The iPod Wedding Disaster

Online, April 19, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Newlyweds who try to save money by having an iPod provide their reception entertainment may be in for a rude awakening. Glitches and full blown technical difficulties that create temporary or permanent "dead air" (silence) are likely to occur. Preprogrammed song choices may not always connect with the crowd and volume levels may fluctuate wildly.

On one hand, the "jukebox" aspect of the iPod is interesting. It allows for eclectic, random musical changes and songs that might not necessarily go together. If you've ever been to a bar where the sound system plays Metallica one minute, Sinatra the next, you may have noticed a quirky charm to the unorthodox mix. However, according to the American Disc Jockey Association, the "idea is fraught with peril". The ADJA doesn't think that the small amount of money saved is worth the hassle and risk of having a lackluster reception with an iPod. They believe that hiring a talented DJ or other professional entertainer is the best way to ensure the success of a wedding reception.

Chicago DJ service Fourth Estate Audio adds, "Most of the songs on your iPod gradually fade out at the end, leaving anywhere from 10 to 15 seconds of dead silence between songs. Silence empties a dance floor like nothing else." Fourth Estate also points out that with most "do it yourself" iPod weddings, if catastrophic equipment failure should happen there is little if any back up. In this case, the party will be over sooner than later.

The dream of saving money with an iPod entails taking considerable risks that could have guests rushing for the exits before the night is over. After spending a considerable amount of time and money creating playlists, renting a sound system, setting it up and having someone watch over it, the savings may not be worth it. And if it doesn't work out, you may have to bear some responsibility. Perhaps not the best way to start on the road to matrimonial bliss.