How to Have Outdoor Wedding Music With a Microphone
Having an outdoor wedding can be a beautiful and magical occasion. Whether you have picked the location of your dreams or are having the reception in your back yard, an outdoor wedding can be romantic, memorable and fun for your guests. If you are planning to have music that is amplified with a microphone, a little forethought needs to go into the setup. There won’t be electrical outlets among the trees, so you’ll have to plan accordingly.
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Instructions
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Outdoor Wedding With a Disc Jockey
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Hire a disc jockey, especially if you are planning a large wedding. You will need adequate amplification for music outdoors, which requires the microphone and amplifiers. The cost difference between purchasing all the equipment and learning how to operate it yourself compared with hiring a DJ makes the DJ much more cost-effective.
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Choose a reception area that will have adequate electricity. While it is romantic to get married in the middle of the woods, most likely there will be nowhere to plug in an amplifier or DJ equipment. Most places that offer outdoor reception areas will be able to provide adequate electricity. Be sure to check before planning or booking your reception.
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Consult with your DJ about the logistics of the reception area and the size of the wedding. A large wedding will require more movement, so ask the DJ about the use of wireless microphones. Not only can they amplify your music, they can also amplify the vows and toasts so you can be heard by your guests.
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Talk with the DJ about hiring a band in addition to using the DJ's services. You have much more creative license with an outdoor wedding, so make it as creative as possible. The live band will still need to be amplified and miked, so consult with your DJ first.
DIY Outdoor Music
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Use a generator that has an output of approximately 4,500 watts of power, if you are in an area that has inadequate or no electricity. Otherwise, 120V plug-ins will be needed to adequately set up a sound system.
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Set up a personal amplification system. A PA will come with a mixer, and its job is to amplify the sound that you are already producing. For an outdoor reception, this will be a must so that music and speaking can be heard.
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Match PA speakers with the PA system. Subwoofers with a PA system are best, but they will not be included with the PA system and will have to be purchased separately.
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Load a laptop with the music you would like for your wedding. Attach the music to the amplifier so it can be played through the PA system. For karaoke tracks, singing and speaking through the microphone, consider using a wireless microphone for an outdoor event.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are getting married in a public place, make sure a permit is not required to do so. Many public beaches and parks will require a permit.
Rent tents or canopies for your guests and the band in case of rain. If it is a particularly sunny day, tents will be helpful as well for shade.
Depending on location, check the local ordinances for noise restriction laws before booking or hiring anyone. Noise restrictions may prevent you from playing music late at night or playing the music loudly. Always check first.
References
Resources
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