Why Professional AV Matters for Your Wedding
Your wedding is one of the most important events of your life, and the audio visual setup can make or break the experience. Guests who cannot hear the vows, a reception with muddy sound, or harsh overhead lighting instead of warm uplighting — these are problems that professional AV prevents. Chester County and the Main Line have stunning wedding venues, and the right AV production makes them shine.
Ceremony AV Essentials
The ceremony is the most important moment, and it requires careful audio planning:
Officiant microphone: A wireless lapel (lavalier) microphone clips discreetly to the officiant's collar. This is non-negotiable for outdoor ceremonies where wind and ambient noise compete with the speaker's voice. Even indoor ceremonies benefit from amplification so every guest can hear clearly.
Vow microphones: If you or your partner are writing your own vows, a second wireless microphone ensures every word is heard. A handheld microphone works well for this.
Musician or singer microphone: Live ceremony music (soloist, string quartet, guitarist) may need amplification depending on the venue size. A small, discreet speaker setup preserves the intimate feel while projecting sound to all guests.
Speaker placement: For outdoor ceremonies, place speakers to the left and right of the ceremony space, angled toward the seating. Avoid placing speakers behind the couple, which creates feedback and an unnatural sound direction for guests.
Reception Sound System
The reception needs a more robust sound system:
DJ or band sound: Your DJ or band will bring their own system in many cases, but not always. Confirm in advance. If you need to provide sound, a pair of powered speakers with a subwoofer covers most reception venues up to 200 guests. For larger venues, step up to a four-speaker system or compact line array.
Wireless microphones for toasts: Have at least one wireless handheld microphone ready for toasts, the father-daughter dance song introduction, bouquet toss announcements, and other emcee moments. Two microphones are better — one as a backup.
Cocktail hour music: If your cocktail hour is in a separate space from the reception, you need a second sound zone. A pair of compact speakers with a Bluetooth input or a small mixer works well for background music.
Wedding Lighting
Lighting transforms a venue more than almost any other element:
Uplighting: LED uplights placed around the perimeter of the reception space wash the walls with color. Match your wedding colors for a coordinated look. Warm amber uplighting creates a romantic, golden atmosphere. Cool blue or purple creates a modern, dramatic feel. Plan for one uplight every 6 to 8 feet around the room perimeter.
Pin spots: Small focused spotlights that illuminate centerpieces and the head table. These create dramatic visual interest and draw attention to your floral arrangements and table decor.
Dance floor lighting: Moving head lights, wash lights, or a simple mirror ball add energy and visual excitement to the dance floor. Coordinate with your DJ on lighting cues for key moments like the first dance and the hora.
String lights and bistro lights: For outdoor receptions or tented events, overhead string lights create a magical canopy effect. These are especially popular at Chester County barn venues and estate properties.
Outdoor vs Indoor Considerations
Chester County has both gorgeous outdoor properties and elegant indoor ballrooms. Each requires different AV planning:
Outdoor venues: Need weather-rated equipment, backup power source, longer cable runs, wind protection for microphones, and a rain contingency plan for equipment. Start planning outdoor AV earlier because setup takes longer.
Indoor venues: Check ceiling height for lighting rigging, identify power outlet locations, ask about any venue noise restrictions, and confirm load-in access for equipment cases and speaker stands.
Coordinating with Your DJ
If you are hiring a DJ separately from your AV provider, coordinate early:
- Confirm who is providing the sound system
- Confirm who is providing wireless microphones for the ceremony
- Discuss lighting — is the DJ bringing dance floor lighting, or is that part of the AV package?
- Share the event timeline so the AV team and DJ are synchronized
- Confirm who handles ceremony sound vs reception sound
Book Your Wedding AV
Harris Production Services provides complete wedding AV packages for Chester County and Main Line venues including West Chester, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Malvern, Media, and Downingtown. From ceremony microphones and uplighting to full reception sound and lighting production, we handle everything so you can focus on your celebration. Contact us for a free wedding AV quote.