Do I Need a DJ for evening

FuturemrsH

I dont really want to have a DJ for our evening do, we are trying to save where we can and this seems like an option as i dont really want to pay a DJ who i dont really know (i have asked friends for suggestions but none have come up with anyone), who might not be any good to play a list of songs we have already requested.
I want a disco where people can get up and dance but i plan to give DJ a full list of songs i want anyway so OH suggested we just use ipod with our playlists all predone, the venue has lights and speakers but i dont know how well it would go down not having a DJ there. What do you think?? am i being a bit silly? we are in Leeds

foxy-roxy

Hiya, ipods at wedding receptions are becoming more and more popular now, my OH would like us to do this, but we have a friend who has given us a great rate to DJ at our wedding, so we are using him, to look at it from both sides, using an ipod will give you full control, but I like the idea of a DJ as it has the 'party' feeling iykwim?
If you are on a tight budget then I can not see any reason why an ipod wouldn't work at all, although I have not seen it done in RL.

ellay864

The advantage to a DJ is that they can be useful to do a quick change if a particular song empties the dance floor, or if something goes down really well and you want to put similar on that isn't next on the list. But if you have somebody to man the iPod you could get them to do that if need be. There's been several people on here talking about doing iPod discos, but there are some venues that won't allow it so make sure you know yours is OK with it first. My OH has his own disco business but for our wedding we're having a friend's band playing and in between OH will have his gear set up and just let it run pretty much like an iPod disco...my sons may get asked to man it for a bit (tho they dont know that yet!). OH obviously doesn't plan on working at our own wedding and he doesn't want to pay out for a DJ so we're kind of doing what you're planning on doing anyway

gingerdab

Hi,
Find a dj who will play your playlists. Do not go down the ipod disco route. You, as the client should be able to inform the dj the music you require. Within reason tho`.
As a dj , I have been givin anything between 20 and 60 songs on a playlist. I play the vast majority and the undanceable songs I inform couple I will play during buffet, that way, they hear the songs.
I use my experience to fill in with the rest of the songs. The party classics of all genre`s from 50/60`s to 90`s dance/indie to current chart hits. Thats what you will be paying for. Someone to keep the party flowing. You can`t do that yourself with an ipod.
Check out websites like uk-disco.co.uk or mobilediscodirectory.co.uk to find a dj in your area.
Most will play your list of songs.Work with them .
Can you come up with 4 hours of songs to keep your friends,your aunites and grannies happy? It can be challengin at best.
Take time to find a dj you are happy with,who will play your songs and relax.One less thing to worry about.
Let them do there job, with a little help from you and you will have a great night.
Paul