DIY Bride

When my husband and I got married waaay back in October 2000, we didn’t have live music or a DJ. Instead we opted to burn our own CDs (this was pre-iPod) and, with the help of a trusted friend, played them throughout the reception. It was awesome and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

With the advent of the ubiquitous iPod and the availability of online music downloads, being your own DJ is easier and more accessible than ever. We’re seeing more and more of our friends and acquaintances replacing DJs with iPods and, for the most part, we’re loving it.

However, being your own DJ isn’t for everyone. DIY Bride has compiled a list of questions and points to ponder to help you decide if going the DIY music route is for you.

1. 1. Why do you want to DIY? This is an important question because it helps establish your DIY priorities. If you’re doing it to save cash, that’s great to be aware of that as you begin researching your DIY options. If you’re doing it for creative control, that’s perfectly valid, too. Your experience may be different than someone who’s doing it for budget-only reasons.
2. Do you have the time and resources to research your options?
3. What do you know about iPods, digitial music, and sound systems?
4. Does your venue allow you to bring in your own music? Do they have special rules for DJs/music such as permits, noise level ordinances?
5. What does your personal music collection look like? Do you have enough music to entertain your guests for 4 - 6 hours? Do you have enough music that’s family-friendly and that’ll appeal to a wide audience? SLAYER may be cool with you and your friends but Grandma may not appreciate Reign in Blood.
6. Do you know where to rent sound equipment? Does your venue provide it? Do you know how to use it?
7. Who’s going to emcee? Do you have a trusted friend or relative to take over that responsibility? Is he or she reliable? Well-spoken? Sober? Not likely to tell embarassing stories about you?
8. What equipment will you need to buy? Is it within your budget?
9. What music will you need to buy? Is it within your budget?
10. Do you know how to plan out a soundtrack for your reception? What music do you start off with? How do you transition from cocktails to dinner to dancing seamlessly?