Whether you have 40 guests or 400 at your wedding, the venue's sound system is an important element of the ceremony and celebrations. Everyone wants to hear you say "I do," even if your voice is a little shaky with emotion. And they want to dance afterward to music that moves the soul without being uncomfortably loud. To achieve this balance, many wedding venues provide a robust sound system with ample components and built-in controls to modulate sound to fit each moment of your special event.
Before you reserve the space for your big day, verify how the sound system is set up and how that matches your vision of a beautiful ceremony and reception.
During the Ceremony
The PA system should accommodate both the spoken word and music. A single microphone, usually a lapel mic, is for the officiant. Ask the wedding hall managers to show or tell you if an additional mic will be needed if you and your soon-to-be spouse will be reciting vows to each other, or if other speakers will be involved in the ceremony. During the rehearsal, make sure that the sound system operator is available and that you use the system so that everyone is comfortable using the microphones before the actual ceremony.
For recorded music, work with the wedding planner to select a playlist, or provide the a disc with the music you've selected and edited yourself. Live music will need a different set-up, including one or more microphones to accommodate vocalists and instrumentalists. An experienced sound system operator can arrange microphones and chairs, if necessary, for the musicians based on your description of what they will perform. But you'll have the best results if the musicians are available during rehearsal to fine-tune the setup and adjust the sound levels.
During the Reception
The best arrangement of speakers in the venue's reception hall puts the speakers at ear level, or slightly higher so that the sound is distributed evenly instead of leaving folks at the back straining to hear what's being said. Ask for a demonstration when you visit the venue to decide if you'll book it for the big date.
A single microphone near the front table is usually sufficient for those who are making announcements and comments. In a large hall, the venue may also provide remote microphones so that toasts may be made by guests at the tables where they are seated.
A seasoned sound system operator will be ready to play your prerecorded music for the rest of the celebration, and also coordinate with other professionals if you're providing your own wedding DJ.
Visit venues like Le San Michele if you have more questions about the sound system and other features at your wedding venue.
Share15 November 2017
Over the years, I have been the maid-of-honor in nearly 20 weddings and planned a wedding of my own. All of the weddings that I have been in have allowed me to learn a lot about what works well and what complicates matters and sets a wedding up for disaster. Here on my blog you will find tips to make your wedding planning easier and advice for planning the wedding of your dreams. You will learn how to prepare for disasters and how to handle yourself when one arises. Hopefully by the time you reach the conclusion, you will have new ideas sparked and be ready to take on this big challenge.
