Most of us have attended weddings and other ceremonies where we could barely hear a word. We have had these experiences and been annoyed by them, so we feel it is very important to conduct weddings in such a way that everyone can hear what is being said.
Until recently, we could suggest only a couple of "fixes" for the problem. One was to see to it that chairs were set up in curving rows and as close to the front as possible. (This has the added benefit of making the guests feel they are in the midst of the action, and therefore a part of it.)
The other possibility was to ask the DJ (or sometimes the facility) to provide mikes and speakers for the ceremony. Sometimes this is not feasible, and it often is a significant added expense.
Now we are happy to say that we can provide a simple but very satisfactory PA system, one which can be rolled in (in a suitcase with rollers), as long as there is an outlet within 50 or 75 feet.
"How do we know if we need amplification for our ceremony?"
Here are some quick rules-of-thumb:
Indoor weddings: If there are more than seven or eight rows, there's a good chance the back rows will have trouble hearing, unless the space has very good acoustics.
Outdoor weddings: If there are more than about five rows, sound may be a problem. In addition, the calculations may need to be revised for any of the following reasons:
1) If there is noisy traffic nearby.
2) If there is likely to be wind.
3) If the area is open (say, an open field), rather than surrounded by trees. But if buildings or walls largely enclose the area, the acoustics may be improved, reducing the need for amplification. (On the other hand, we once did a wedding in the completely enclosed courtyard of a hotel (which shall be nameless!), where a hundred through-the wall air-conditioners, all running at once, created a deafening hum.)
4) If the rows of chairs cannot be placed fairly close to the front -- for instance in a stone amphitheater, where of course seating cannot be moved.
Our system, as presently configured, consists of a hand-held cordless mike, an amplifier, and a single speaker. We may eventually add an additional mike -- perhaps a clip-on.
Our modest sound system can be reserved in advance if you wish, or we can wait until the rehearsal to determine if you will really need it.
There is no charge for the use of this equipment.
