Wedding receptions music alternatives-experiences having no dj

My best friend had a laid back beach wedding and just had an iPod hooked up to speakers. No one seemed to mind!

My friend also did just and iPod. The only issue was getting someone to turn on the songs for the first dance, father/daughter etc. Also since the music setup was in another room it was hard for that person to hear when the music started.

My venue offers the option to plug into their system with your iPod or bring in a DJ. The event coordinator said that a lot of people just plug in an iPod. I don't think there's anything wrong with going that route.

We almost did our own music via ipod. I researched it a bit and many recommended getting a subscription to Pandora for around $10/month. That way there are no commercials, you can fade the songs to each other, etc. Have one or two people well versed in how to monitor it and have a backup ipod/laptop.

If you don't anticipate people dancing, I think this is a great alternative.

We're not having a dance, so FH already has a playlist put together that will be background music. We also have the ability to plug into the venue's system.

My girlfriend did this but had a lunch instead. There was no music. It was ceremony, lunch, dessert, leave. I think any way you can provide background music would be lovely while people eat and socialize.

My friend put together playlists (Cocktail hour, Dinner), plugged in their iPod, and had one of their friends in charge of it.

We've used Ipods and speakers for various occasions. My only suggestion is use Spotify instead of Pandora. With Spotify you can create a play list and download it so if there is no internet you still have your music, (learned this the hard way) I don't think that is an option with Pandora.

Sounds great if you make a good playlist and it will run through the night! Remember a microphone for speeches.

I've only been to one wedding where I know iTunes was used. The best man was put in charge of monitoring the music. The dancing actually went very well. The BM didn't really leave the laptop once the dancing part of the reception got started, though.

Thanks everyone! This helped me a lot. We won't be having traditional dances-no Father/daughter dance (he's never been in my life)-In laws don't want to do any type of dance either (very shy family)

Me and DF might do a first dance but not sure. Everyone gave me some great advice. A lot of things to note down to make sure things go smoothly.

And Cynthia T. I have a Spotify subscription and was thinking of making playlists. But I didn't even think about the ranch having no internet!

Well, I may be biased, but: here are two great articles that might help you put it in perspective:

https://theweddingcoach.ca/itsjustmusic/

http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-much-should-your-wedding-dj-cost.html

Hope they help!

We are not having a anything professional. My FH is making a Playlist and we are hooking into the venue's sound system. Keeping it low key and personal.

This sounds a lot like what my wedding is going to be. Yard games but we really don't want to blow money on a dj for songs we don't even like. Torn between having live music or having an "ipod wedding" but I really like the idea of having a spotify or pandora playlist and just investing in a couple small speakers.

Before going the playlist route, check ORDO (ordo.events) - it's a free platform with zero commission. You might find a DJ fits your budget after all when there are no agency fees involved!