Why You Should Hire a Portable Sound System and Wireless Microphones for Your Wedding
Wedding season is here, and whether you're planning an outdoor ceremony, an intimate indoor affair, or a destination celebration, clear and reliable audio can make or break the moment. We revisited the insights of four experienced Auckland celebrants to find out what really matters when it comes to wedding sound systems, wireless microphones, and how to make your day run smoothly.
If you're a wedding planner, bride, groom, or celebrant, this is your must-read guide to getting the sound right on the big day.
Don’t Go Without a PA System — Especially Outdoors
All four celebrants agree: the biggest complaint from wedding guests is not being able to hear the ceremony. Kathrine explains, “Outdoor venues often come with background noise like wind, waves, waterfalls, or other park users. A portable PA system and wireless mic are essential so your guests don’t miss a word.”
Mel adds, “I never do a ceremony without a sound system. Even premium wedding venues often don’t include a PA system for the ceremony as part of their package. Couples should confirm whether the celebrant brings one or be prepared to hire a wedding sound system themselves. Fortunately, Edwards Sound hires out professional PA systems for exactly this purpose.”
Kathrine offers a practical tip: “Make sure your sound system hire includes the rehearsal. You’ll want to test the microphone, your ceremony music, and ensure everything is compatible. Edwards has always been great at allowing hire to cover both the rehearsal and the wedding day.”
Handheld Wireless Microphones vs Lapel Mics
When it comes to choosing a microphone, the celebrants unanimously favour wireless handheld microphones over lapel mics.
Mel explains, “Lapel mics on the groom – so guests can hear the vows – might seem clever, but they pick up every private comment too. With a handheld mic, I can control what guests hear and maintain a smooth flow.”
She continues, “I use a Focus 505 PA system with a wireless handheld mic. It has excellent range and clarity, and I can pass the mic to readers, the MC, or even hold it up to the couple during vows so they can stay connected by holding hands.”
Kathrine adds, “Even when couples want private vows, I speak them line by line into the mic for the guests to hear, while the couple repeats them to each other. It keeps everyone engaged without compromising intimacy.”
Hide the Gear, Not the Sound
No one wants speakers or mic stands ruining the wedding photos. Celebrants are pros at disguising PA systems and microphones in creative ways.
Peta says, “I’ll tuck the mic into tree branches or foliage, place it on a small side table, or even hook it onto a gazebo or arch. The best man often holds it for me until I need it.”
Mel agrees: “Speaker placement matters. It should be facing the guests, but ideally hidden in a bush, behind a pergola, or to the side of the ceremony space. A small speaker with high output like the Focus 505 is ideal.”
Get the Most from Your Wedding PA System
A great wedding sound system hire isn’t just for vows – it can enhance the entire ceremony.
Mel says, “Couples often choose meaningful music for walking down the aisle or signing the register – from Christina Perri to Fleetwood Mac or Bruno Mars. Music sets the tone.”
Kathrine shares a touching story: “One groom unknowingly chose the same song his late father had used to woo his mother. Playing that at the ceremony brought beautiful emotional depth.”
Peta notes that more grooms are choosing their own walk-in songs – from Star Wars to AC/DC – giving them a special moment too. And Aurora reminds us that live musicians, soloists, or string quartets can all benefit from a good portable PA system.
Appoint a “Sound Maestro”
Don’t leave music cues or mic management to chance. Kathrine recommends appointing someone specific to run the sound system.
“The celebrant can’t run the ceremony and operate the PA,” she says.
Mel adds, “If you’re getting married in a park or backyard, assign a guest to run the Bluetooth speaker. Many systems like my Focus 505 connect easily via Bluetooth, so someone can run the playlist from a phone or tablet.”
She shares a cautionary tale: “I've seen couples standing awkwardly because their exit song didn’t play. A live musician or experienced DJ can often manage this better.”
Kathrine agrees: “Some DJs are excellent at handling ceremony audio – like DJ Naleen, who recently did a flawless job.”
Live Streaming and Video Options
Aurora often officiates at multi-lingual or international weddings, where live streaming the ceremony is a must. “I’ve done weddings with family watching via Skype at 3am in their time zone,” she laughs.
Peta suggests involving your guests: “Sit the person with the phone or tablet in the front row so they can show the audience to the remote guests. It’s a great way to make overseas loved ones feel present.”
Professional wedding videographers can also create same-day edits or play highlight reels at the reception. Some receptions even include live video messages from family overseas – “Very Oscars-style,” says Aurora.
A Word on Unplugged Weddings
With all the tech involved, Peta offers a gentle warning: “Many couples now request an ‘unplugged wedding’ – no phones or cameras during the ceremony – to keep guests present in the moment.”
That said, she adds with a smile, “No one is suggesting unplugging the PA system!”
Final Thoughts
Clear sound is non-negotiable for any wedding ceremony – whether it's a beach wedding, a garden celebration, or an indoor venue. Investing in or hiring a portable sound system with wireless mics ensures that every guest hears every word, every vow, and every special moment.
At Edwards Sound, we provide high-quality PA systems for weddings, including compact, discreet speakers and wireless handheld microphones perfect for celebrants, musicians, and MCs. Our hire options include rehearsal coverage, Bluetooth compatibility, and expert advice to make sure everything runs perfectly on the day.
Contact us to book your wedding sound system today – and make sure your guests hear every word of your “I do.”
Edwards Sound Ltd wishes to thank the four fantastic celebrants who took part in this discussion:
Kathrine Fraser, Life Celebrations www.lifecelebrations.co.nz
Peta Hardley, Ceremony Planning Services, www.ceremonyplanningservices.co.nz
Melanie Stuart, www.melstuartcelebrant.com
Aurora Ward, Celebrant, www.auroraward.co.nz
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