There is a lot of talk among the D.I.Y. set about cost-cutting measures for your wedding. One I overhear frequently is "don't get a DJ - use your iPod for reception music." This couldn't be a worse idea.

Think back to the last wedding reception you attended. What do you remember? The bride's dress? The type of flower? No. You remember if you had fun. And 9 times out of 10, "fun" is directly related to the entertainment.

A good DJ will not only play music - they will act as a Master of Ceremonies, keep the party going, make sure that everyone is where they need to be for important events (if you don't have a wedding coordinator!), and play music that the crowd responds to. If everyone is having a great time dancing to disco, will your iPod know that and keep playing more? No. (Not yet anyway, although I wouldn't but it past the geniuses at Apple to come up with that feature in the future!)

So how do you adjust your budget to get a good DJ? Take a look at your menu. Do you have a fruit and cheese platter during cocktail hour in addition to passed hors d'oeuvres? Cut it out. It is probably about the same price as a DJ. And I can guarantee that no one will miss it!

The video above was created by the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) showing what can happen when iPod weddings go bad. It's a bit long but I encourage you to watch it if you are considering this option. It's a real eye-opener. It turns in to a bit of a commercial for ADJA at the end, but the overall message is great.

(And no, your wedding coordinator will not run your iPod for you all night.)