DIY iPod Wedding

There are several reasons why the iPod Wedding is a popular choice with couples. First of all, in lieu of the current economic recession, most couples are deciding to use an iPod to help save money. It's cheaper to DIY because they won't have to go through the expense of hiring live musicians at the ceremony and/or pay for a DJ at the reception to boot. Secondly, some are deciding to use an iPod DJ in order to have complete control of the playlist. They want to avoid having to hear songs like "The Electric Slide" or "The Chicken Dance." In fact, some of the grooms really seem to enjoy the idea of playing DJ for a day, especially if they have an extremely large music collection. Still further, some brides contend that the location where they're getting married doesn't have much space. For example, one bride stated that, "...Another reason that I'm leaning towards this option is that my ceremony is in a small garden with very little room for a harpist, violinist, etc. to set up close to the ceremony. We're using most of the space already for seating." There are others, like Alanis Morissette, who are not tight on space or money. During her engagement in 2006, she mentioned that she was seriously considering using an iPod for her wedding. Whatever the reason, the iPod is being seen by some as a viable option for music at their wedding.

Making a major decision of any kind should involve weighing out the pros and the cons. Therefore, first the Pros:

• The cost is lower than having to pay for live performers and feed them as well. This is provided that the price of renting speakers and other sound equipment isn't a hefty amount.
  
  
• You call the shots when it comes to the music. You have complete control over what is played, and maybe more importantly---what isn't!
  
  
• Very little space is required, as opposed to having to make sure a stage or platform is available for live musicians or regular DJs.
  
  
• Not much equipment has to be hauled here and there. Normally, you have to deal with turntables, large cd collections, and/or records.
  
  Cons:
  
  
• Not having the benefit of an experienced DJ at your disposal



• Having things not look very professional



• With an iPod, music tracks normally play until the very end of the piece. This may creqte some akward moments for people who are dancing. However, some people work around this by using their laptop computer. In addition, some couples don't intend to have dance music at all. They simply want to have some kind of background music playing while people socialize.

Before you buy or rent anything, you first need to find out what kind of sound system will be at the wedding reception site ((i.e. mixer, amp, crossover, EQ, speakers, mics, and cables). Make sure that you have all the necessary cables,etc. to avoid last minute dashes to the store for forgotten items. Make sure that you can transmit from your headphone jack to whatever sound system will be at your location. Some places may not even have a PA system. If the location does not have an existing sound system, speakers, microphones, etc. may be rented from local audio/visual companies. I definitely suggest going over system compatibility issues way before the big day. So, please make sure about this very important detail. You shouldn't just hook your iPod and/or computer to anything and let it fly. Otherwise, you could end up in a real mess. Here are some ideas for equipment that you can buy and set up yourself for a high quality sound system:

Numark IDJ 2 iPod Mixer W/Scratch Control-Amazon.com

Easy to learn and puts out a high quality sound. Setup for this unit is a snap. It's very lightweight and mobile. In fact, it has enabled some djs to re-create their entire vinyl collection on this device. Obviously, this helps you cut down on the amount of equipment you need to carry around. In addition, you can connect several different devices to this. Also, it has a mic input and both large and small type output sockets for headphone monitors. Therefore, you don't have to worry about keeping up with adapters. I searched around for the best price (Musician's Friend, TigerDirect, and Amazon) and found that Amazon came out on top. If you pay more than $480 for this equipment, you will be paying too much. FYI, the following ipods are supported on this unit: iPod Classic: 1st, 2nd Gen - via audio connection only,iPod Classic: 3rd Gen - Direct Control Mode Only,iPod Classic: 4th, 5th Gen - Full Control,iPod Classic : 6th - Full Control - No Video,iPod Nano: 1st, 2nd - Full Control,iPod Nano: 3rd Gen - Full Control - No Video,iPod Mini: All versions - Full Control,iTouch: Direct Control Mode Only. iPhone: Direct Control Mode Only. CNET editors have also reviewed this product, giving it ★★★★. In addition, one Scratchworx reviewer stated that, "...the intended audience will find a near perfect unit that does almost everything they need in a compact and incredibly portable box. Provided you put in the time in prepping your music collection, the iDJ2 will reward you with a truly great mixing experience, while leaving money in the bank. For regular mixing, it's a lot of fun but importantly operating at a professional level, elevating this above the toy that many will perceive it to be." One Amazon reviewer, who gave the IDJ2 ★★★★★,stated that, ""It is perfect for what I need. I'm a musician but a lot of people was asking me to dj a little in weddings and parties, so now I'm ready! It already paid for itself last week....GREAT"

