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Navigating the world of audio equipment for your wedding seems, well, scary, but it's all about striking the perfect balance between quality sound and budget-friendly choices! In an era where DIY is not just a choice but a statement, understanding the nuts and bolts of speaker wattage and system features becomes key to crafting an event that sounds as good as it looks. Whether you're contemplating the need for microphones for heartfelt speeches, pumping the jam with a dance floor light show, or deciding between one or multiple speakers for that immersive sound experience, this guide is your first step to making informed, cost-effective decisions for your big day's soundtrack.
Balancing Cost & Quality:
While high quality sound is great, it is certainly not the biggest focus of your day. Sorry, DJ friends. We still love you, but we have to be real with our couples. Especially those who are looking to save on costs where they can! When it comes down to it - it’s a wedding, not an opera and not a rock concert.
In general, you want to make sure your music is loud enough, is generally clear enough, and easy and convenient enough to operate on your own without a PhD.
While a top of the line sound system can guarantee top quality sound and volume, it will also be guaranteed to come in with a hefty price tag and a steep learning curve to boot. Luckily for you, Brides & Grooms, it’s 2024! And, there are plenty of easy to operate systems that will provide you with a perfectly acceptable level of sound quality without the crazy price or complicated set-up!
Modern technology offers excellent, user-friendly options that provide satisfactory sound without the complexity or cost. There are three basic features you want to consider:
Portability: Lightweight, battery-powered speakers offer flexibility
Connectivity: Bluetooth and aux inputs allow easy music management
Convenience: Look for systems with built-in EQ and volume control via smartphones, plus plug-and-play microphones for speeches
Sound Bite Basics: Understanding Why Wattage Matters
Small Events: For smaller indoor events with fewer than 100 guests, a sound system with a total output of 200-300 watts should suffice. This range ensures that music and announcements are clearly audible without overwhelming the space.
Outdoor environments pose a unique challenge due to the lack of walls to contain and bounce sound back to the audience. For small outdoor gatherings, aim for a speaker system with 300-400 watts of power. This wattage helps the sound carry effectively, making sure that speeches and background music are enjoyable for all.
Large Events: On the other end of the spectrum, larger gatherings, especially those with 200 or more attendees, demand a more robust setup. Speakers with a total output ranging from 500 to 1,000 watts or more will guarantee that your sound is evenly distributed throughout the venue, ensuring no one misses out on the festivities.
Larger outdoor events will require significantly more power to combat sound dispersion, with 1,000 watts or more being ideal to cover wider areas and maintain audio quality.
Whether large or small, if you are looking for a bigger/fuller sound in general, we recommend that you opt for several speakers that pair or connect to each other. For most groups two will do the job!
Our Humble Suggestions:
We're not the audio gurus you'd find hunched over mixing boards, but trust us, we've seen our fair share of what works (and what certainly doesn't) at weddings. Being the go-to person when things get tricky means we've picked up a thing or two about making a good sound setup happen. Sure, DJs might push for going pro, but let's be real – with today's tech, getting your tunes right doesn't always need a big-budget expert. So, for those of you looking to DIY your wedding playlist, we're totally on board and here to share some speaker system picks that won't let you down.
Ion Audio Block Rocker XL (220 W with Microphone):Ideal for its decent sound quality, long reliable battery life, and easy mobility, this unit is perfect for even a large outdoor event, especially if you pair it with second unit. It even includes and easy to operate microphone and will seamlessly pair with your phone via blue tooth so you can control everything - EQ, volume, and playlist, right from your device! It's a real one stop-shop with ease of use and convenience of features getting top marks from us.
JBL PartyBox100: Offers excellent sound quality, battery operation, and mic inputs, along with a dynamic light show. JBL has been a trusted name for year and their items are always highly rated with their large user base which is why this slightly higher priced item remains a staple on our list. The fun light show, big base options, and clear sound, even at high volumes make this a solid choice.
