One of the biggest DIY projects that Mr. DIY and I did for our wedding was our reception music. It is one of the things we’re most proud of and, nearly 10 years later, something our friends and family still comment (in the positive) about. It wasn’t the easiest project we did – far from it, actually – but it is one we hold dear to our hearts.

Our DIY DJ experience was back in the day (October 2000) before the first iPods even existed and before anyone really talked about doing their own wedding music. We were pretty much on our own t0 figure out the technology, play lists, timing, and all abundant details that go into creating our ceremony music. We made some mistakes but we pulled it off, learned some great lessons, and are ultimately happy we did it. Today it is not so unusual to hear about “iPod weddings”. Technology has made it a heck of a lot easier and, accordingly, there has been a marked uptick in interest from DIY Bride readers about going the DIY DJ route.

It is my great pleasure to introduce our newest contributor, Jason, who will be writing the DIY DJ column here, at DIY Bride. In addition to being my husband, Jason is also a contributor to the upcoming version 2 of the DIY DJ Guide [our first guide (released 2004) is woefully outdated and has been removed from the site]. His musical interests are vast; he listens to everything from Classical to Death Metal, ’80s Pop to Gregorian Chants, Bluegrass t0 Electronica — and beyond. (Ask him about his love for Mary Schneider, Australia’s Queen of Yodelling… )

Jason will be answering your questions about doing your own wedding music. Please feel free to submit your questions about play lists, equipment, technology, and all-things wedding music.

Hey DIY Bride:

My fi and I are going to do the iPod reception thing. We did a test run at our reception hall (our church’s hall) after a group meeting a few weekends ago and it sounded like crap. What did we do wrong?

-K&S

Hey K&S,

Having an iPod reception can work – and work well – but it needs some serious prep work and the right equipment. Before I can really answer your question, I have a few of my own for you:

• What equipment did you use? (iPod, laptop, PA system, speakers…?)
• How big (square feet) is the venue?
• How many guests will you have in that amount of space?
• What, exactly, sounded like crap? The acoustics? Your choice of songs? The sound quality of your speakers?

Until I know more here’s what you need for kick-ass sound:

1. The appropriate speakers/PA system and set-up for your venue size. An iPod and your laptop speakers aren’t going to cut it in most situations.
2. The right music.
3. Quality music files. Are your files CD quality? What bit rate were they ripped at? Is your playlist all at the same volume output?
4. A properly working iPod and cables.

Hit me back with your replies and we’ll revisit this.

Have a burning DIY question? Lay it on us, baby.