I heard about this article about Spotify on Offbeat Bride and had to go read more about it…

http://offbeatbride.com/2013/01/spotify-at-wedding

This article recommends using Spotify instead of a wedding DJ. I was assuming I’d be upset after reading it, but before I was even done, I was smiling. Reading the author’s own words, if he thought Spotify was easier than hiring a professional, he’s on crack!

“What you’ll need:

  • To use Spotify for your wedding, you’ll need the PAID version.
  • An iPod Touch. You could probably use a phone, but if someone calls you during the ceremony, even a telemarketer, it could ruin everything.
  • Speakers or access to a sound system. We used a small sub with two peripheral computer speakers — a setup easily connected to an iPod via auxiliary cord.
  • A responsible person to control the tunes — someone you trust, who understands how to use an iPod.”

Ok, first buy Spotify, not too expensive, and an iPod touch isn’t hard to track down (since a call on your phone during your ceremony could be a bit disruptive), then you need to rent a professional PA system, they didn’t mention you need a lavaliere mic for the officiant, as well as someone that actually knows how to run the equipment, so the segues/transitions will be seamless and professional.

 “4. Set the playlist so that it’s available offline on the mobile device of your choosing. If you’re using a iPod Touch, you need wi-fi long enough to “download” the playlist. Spotify lets you download temporary files to your iPod which last 30 days, at which point you’ll lose access and have to log back in and re-download.”

Ooops, that would be awkward to open your playlist and have it GONE.

“5. Test your setup wherever you plan to have the ceremony, preferably with some of the same songs you’ll be using to see how they sound and how loud they should be.

6. Designate a responsible person to control the music. Give your music person a script and a copy of the playlist in advance so they have time to study their cues and familiarize themselves with the music. By giving him his cues the night of the rehearsal rather than earlier, we inadvertently caused him more stress than was necessary.”

Am I just crazy here, “designate a responsible person” to do a sound check, play all the right songs at the right time, fade them out at the appropriate time, run professional equipment, and set up and break down the equipment.  Will this person know what to do if there’s feedback?  If the officiant doesn’t turn on the mic? What’s the “plan b” if the computer locks up?  How is this “easier” than hiring a professional DJ?!

For a DJ that cares about your wedding as much as you do, call Party Pam!