The ceremony is the highest pressure part of the day for me, and I have been doing this since 2012. Everything is quiet and formal, and any little flub feels multiplied. That is exactly why it is worth a few minutes of your attention now rather than a surprise on the day.
If you are having your ceremony on location, or on the grounds of your reception venue, there is a high probability you will need a ceremony sound system to cover the music and microphones so your guests can hear your officiant and your vows. Here is what that involves.
What Ceremony Coverage Includes
My ceremony coverage includes a small sound system with a lapel microphone for your officiant, a handheld wireless microphone for vows or readings, all music played during the ceremony, and pre-ceremony background music.
It is an area that often gets overlooked and becomes a bit of an afterthought. For a seamless ceremony, you really want somebody who knows what they are doing running the sound.
The Music: Three Songs to Choose
There are typically at least three songs the couple needs to pick before the wedding day:
- The song your wedding party walks down the aisle to.
- The bride’s processional.
- The recessional, played after you are announced married.
There are several other opportunities for songs if you want them, a separate song for the parents or grandparents processional, or music during a unity ceremony.
Lyrics or instrumental?
There are many versions of songs designed for weddings, or with a professionally recorded instrumental version. I recommend deciding whether you want your processional songs to have words, and then keeping it consistent. Both instrumental, or both with lyrics. Either is completely acceptable; mixing them is what feels off.
If you are going with lyrics, think about which words you want heard, or not heard, as you walk down the aisle. It might take a little finesse and timing, but a particular section of a song can easily be communicated to your DJ in advance.
The recessional is the fun one
For your recessional, it is usually best to have an upbeat, joyous song. You just got married and everybody is excited. It also sets the tone for your reception, so feel free to be creative with this one.
The Microphones
If you are not reading your own vows but repeating after your officiant, then only one microphone is needed. That will be a lapel microphone your officiant wears.
If you are reading your own vows and want everybody to hear you, a wireless handheld microphone will be provided. I find that holding the microphone gives the best results, though we can put it on a stand if you prefer. Usually the officiant keeps that mic accessible and hands it to the couple when the time is right.
If there are any readings, or anyone else needs to speak or sing during your ceremony, that is the microphone used for those as well.
No Power Needed, and No Speakers in Your Photos
My ceremony sound system is completely wireless and requires no power. That means I can provide sound at any location you like, including outdoors and away from outlets.
It also gives me the freedom to set up wherever makes the most sense to keep speakers out of your wedding photos. I usually set up behind your guests, in a corner, with the speakers facing forward.
What to Ask Whoever Is Running Your Ceremony Sound
- Do you provide a lapel microphone for the officiant and a handheld for vows?
- Does your ceremony system need power, or is it battery operated?
- Where will the speakers be set up, and will they be in photographs?
- Who is cueing the music, and how do we agree on timing beforehand?
These are small questions with large consequences on the day.
Let’s Talk Through Your Ceremony
I have been handling ceremony sound at weddings across the Wichita area since 2012, and I would rather over-prepare than have a surprise during your vows. If you would like to walk through your ceremony plan, check availability and I will get back to you personally. You can also learn more about wedding DJ services from HiFi Productions, or read about planning your reception timeline.