DIY: DJ

Because our venue is fairly small and we're only inviting about 110 folks, and because of the added expense we've opted not to go with a DJ, but rather to use a laptop and iTunes.
*gasp!*
Don't worry, we're not crazy.
...
At least, not so crazy that we don't know what we're doing. From all the research that I've done on the subject, I've determined that it's possible as long as there are a few factors put into play:

- Plan, plan, and plan some more. Make sure that if you do separate playlists (ceremony, dinner, dancing) that they are long enough to cover the activity involved. When in doubt, overestimate.
- Have a set (and small) number of people designated to touch the computer. There is to be no "meh, I'm Joe Schmoe and I don't like this song so I'm going to skip ahead!".
We'll be launching a website soon, and when we do we'll have a page where people can request their favorite songs to be played with only one guideline: if it will offend Grandma, we're not going to play it.
- Have a back-up. In our case, an iPod and iPod player. Given the small space, we'll be able to make it happen.

One of the reasons for having a DJ that we're still working on is that the DJ often acts as the Master of Ceremonies. There are really only about a half dozen announcements that need to be made; introduction of the couple, that everyone can eat, that we're cutting the cake, the first dance, the father/daughter dance, the tossing of the bouquet and garter, and that everyone needs to get their groove on.

We don't want this duty to be so prohibitive that whomever is doing it can't enjoy the party, so perhaps this is grounds for splitting it between two people. Though of course, whenever that happens, there is the risk for communication breakdown. But that's what lists are for!
We'll see. It'll all make sense as we move forward in the planning process.