1) Samson StudioDock 3i Powered Studio USB Monitors with iPod Dock

This pair of easy-to-setup monitor speakers are both iPod and iPhone compatible. They offer high sound quality and excellent bass response. No hissing sound created. I would recommend an extension cord however, because the power cord is somewhat shorter than most people prefer. In addition to pairing with the IDJ2, many musicians are using these to help complete digital studio setups at home. For example, one Amazon reviewer called them, "the perfect small-studio solution." Chris Lund, the reviewer stated that, "I'll make this quick and to the point. These monitors come just as advertised. They are small, easy to set up, put out great sound with deep, rich bass tone and the iPod dock is just icing on the cake. I'm building a small, digital studio and needed monitors. These fit the bill perfectly. The only downside is.... well, there isn't one! I think these would also be great for an office area where you would want sound while working on your computer or maybe even a den or living room."

2) If you're just looking for a high-quality speaker system with cradle for your iPod without having to spend so much money, the majority of reviews I looked at, placed this product at the top of their lists: The Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 USB-Charging Portable Speaker System with FM Receiver for iPod (Black). Amazon reviewers (69) and CNET editors give this product ★★★★. Also, MacWorld gives it ★★★★½.

If your not an audophile and/or just don't have time or the inclination to pick out your own equipment, I scoped around the net to see what some companies are doing in regards to rentals. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$500 for a basic iPod DJ Wedding Package based on my research. Here are some examples of what I found:

AudioVideoRental.net
This company offers iPod Wedding Rentals that "come complete with 1 pari speakers, speaker stands, mixer with iPod input/laptop input, wired microphone. Our technician will deliver, setup, and guide you on it's use. They will tear it down at the end of your event. Prices starting at $400 (Travel fee may apply)." The mixing board offered looks just like the IDJ2.

JustPressPlayPro.com
This company starts at much cheaper the one above:

"iPod DJ Service is our Specialty. Just Press Play Productions is the leader of providing the new and popular "iPod DJ service." You choose the music, make your playlists and we connect it to our Bose Sound Systems putting the "control" in your hands for a successful party or event. This service is, in our opinion, far better than a regular DJ service because you get to choose all the music ahead of time and there is no chance for the DJ to insert "their own style" of music into YOUR party. There is no list for you to pick from, with the wide availability of music on-line you can virtually have any music you want at your party.

"Basic iPod Dj Service packages start at just $190. With the use of any music player that has a place to plug headphones into and your music playlists for the party, you are in control. Just Press Play! Additionally we can provide an MC too if you just don't want to have to worry about it."

Lastly, I located this company in the Chicago area: Affordable DJ, Karaoke & Pro Sound, Inc.
They offer not one, but three different iPod Wedding packages. No prices are shown on this website however, it would be good to check out this site for ideas, especially if you live in this area.

Personally, I think it's interesting to see what components make up each of these different companies iPod DJ Wedding rentals. If nothing else, it can give you some good ideas for what you can do yourself. Especially, if you have friends that have equipment already.

You need to make sure that you have music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, first dances, and reception dance music. Some couples enjoy asking their guests who respond RSVP to suggest songs that they like for wedding reception music. In addition, many couples even have special music for the bouquet toss, garter throw, and the cake cutting. Several companies have pre-made iPod wedding playlists for couples. Please, keep an eye on this lense for continued updates concerning playlists.

For help with music selection:

1) iPod Wedding Guide from Wedding Music Central. This is a wonderful guide, complete with three different pre-selected iPod playlist packages, to help with music for your special day.

