Wedding sound is one of those things nobody thinks about until something goes wrong. The vows nobody could hear. The best man’s speech that kept cutting out. The first dance that started with feedback instead of music.
Getting the PA right at a wedding isn’t complicated, but it does need some thought. This guide covers what you actually need for different types of weddings, what affects the cost, and what to look for when booking.
What does a wedding PA actually need to cover?
Most weddings have three separate audio moments, and they can each need a different setup.
The ceremony
This is where couples most often underestimate what they need. You want every guest to hear the vows clearly, the officiant without straining, and any music or readings without distortion. In a large church or outdoor ceremony, this needs more coverage than people expect. In a small licensed venue, a simple setup is usually enough.
The drinks reception
Background music at a level where guests can still talk. This is usually the simplest part of the day from a sound perspective. A pair of speakers at the right level is typically all that’s needed.
The wedding breakfast and evening reception
Speeches need a microphone and clear amplification across the whole room. The evening reception usually requires a more substantial system to handle music at a volume where people want to dance. These two things often need different configurations, particularly if the room layout changes between the meal and the party.
What equipment do you typically need?
This varies a lot by venue size and how the day is structured, but here’s a useful breakdown by wedding type.
INTIMATE WEDDING
Under 60 guests, indoor venue
Compact speakers, a small mixer, one or two wireless mics for speeches and the officiant. Music can usually come from a phone or laptop via the same system.
MID-SIZE WEDDING
60 to 150 guests
Main speaker system covering the full room, dedicated mic for speeches, separate setup if ceremony and reception are in different spaces. An engineer on site is strongly recommended.
LARGE WEDDING
150 to 300 guests
Full line array or larger speaker system, multiple mics, dedicated mixing position, engineer throughout. Separate ceremony audio if the spaces differ significantly.
OUTDOOR WEDDING
Garden, marquee or open-air venue
More power needed than an equivalent indoor event. Weatherproof equipment essential. Coverage planning is more complex to avoid the audio sounding thin or distant.
How much does wedding PA hire cost in London?
Here are realistic price ranges based on wedding size. These cover equipment hire and, for the mid-size and above, include the option of a managed service with an engineer.
| WEDDING SIZE | WHAT’S TYPICALLY INCLUDED | PRICE RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Small Up to 60 guests | Compact system, mixer, 1 to 2 mics | From £300 to £600 |
| Medium 60 to 150 guests | Full room coverage, wireless mics, managed service | £500 to £1,500 |
| Large 150 to 300 guests | Larger system, multiple mics, engineer all day | £800 to £2,500 |
Delivery and setup costs depend on the job and will be confirmed when we quote. Always ask any company you approach whether logistics are included in the price.
Do you need a sound engineer at your wedding?
For small, simple setups at intimate weddings, self-managed hire can work if someone reliable is taking charge of it on the day. But honestly, at most weddings, having an engineer there is worth it.
Weddings are high-stakes. You can’t pause the ceremony because a mic isn’t working. You can’t redo the first dance because the level was wrong. An engineer handles all of that in real time so you and your guests don’t have to think about it. For the cost difference on a day you’ve spent months planning, it’s usually an easy decision.
One thing couples often miss: if your ceremony and reception are in the same room, the room often needs to be reconfigured between the two. That means the PA setup may also need to change. Make sure whoever you book knows this in advance and has planned for it.
What to tell us when you enquire
The more detail you give us, the more accurately we can quote and plan. The key things we need to know are the date and venue, the approximate number of guests, whether the ceremony and reception are in the same space, whether you need audio for the ceremony as well as the reception, and whether you have a band or DJ for the evening who may need to connect to the same system.
We work with couples across London and have experience at a wide range of venues, from listed buildings in the City to garden marquees in the home counties. We know what works at different types of venue and we’ll tell you honestly what you need rather than overselling you on kit you don’t.
How far in advance should you book?
For weddings, ideally two to three months ahead, particularly for summer Saturdays which fill up fast. That said, if your date is coming up sooner, get in touch anyway. We’ll tell you straight away whether we can accommodate it.
Wedding PA hire is something you want sorted well before the week of the event. It’s one less thing to think about when everything else is ramping up.
Planning a wedding in London?
Tell us your date, venue and guest numbers and we’ll come back with a clear quote and honest advice on what you need.
