iPod Wedding

iPods are the current craze in personal media devices. The word iPod has become the generic reference to these MP3 devices but the iPod developed and marketed by Apple is only one of several brands of personal media devices. Others include the Zune by Microsoft, the Samsung P3, the Sony Walkman, and so on.

These devices have the capacity to hold thousands of songs and can be placed in modes that allow you to play from a play list or shuffle through all the songs on the player in a random order. Their size, availability, ease of use, and versatility have caused many brides and grooms to consider using an iPod to replace the DJ or band.

As a wedding DJ, you would think that I would say that this is a bad idea; however, there may just be a case in which an iPod wedding is a better choice.

These situations include:

- A budget that cannot accommodate even a low priced DJ.

- A small, intimate wedding at which only a few guests will be present and only background music is needed.

- A wedding at which there will be no dancing but background music is desired.

There probably are other situations.

So, if you are going to do it, you might as well do it right. Here is what you will need:

- More than one iPod. You may want one with just your ceremony music, one for cocktails, one for dinner, one with all the special dances, and one for dance time. You'll also want backups of each of these in case of failure.

- An audio system to amplify your iPod(s). You will need to locate and visit your local A/V rental company. Many will deliver, set up, take down, and take away the system for you. Make sure they also provide a microphone. Some may also provide the appropriate wire to hook up your iPod.

- A 1/8" or miniplug to go into your headset plug on your iPod or an iDJ iPod mixer. If you use the miniplug, find out what kind of plug you will need on the other end from the A/V rental company. If you use the iDJ, find out what you will need to connect it to the A/V gear you rent. Some A/V companies have a special iPod package that includes all of the necessary connections.

- A Master/Mistress of Ceremonies (MC) to make all of the announcements and introductions. This can be Uncle Bob or Aunt Sally but make sure that they have some public speaking experience and keep them away from the liquid happiness because the last thing you want is a drunk MC ruining your wedding.

- Somebody to run the iPod and sound gear. Make sure they have some experience with this because the last thing you want to hear is Sir Mix-A-Lot belting out "I like big butts" when it is time for the bride to walk down the aisle.

You may also consider asking your guests to bring along their iPods because not all tastes are the same and you'll want them to have fun as well.

One thing you may consider not doing is using music downloaded off one of the share sites. Not only is it illegal but there are many quality issues.