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Unfortunately many couples forget that the entertainment side quite possibly is the most important aspect of any couple's reception. An Ipod or laptop will not grab the microphone and announce the bride and groom into the reception area should the MC not be in the room or has no idea of what needs to be said or formalities which follow.

This is something that we at Durban Dj’s cannot understand why couples opt for this option as when you weigh up the costs of a ‘dry hire and risks that are involved’ as opposed to hiring a professional Dj:

Budget - At face value the cost of opting for this route and purchasing every song required for your special day via ITunes and hiring the equipment required will probably cost less than having a Dj on-site.

Cheese music - Some couples do not enjoy the cheesy music aspect of a wedding, hence going the Ipod/ laptop route gives them the option as to whether to include the fun cheese music or not.

Microphone work - Having an experienced speaker who talks clearly into the microphone is great. You have total control over what is said.

Budget - Should a speaker be dropped or fall due to lack of experience in setting up the equipment you have just hired, whom your new step-brother believes he knows everything about sound equipment, you may get a nasty surprise. Powered speakers which is what normally goes out by various hiring companies, particularly the JBL series cost in excess of R24,000 per speaker. It would have been cheaper to hire a Dj who has the experience in setting up gear correctly.

Song Selection - What would happen if your Ipod crashes or laptop just won’t switch on? Do you have a backup? Are you 100% sure that all your tracks work and that there is no foul language. If your music selection does not get the party going will you step in and mix the music up or play other music?. Your parents want to hear a golden oldie that you forget about, do you have the song?

Microphone work - Not having someone who is comfortable talking into a microphone and mumbles can make it hard for you and your guests to hear what he or she is saying. The speaker could be rude or offend someone. He could swear...  he could decide to talk for hours...

Your requirements matched to the letter - Having control over what music is played and going the Ipod/ laptop option is understandable however don’t all Dj’s meet with the couples to discuss music? To find out your likes and dislikes? Does the Dj not request or allow you to submit a comprehensive list of music that you wish to have played? Although some Dj’s do not agree to this, they are normally happy to accommodate you. If they are not interested in your requirements or requests on music DONT HIRE THEM!

Every Dj is different - In essence each and every Dj is different, whether it is song choice, style of music, appearance or general demeanour. This makes choosing a Dj so important based on your requirements, likes and dislikes.   If you have partied your teenage years away in clubs and want a club sound and feel, look for a Dj that has club experience. If you enjoy rock and alternative, again look for someone who has the appropriate experience and so forth. Don’t be shy in testing your Dj's music knowledge when meeting with them. Dj’s who offer to do your wedding for cheap-cheap, be careful, does he or she have the know-how and reliable equipment to ensure there are no problems.  Does your Dj know that falling over behind the Dj box due to excessive consumption of liquor is a big no-no at a wedding? Make sure you are comfortable with who you choose and that he is professional in how he deals with you, your partner and fellow suppliers.

Crisp and clear announcements - Using an Ipod/ laptop and having a microphone in-place is great however, an experienced wedding Dj, who has done weddings in the past, is well-versed in making announcements that are clear, crisp and to the point. Your Dj has the ability to make or break a party, whether it is poor song selection or bad announcements that offend or embarrass you. Some Dj’s prefer not to talk at all, others will talk the night away on the microphone which can become irritating when he keeps talking over your favourite song. We at Durban Dj’s believe that the music should do the talking, make announcements when needed and don’t steal the thunder from the MC! Making good, clear announcements takes years of experience and sometimes your MC or friend simply does not have the knowledge in this regard.

Having a flexible DJ - As we all appreciate that even the best thought out plans can go astray. Many couples over the years have told us they know their guests and what music they like a hundred times. Very rarely have they actually been correct in this regard. An Ipod or laptop cannot read your crowd and change the music because guests are leaving or sitting down looking bored. An experienced Dj has the ability to read the crowd and get a feel for the party, your guests and music which would be beneficial to get the party going. Dj’s work with the flow of music creating a seamless sound and ensure that your music requirements are catered for along with adding value to the song selection by adding songs that he or she knows are familiar favourites and that keep your guests happy, it comes down to experience. Hiring a Dj who you heard play for an hour, I’m sure would have been fantastic but how was he after hearing him play for five or six hours?

Ipod versus DJ the costs - To break it down for you here is a comparison between a Dj being present and a Ipod. Cost to hire a Dj with equipment between R4,000 and R5,000 per SABIA’S in-depth study of the wedding industry.  This is for 5 to 6 hours of playing time, equipment, lighting, travel, wireless microphones, reception and ceremony. Not to forget Liability Insurance in case the place burns to the ground. The Dj will more than likely have a backup plan should something go wrong with equipment as even the best maintained gear can give problems. Your Dj will liaise with the MC to ensure you run according to your requirements and schedule. If the music needs to be changed, he will be able to change it quickly and seamlessly. Your Dj will more than likely have a spare set of experienced hands to move a speaker if needed and carry equipment in and out of the venue. IF your Dj blows up a speaker he would cover the costs to repair and/ or replace. If a speaker was to fall his Liability Insurance would cover any medical claims made against him.

Cost to hire an Ipod setup - 2 powered speakers with stands, cabling required, and a microphone R1,500 all-in and a R750 deposit. Unlimited playing time depending on the size of your music collection. No equipment insurance as you become responsible for the gear, no travel (do you have a big enough vehicle to carry the equipment?). No lighting, wireless microphone (don’t drop it as they can break and that will set you back another R3,000 to get it replaced as most Dj’s use good quality microphones. You decide where you need to setup the sound and if it’s a hot day/ afternoon, make sure you have a spare shirt to change into after moving the equipment and setting up. No liability insurance, cross your fingers that nothing blows up and no-one gets injured from a speaker falling because you put it in a bad place/ on uneven ground and don’t have the correct speaker’s stands which can be adjusted to accommodate an uneven floor.

Worst case scenario everything goes wrong, speakers fall and get damaged or you blow the speakers up and the microphone is thrown around and breaks. Well your Ipod wedding now costs you in excess of R80,000 in repairs and replacement.

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