Weddings InStyle: Save money on your wedding music ....

Eliminating the DJ and having an "iPod wedding reception" CAN save money, BUT it takes more than just cuing up a playlist to pull it off successfully. Here are a few tips to help you.

We are asked all the time, how couples can save money on their wedding and where they can SAFELY cut costs?

One way to save money on a wedding reception is do-it-yourself music using a laptop, iPod or mp3 player. This can save about $600-$900 on the wedding budget, and also guarantees that the music played is a true representation of the couple and their musical tastes.

“Music is the universal language of mankind”

However, eliminating the band or DJ and simply cuing up a playlist does not guarantee things will go smoothly. After considering if an iPod Wedding Reception will work for you, follow these steps to it pull off InStyle.

Selecting the Wedding Reception Music

Prepare enough music to fill the entire time of the reception, downloading songs for the different parts of the reception, like cocktail and dinner hours, and slow and fast dancing. Also make sure to download special songs for the spotlight dances.

Keep in mind that music played throughout the evening should appeal to most of the guests. Pick songs for the wedding reception from a variety of decades and genres, from slow to fast songs. It’s better to have too much than too little music prepared.

Setting up Playlists

Once downloaded, arrange the music into playlists, and listen to make sure they flow well. In iTunes, go to “Preferences,” select “Playback” and adjust “Crossfade” to make sure one song will seamlessly fade into the next. - This step is CRUCIAL otherwise all the levels will be off and some songs will be louder than others...Basically as the song ends the volume lowers, it's just a way to make things sound better and the transition to the next song smoother.

Suggested Songs for a Wedding Reception Playlist

Depending on what is planned, playlists for the following are needed:

• Cocktail hour

• Introduction of the wedding party

•Dinner hour

•First dance, bride & father, groom & mother

•Dance music that appeals to everyone – more slow songs, oldies &

classics

•Upbeat dance music for later in the evening

•The last song

Introductions and Announcements

Ask a friend or family member in advance to fill the role of the “emcee.” Make sure this is someone who can be trusted. Depending on the formality and size of the wedding reception, this person’s duties would include any or all of the following:

• Introducing the wedding party and anyone giving a toast

• Announcing when it is time for dinner

• Announcing first dances

•Announcing the last song so guests are not caught off guard when the lights go up.

Be sure to give the emcee a script for the introductions, listing in order of introduction each person's role in the wedding, name and relations to the couple of each person.

In advance of the wedding day, create a timeline for the reception, and share this with the emcee, the wedding party and anyone giving a toast. During the reception, let these guests know at least a few minutes in advance when they need to line up for introductions, make their toast, gather for the wedding party dance, etc.

During the Reception

Select someone in advance to help keep an eye on the dance floor and rearrange songs if necessary to keep guests dancing. Having a designated person to do this should discourage other guests from tampering with the music.

Preparing for DIY wedding reception music can take a lot of time, effort and careful planning. However, if pulled off successfully, it can not only save some money but also create many memories for the bride, groom and their guests.

Don't forget the basket of flip flops to keep your guests comfortable AND dancing.