 feel good, high energy, dance worthy songs for every 1 slow song.  Oldies always go over well at weddings, so I would also recommend 1 oldies song for every 1 newer song. 

• Put your own flavor and personality into the playlist.  This is probably the major pro to doing the entertainment yourself- you're in charge and you can really think about what you enjoy dancing to.  Have fun with it!

Free Wedding Entertainment!

Everyone wants to be entertained at a wedding.  There's always that awkward half hour or so when the dance music starts, when nobody wants to be the first one out on the floor.  Sometimes the DJ does a good job of getting everyone into it, but what if he doesn't?  There's nothing worse than a boring wedding reception and we've all probably been to one.

So think about this-where is talent hiding in your group of family and friends?  My husband's cousins are Irish dancers and decided to put together a routine as their wedding present to us.  Everyone was going crazy for it- what a hit!  Then, completely unexpectedly, my friends shoved me out on the dance floor because I used to Irish dance.  So, I hiked up my dress and did a few steps.  People still tell me that it was the most unique and entertaining wedding they've ever been to.

Think about your group of friends- I'm sure you have some goofballs in the wedding party.  Put together a funny skit to do before the dancing starts to lighten the mood.  Most people also have at least one friend with a beautiful voice or musical talent with an instrument.  Ask him or her to sing/ play for your wedding.  Most people would be honored by this request.

Kids are always a blast- consider having the kids start off the party with a little freeze dance contest.  When the music plays, they dance and when it stops, they have to freeze in the exact position they are in.  You could also have a limbo contest or something along those lines.  I'm not saying every second of your wedding has to be filled with party pleasers, but one or two little things like this will make people laugh, smile and get in the mood to have a good time.