The sound equipment that is required for your wedding or event is called ‘AV’, or ‘production’. Audio Visual requirements can include Speakers, Microphones, Lighting, and many other expensive pieces of equipment. In today’s article, we’re going to take a look at wedding audio.
Part 1: What is it?
Wedding audio can be as simple as a speaker on a tripod stand with a microphone for a ceremony officiant, or as complex as the massive systems you see at stadiums and concert halls, and everything in-between.
Part 2: Why do we need it?
At the very least, you’re likely going to need some sound re-enforcement for speeches. Talking to a large group is hard enough without having to yell across the dining room. Plus, whats a wedding without a little music? Unless your wedding entertainment is an acoustic guitar around a bonfire, your DJ or band will need some audio equipment to project the sound to your guests. A professional audio technician will also be required to control the sound throughout the evening.
Part 3: How much do we need?
A very small reception hall/dining room may only require a single speaker to amplify a keyboard, a vocalist, or the DJ. For a larger event, more equipment would be required.
For Example, Speeches during dinner service. Typically, the couple would like all the guests to be able to hear every word. That includes the head table, all the way back to the kids table at the back. A greater number of speakers will provide greater coverage.
Part 4: Who provides it?
The Venue, The band or a 3rd party company will handle the wedding production.
Top bands and DJ will typically offer to handle the production for you. A production fee will be provide by the DJ, Band or venue
Pro Tip: Watch out for any quotes that don’t mention an AV or production! Certain groups may try to hide the pricing during the booking process and surprise you with a hefty bill down the road. “Is production included in this quote?’ should be on your question list.
Part 5: What’s AV is the most common?
For a typical wedding reception with 80 guests or more, the following audio production would be standard minimum.
2 Main Speakers These 2 ‘front of house’ speakers are where all the speech audio, the DJ music, and the band will project through
2 Subwoofer Speakers For the DJ or band, this is where you get the strong low end bass sound that gets people on the dance floor.
Wireless Microphone For speeches and singing, mics are required.
Mixing Console The brains of the operation. Speakers receive the audio from the microphones, band, and DJ.
Audio Technician The pro that will make everything sound alright, all night.
Of course there is much more involved including Hardware, Cabling etc. The good news is, whoever handles production needs to take care of all the above.
Part 6: Lighting
Event lighting and projector screens are the ‘visual’ in audio visual. Lighting could include anything from colourful flashing lights on the dance floor, to decor/uplighting around the room. Most venues will dim the house lighting once the dance floor opens, so stage lighting or dance floor lighting is a necessity.
Ask your venue or entertainment about what lighting options are available, and if there are different rates for different packages.