2) Apple's iTunes Essentials section offers several different 70-75 track wedding song collections for under $75 a piece. Some examples of what they offer:

• Wedding: Ceremony


• Wedding: First Dance


• Wedding: Reception


• R & B Wedding Songs


• Indie Wedding
  
• Celebration Songs
  
• Romantic Duets
  
• Love Songs
  
• Country Love Songs


• Honeymoon
  

3) iTunes also has a section labeled "The Sound of Weddings." You can find these playlists:

• Classic Wedding: Prelude


• Modern Wedding: Prelude


• R&B/Hip-Hop Wedding
  
• Country Wedding: Prelude
  
• Alternative Wedding: Prelude
  


• Bachelorette/Bachelor Party
  
• Salsa Wedding
  
• Latin Wedding Celebration
  
• Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding
  

In my research, I ran across several companies that are catering to the happy iPod couple with many services, products, and ideas.

iPod Wedding Video-Requisite Variety Wedding Videography is offering iPod Wedding Videos to their patrons. Their site boasts, "Have your wedding video mobile and accessible to show your family and friends anytime with our new iPod Wedding Video service! Service includes a 30GB video iPod preloaded with your wedding video and engraved with the couple's names and wedding date!"

In addition, many brides and grooms are giving iPods as gifts to members of their wedding party. Also, major retailers' bridal registries are being filled with shuffles, nanos and full-sized iPods.

HEY WAIT A MINUTE!!! WHAT ABOUT THE WEDDING CAKE?!?...

Yes, iPod mania has carried into the wedding cakes as well. Many people are choosing to replace the traditional wedding cake with iPod or iPhone creations. Some brides however, are compromising and keeping the traditional cake, but offering guests an additional cake which is iPod/iPhone style for dessert. One cute idea is to offer tiny petit four cakes decorated with an iPod. When you get a chance, check out this site : Slippery Brick. They have oodles of neat extreme cake creation pictures for the tech-oriented person to enjoy.

This is a cute idea! Here, the person used cracker snack packs, colorful paper, yarn and Hershey's Kisses to create mini-iPod favors for guests. Personally, I think I would rather wrap up something like a chocolate bar instead of crackers.

Ok, maybe people could possibly go overboard with this thing. However, I couldn't resist sharing with you what I stumbled on today. It is a mixed media installation entitled "Porta-Party" ,by Nick Rodrigues. Obviously, the idea for the shape came from the original Porta Potty however, the outside has the skin of an iPod. On the inside is a disco ball and an iPod dock, so that you can jam! Nick has said that this is for rent on some sites. I couldn't find anything specific on this however, it wouldn't hurt to e-mail this guy for information. His e-mail is located on this link for the video demo: Porta-Party Comments?

When you have time to slow down admist all this wedding planning, take a break with your iPod or iPhone and enjoy Playfirst's Wedding Dash game, downloadable from the iTunes store for $4.99. [The game is compatible with iPhone & iPod touch. Requires iPhone OS 2.0 or later] The game is perfect for someone who enjoys the Diner Dash, Sally's Salon, or Bejeweled, Topple, and Magic Cube. In this case, you are trying to help Quinn survive wedding day and also pull off the perfect wedding reception. Are you able to keep the bride and groom happy while also keeping Quinn's wedding business intact? You'll encounter many different kinds of obstacles along the way, including: guests who've had a little too much punch, falling cakes, and bridesmaids that love to get into scuffles.

• 50 levels of gameplay in 5 unique venues


• 10 crazy guests and 9 potential party disasters to overcome


• 2 modes of play, Career Mode and Endless Reception


• Special guest-appearance by Diner Dash's Flo

Heaven forbid that the bride OR groom should be late to their own wedding however, if they do you could make the time go faster by playing Cake Mania 3. This game is based on the best-selling PC title from Sandlot Games.Cake Mania 3 is a game about making cakes as fast as you possibly can. The main character's name is Jill, who of course, is you. You're about to get married when a device called the time bender shatters. This causes you, your family, and your friends to get transported back in time. The only way to fix the situation is for you to bake many different kinds of cakes from customers' requests. You have to create as many cakes as you can and collect as much cash you can. However, the customers you encounter are determined to make things super difficult for you. Some of the characters include dragons, witches, and Robin Hood. This one is also available for just $4.99 from the iTunes store. [This game is compatible with iPhone & iPod touch. Requires iPhone OS 2.0 or later] There is also a Wii version called Cake Mania: In the Mix!

• Hundreds of possible level combinations


• 3 difficulty settings for every kind of player


• New challenge mode with high score posting