Providing a Sound System for Your Reception

If you’re planning an intimate or indoor wedding with good acoustics, your guests will probably hear everything easily. But for a large number of guests, or an outdoor wedding, you may need a little boost. Other variables, such as a soft spoken officiant or hearing impaired guests, could also affect what you need.  But whose job is it?

Can you hear me now?
A wedding sound system usually includes speakers, a mixing board, and microphones.  If you are marrying outside, you will also want to rent power generators so that your equipment doesn’t fail halfway through!  Specify that you want cordless or lapel microphones if you will be using them during the ceremony to ensure that the equipment won’t be too obtrusive.

Confused by all the terminology? Enlist a knowledgeable friend or relative to help, and tell them what you think you will need. As with your other vendors, make sure that the contract for a sound system spells out exactly what type of equipment you will be renting, as well as any delivery, set up, and cancellation fees.

Testing, testing…
Your venue might already have a system in place for you to use. Determine exactly what type of equipment will be provided and test it in advance. DJs, who also often provide the sound system,  are best for couples who mainly want to ensure that the music and speeches are loud enough, while sound rental companies are better for more extensive needs, and can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to just under a thousand.

Sound advice.
Appoint a go-to person to make sure that the equipment is correctly delivered and set up on your wedding day. Choose a technophile who can help if any issues arise and remember to thank him or her with a special gift after the wedding.  If you will need a sound system in two different locations (at your ceremony and reception, for example) have family members ready to move the gear for you or be prepared to rent two sets of equipment.