Wedding Sound & Lighting Guide for 150 Guests
Planning sound and lighting for a 150-guest wedding? Here's what we'd recommend for the ceremony, speeches and evening reception.
For a wedding of around 150 guests, the sound system needs to suit the room and the different parts of the day. A small speaker may be enough for background music, but speeches, announcements and evening entertainment usually need wider, clearer coverage.
A live band playing to 150 guests in a carpeted hotel function room can need a very different setup from the same band playing in a marquee or stone-walled barn. This guide explains the main things to consider for the ceremony, speeches and evening reception.
1. Choosing the Right Sound System Size
For around 150 guests, you don't necessarily need a big PA. The venue makes a big difference, as does whether you're having a DJ, singer or live band in the evening. Lighting is also worth thinking about — a few well-placed lights can make a big difference once the evening reception gets going. We normally look at the ceremony, speeches and evening reception separately, then work out what equipment is needed for each.
The equipment needed for speeches and background music will usually be quite different from what is required for a DJ or live band. The size and layout of the room, along with its acoustics, will also affect how the system performs. The aim is to have enough power for clear sound without using more expensive equipment that is unnecessarily large for the venue.
2. Typical Sound System for a 150-Guest Wedding
For a wedding reception of around 150 guests, a typical PA system will usually include a combination of speakers, wireless microphones and a small mixing desk.
- Active Top Speakers: Positioned on stands to provide even coverage around the room. The size and number of speakers required will depend on the venue and how much coverage is needed.
- Subwoofer (where required): A subwoofer can add depth and impact to music, particularly for evening receptions and dance floors. The number and size required depend on the style of music and the venue.
- Mixing Desk: Allows microphones, music sources and other audio equipment to be connected and controlled from one location. The size of the mixer depends on the number of inputs required.
- Wireless Microphones: Useful for speeches and announcements, allowing speakers to move freely without trailing cables. The number required depends on the format of the speeches and ceremony.
3. Wedding Lighting for Around 150 Guests
Lighting can make a noticeable difference to an evening reception, but it does not need to be complicated. The right choice depends on the venue, the size of the room and whether you want simple room lighting or something more active around the dance floor.
- LED Venue Uplighting: Uplights can be positioned around the room to add colour to walls and other features without taking up much space.
- Dance Floor Lighting: Sound-activated or programmed lighting can add movement and colour around the dance floor once the evening entertainment starts.
- Simple Automatic Control: Some lighting systems can run automatically or respond to music, which can work well for Dry Hire when you do not want someone operating the lights throughout the evening.
4. Ceremony Sound vs Evening Reception
Wedding days often involve several different parts, and the sound requirements can change throughout the day. A small ceremony in a garden, a drinks reception and an evening party all have very different needs.
Some venues can use one system throughout the day, while others benefit from a separate smaller setup for the ceremony and a larger PA system for the evening reception.
The Ceremony & Drinks Reception
For daytime events, the aim is usually clear speech and background music without the equipment becoming the focus of attention.
- Compact Speakers: Smaller systems can work well for ceremonies, drinks receptions and background music, especially where space is limited or the setup needs to remain discreet.
- Wireless Microphones: A handheld, lapel or headset microphone can be used for vows, readings and announcements, depending on the type of ceremony.
- Music Playback: Ceremony music and background tracks can be managed easily throughout the day. Music can be played from a phone, tablet or other Bluetooth-enabled device using a Bluetooth audio receiver. The playback device should be connected and tested before guests arrive, so there are no last-minute problems finding the right track or cable, or getting the Bluetooth connection working.
The Evening Reception
Once the dancing starts, the requirements change. The right PA system depends on the venue, room size, acoustics and whether you are using a DJ or live band.
- DJ Setup: A typical wedding DJ setup may include active speakers, subwoofers, a mixer and the necessary connections for the DJ equipment. The system should be large enough to fill the room clearly without being pushed too hard.
- Live Band Setup: Bands usually require a larger system with more inputs, stage monitors and a mixing desk capable of handling multiple instruments and vocals.
5. Managing Sound Throughout the Day
Keeping Speeches Clear
Speeches can be one of the most important parts of a wedding reception, but they can also be challenging in a busy room. Guests talking, background noise from the bar and the acoustics of the venue can all affect how clearly people can be heard.
A suitable microphone and correctly positioned speakers will help ensure speeches and announcements are clear throughout the room. The right arrangement will depend on the venue size, layout and number of people attending.
Music Playback and Evening Entertainment
If you are providing your own music using a playlist, a suitable PA system allows you to connect your device and manage the music throughout the evening. For larger events, having the correct connections ready beforehand helps everything run smoothly.
If you are booking a DJ or live band, their requirements may be different. DJs often bring their own equipment, while bands usually need connections for multiple instruments, microphones and stage monitors. Larger live setups may also require a sound engineer to manage the mix during the performance.
6. Important Things to Check Before Your Wedding
Sound Limiters: Some venues have sound limiters that restrict the maximum volume allowed. It is worth checking this with your venue before booking equipment, especially if you are planning a DJ or live band in the evening.
PAT Testing & Public Liability Insurance: Many venues require suppliers to provide proof of electrical safety testing and Public Liability Insurance before the event. If your venue asks for proof of electrical safety testing or Public Liability Insurance, these should be available from your hire company before the event.
Cable Safety: All cables should be positioned safely and secured where necessary using suitable cable covers or professional tape. This helps keep walkways clear and reduces trip hazards around the venue.
Soundtech PA Hire provides wedding PA systems, microphones and lighting solutions for venues across Warrington, Cheshire, Manchester and Liverpool. Whether you need a simple ceremony system, speech microphones or a complete evening reception system, we can help recommend equipment to suit your venue and plans.