Brides! Here is a primer on audio visual needs for your wedding events.
Typically, weddings involve three events that require audio visual needs.
Rehearsal Dinner
Usually a projector and screen to play a PowerPoint or video presentation. Audio is required for this event so do NOT use the projector speaker for your audio. A small but high quality audio PA will give you the best results. Also, you will need a wireless microphone to make toasts.
Wedding Ceremony
If outdoors, a wireless lapel microphone should be used for the officiant. It may be quiet outside one moment but wind can blow your vows the opposite direction of your family as well as make the trees become very loud. This is especially true for a beach wedding ceremony, as the ocean waves can be surprisingly loud.
Wedding Reception
Often a reception starts with a short cocktail hour somewhere close to the reception hall. You will need to plan on music playing in that environment, usually pre-recorded music through a small PA system. This is almost always separate from the BAND or DJ music setup. Bands and DJs almost always come with their own equipment. There is also a growing trend for Do-it-Yourself DJ setups. In this case, you would want to rent a PA system from a competent audio equipment rental company that can set up an easy to use setup that your groomsmen and guests can use with their smart phones or other devices.
A Note About Video
When it comes to video, if you want a multi-camera representation (aka PROFESSIONAL), then you will want an experienced video company. The ceremony in its entirety is a minimum. You may also want interviews from the Bride and Groom and words from friends. Another trend is for friends to create their own videos on their personal devices and then they can send them to the video team that is editing the footage for the events. Also, those friends that cannot attend can have an impact using this same technique.
Usually, a friend of the Bride or Groom will create the presentation for the Rehearsal Dinner. Getting those clips of friends on that presentation for the rehearsal dinner is an awesome addition. It can be played again during the reception dinner.
That’s a quick rundown. For more details or questions, please contact us.