Study Hall

Tips On How To Provide Flawless Wedding Audio

Weddings, more than other events, seem to be prone to audio issues. This unique experience must be flawless because you don't get a second chance.
This article is provided by Behind The Mixer.

Wedding horror stories abound.

They remain in the memory of the bride and groom (and their families…) and those memories often include anger, frustration, or anxiety.

When something goes wrong in a regular church service, you fix the problem and move on.

People might remember, but it’s usually no big deal.

The difference is that a wedding is a one time event.

I have been asked to run sound for weddings in two different ways. The first is when a friend says “I’m getting married, can you run sound at the wedding?”

The second is when I’m asked by someone in the wedding party or via the church secretary if I am available on a certain date to run sound for a wedding. No matter what the case, I know it’s time to get to work.

Running sound for a wedding can be much different from a church service. A videographer might want to tie into your mixer so he has a better audio track for his video.

Or, you might have to mic an instrumental quartet. Not only might you do things you normally don’t, you are dealing with new people, not to mention a new order of events that will keep you on your toes.

Where the Work Begins…
The most important detail you need, as soon as possible, is the name and phone number for the person in charge of the wedding service. This might be a hired wedding coordinator or the bride’s mother.

What’s important is that you know who they are, how to contact them, and that you are kept in the loop as to what is needed in the wedding and what is expected from you.

Meet with them well before the wedding rehearsal so you have all the information you need. Most importantly, make sure you are available if they have questions.

Once you know who is in charge of the wedding, meet with them to line up the event order and the requirements. This helps you get all your equipment in order, rent any equipment if necessary, and get copies of all pre-recorded audio.

If they have hired a videographer, contact that person and find out what requirements they might have that impacts your work. Ideally, after meeting with all of these people, you will know what you need, and have an order of events so you can plan your work.

An event schedule (order of events) is important because, just like your regular church service, you need to have everything cued up at the right time. I did a wedding once at a far away church I’d never seen.

Study Hall Top Stories