Six Sound & Lighting Essentials for Weddings
Posted on: 18th August 2021
There are many factors to consider when planning a wedding or life event. Where is it set? Will there be speeches or live entertainment? Some things are easier to cater for than others with every event requiring a unique sound, look and feel depending on the occasion.
Whether you’re expanding your hire stock to provide more choice to your customers or specifying an AV installation into a venue, quality is key. The last thing anyone wants when plucking up the courage to give a speech is an unreliable mic or sound system that makes you sound like a stuttering Dalek. With that in mind, we've put together a list of must-have essentials for weddings and life events:
1. Microphones
Radio, Wired, Instrument
For a wedding party, a microphone isn’t always necessary; however, it’s always nice to have the option, especially if you’re not used to public speaking. For bands, DJs and MCs, whether they’re using an installed system or hiring it from you, microphones will be dropped, abused and used improperly, and expected to perform regardless. We cannot stress just how important it is to choose a professional microphone for live events, especially if it’s a wireless microphone system. Skimping on a wireless system in locations with busy radio signals can, at best, cause distracting blips in sound and, at worst, muddle or clip the sound completely.
2. Source & Control
DJ, Mixers, Source playback
Getting the party started doesn’t need to be complicated. For small affairs, a simple rack mounted mixer and CD player can handle a microphone input and premixed playlist. However, nothing quite fills the dancefloor like a banging DJ or band with all the equipment to back them up. By investing in the latest DJ equipment or building a comprehensive inventory of mixing and source electronics, you can mix and match your hire stocks to suit almost any event.
3. Loudspeakers
Active, Passive, All-in-One
It goes without saying that without speakers, everything we've just spoken about is pretty useless. When it comes to investing in speakers for live events there are a few trains of thought: portability, power and convenience. For ultra-portability, active, all-in-one and battery powered speakers provide a convenient mix of HF and LF sound which are great for solo performances; whereas, passive speakers tend to offer more power and flexibility when used as part of a mixer / amplifier set up. This could be of greater benefit to bands and performers who want more control over their sound.
4. Lighting
Battery, Effects, Moving
One of the most powerful tools for events is lighting. Architectural and battery powered fixtures can be used to passively shape a space or match a theme; performance lighting and spots can highlight a particular person, object or area; and moving lights and multipurpose fixtures can create dazzling eye candy and mid-air effects. And, with so many affordable options available, it's never been easier to build your lighting stock.
5. Atmospherics
Smoke, Haze, Bubbles
Nothing quite sets the scene like immersive atmospherics. From a curtain of colourful bubbles to the ‘walking on clouds’ first dance effect, atmospherics can completely transform a space into something spectacular and unforgettable. And the best thing? They’re relatively affordable and super simple to use, making them a must have investment for your hire and events arsenal.
6. Ancillary
Speaker Stands, Mic Stands, Clamps
The bread and butter of any production or performance, investing early on in high quality stands, clamps and mounting equipment is always a sound choice. Not only is ancillary equipment essential for efficiently building out a set and making it look good, it also serves to protect your equipment long-term from being kicked, dropped or otherwise knocked about.
7. BONUS - White Equipment
Planning for a white wedding? Why not match the décor with a selection of performance equipment finished in brilliant white? As well as blending in seamlessly with brightly decorated venues to avoid distracting from the main event, white fixtures can also be used to intentionally add contrast to a set up.
Whether you're new to the world of weddings or you're a seasoned pro, our technical team are here to support you in building your business. Give us a call on 01525 85005 or email sales@leisuretec.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