Moukey Karaoke Machine: This 12" Woofer PA System offers 2 wireless microphones, built in party lights and echo/treble/bass adjustment. While the most expensive unit on our list, it earns it's spot by being a one-stop shop with consistently high reviews. If you and your future spouse plan on hosting backyard BBQs, lake parties, or karaoke nights, this unit is very well worth the little extra you will spend.
JYX Karaoke Machine with Microphones: An economical choice that comes with 2 microphones and disco lights. While one unit deal for small to medium indoor settings, we love that you can easily and economically connect TWO of these machines via bluetooth for an awesome, easy to set-up surround sound feel.
JYX Big BlueTooth Party Speaker: Ideal for large groups and outdoor events, this JYX Party speaker and karaoke machine comes with 2 mics and is larger and more powerful that the other JYX option listed above with 500 powerful watts of sound. Users love just how loud this unit gets and how easy it is to work, while its dual party lights make it look totally awesome.
QFX PBX-61081 Rechargeable Portable Speaker. This little gem is another great speaker for those looking for ultimate portability and savings. Like the JYX Karaoke machine, you can connect a second unit seamlessly for a surround sound experience with enough punch to accommodate a medium size group.
Pyle Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker System - 2000W - 2000 watts of big, bold sound this is a great outdoor/large space speaker system. With this unit you get tons and tons of sound, microphone capability, party lights and portability in one machine. While it does offer bluetooth connectivity, we recommend using a aux cable to avoid any undesirable static interference.
Pyle Wireless Portable PA Speaker System - 700 Watts - Like its big brother above, this Pyle system packs a powerful punch. Battery powered, rechargeable speakers with an easy to use microphone, bluetooth, and a fun DJ light globe on top, you can't go wrong with this highly rated party on wheels.
JYX 66PRO Karaoke Machine - This isn't the system for a raging dance floor but if looking for the perfect way to mic your outdoor ceremony -this little guy does the trick with no fuss. With 2 wireless microphones and out-of-the-box ease, it's a great option for light weight needs at an awesome price point.
DIY Wedding Music Add Ons: Mics & Lights
If you end up purchasing a system that doesn't come with any additions - such as a microphone or lighting feature, you may need to buy one or both depending on your needs. Luckily, they won't break the bank. You can literally buy these items for far less than you would pay to rent them nowadays, if you know where to look! Here are a few of our super affordable favorites:
You can't go wrong with this 3 pack of party lights; you can easily switch between lighting themes and set the mood with 7 different settings. Just plug them in and use their remote to change the settings. It literally couldn't be easier or more affordable.
If you need a battery operated option, this 2 pack of fun DJ lights is the perfect solution. They also make a 4-pack which would be better suited for a larger space.
If you want to take the party up a notch, you should check out this awesome laser projector. (However, as a planner, if you are going this route, I have to insist that you consider a couple accoutrements that I deem necessary....As a professional that is. First, you will need to check out this economical pack of 100 glow sticks, as well as these giant foam glowies, if the budget allows. I mean, you just saved hundreds of dollars on a DJ, why not treat yourself and your guests for a job well done?!)
The Marengo wired mic is an economical option that will take care of speeches and your ceremony with no problem.
This "Singing Machine" brand mic comes slightly higher rated than the Marengo, but you can be sure that both will get the job done.
Armed with the lowdown on speaker wattage and oodles of suggestions, you're all set to nail your wedding tunes like a pro. If you missed our other post, "DIY Wedding Music: Everything You Need To Know About Skipping the DJ and Making Your Own Wedding Playlists" be sure to check it out. We will make sure you feel 100% confident going the DIY route for your big day.
If you're hunting for the perfect playlist or just need a kickstart, be sure to check out our premade playlists. They're free and perfect to use as is or to spark your own playlist genius. There is a playlist for every style and we're always adding more to our collection.
And hey, why go it alone? Jump into our Facebook group, The I Do Club, to get your hands on all the planning goodies and chat with other couples who are in the same boat. It's all about making planning fun and sharing the journey with folks who get it. (Like, really, really get it!)
Happy Planning,
Jillian
I'm big on being transparent: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Rest assured, all opinions and recommendations whether affiliate links or not are based on my genuine belief in their value.
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