Do we really need a PA system for our outdoor wedding?

I was recently a bridesmaid in a wedding.. if they hadnt been talking into the mic i barley wouldve been able to hear them. every so often one of them would say something that the mic wouldnt really catch and i would be struggling to hear what they said. and i was three people behind the bride! i know the people further back wouldnt have been able to hear anything. and then you have to think ab the older guest. grandparents who's starting to loose their hearing.

If you and your FH are facing each other, your voices won't project to at least half of the people their. An officiant can probably give you a better answer, but it seems to me that some sort of audio is a good plan. As for people who will or won't party, having music even in the background is pretty normal. If there is no DJ, there isn't even a chance to dance, right?

I am also having an outdoor wedding and just recently realized we will probably need a mic. our pastor is pretty soft spoken and then i can imagine me and FH being pretty quiet with emotions lol. i think something is a good idea.

We are wondering the same thing. It's only another $100, but all of these "$100s" here and there keep adding up and it's really only for 15 minutes or so. Let us know what you decide!

For 75 people, we are not. Both FH and I can enunciate pretty well (hooray for public speaking responsiblities in my job!) and we're looking for an officiant that is NOT soft-spoken.

Not sure for 120 people. With that type of set-up, there could be people behind you, which may make it difficult.

All the *extras* are getting to me too which is why I asked. The DJ we were looking at wants another $150 extra to set up an additional three speakers (two for the projection of the vows) and one for music and wireless mics for FH and the the pastor. We were going to do the iPod DJ thing and make our own playlist or get a band we are familiar with until this hiccup came about.

Yes, you need a PA system at least for the ceremony, otherwise NOBODY will be able to hear you, especially outdoors where your voices will scatter even more.

I think it would be hard for people to hear without one. I LOVE how the chairs are set up btw!

You need a PA. If there is any chance at all a single person won't be able to hear you, the 30 minutes your ceremony will take will be not only frustrating for them but BORING!!

If you don't want to pay for a DJ, get a portable PA for about $200 on Amazon, and have a friend operate it. This one is really well reviewed: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BSH9TE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1C3ETKNWWB1Y6&coliid=I240HQYNOADPOE

I'm in the same boat. I need to ask my DJ.

I love your ceremony set up. I'm going with the same thing but have a issue of where my wedding party will stand. Are you having one and where will they stand (if you are)?

I second what Kristen said. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding last month and I couldn't hear my friends vows at all. Her husband was wearing a mic but she didnt know to speak into it. I was two people away from her. You will need a PA system.

We were wondering the same thing, and went to our venue and tested it out. I talk loud, but FH doesn't & even with me "speaking up", he could barely hear me in what will be our back row (our benches are curved similarly to yours.) A slight wind in the wrong direction will mean no one hears anything. I think this is one of those things you really do need. However, 1-2 speakers should be enough. Our local party rental place rents simple pa systems for under $200.

You need a mic. You can rent a simple system for less than 200 and yes, one speaker will be enough. It looks like you need it to be self powered though.

I have now been to two weddings where they didn't have a mic at all.. I heard nothing, it was really pointless for us to have been there for the ceremony honestly. They had no more than 75 people at each, chairs close together.

If you want your guests to hear your vows, yes, you will need audio.

I'm glad someone posted this, because it has crossed my mind more than once since deciding on an outdoor wedding. I think we are definitely going to at least rent a PA system and have FH's A/V Pastor operate it for us.

Oh yes you do. No one will hear a darn thing. Loooove the set up. It's very intimate

There is no doubt you'll need to have a mic -- especially because it's outside. Have you ever tried to watch something on television with the volume so low that you really can't hear what's being said? It's not only boring, it's frustrating. Your ceremony is a very special event -- the reason for the day. You've invited your guests to share in this experience. They have to be able to hear it (and don't be so sure they won't party it up. A DJ, a little wine...you've got a party).

As others have said, yes. I have been multiple outdoor weddings with no PA, and I have no idea what was happening up there. These were weddings with less than 100 guests and seating was nice and close. If you want your guests to really be able to witness the vows and hear the ceremony, the money for a PA should be found.

Maybe a local church has a PA system they could rent to you for the ceremony and then you can still use the iPod DJ idea.

Anyone who can find money for favors, cute BM invites or STD's can find money for a mic. I don't mean to sound mean, but the ceremony always seems like the place people want to save bucks on. It's the ONLY thing that is vital to the day. Cut money someplace else, but don't cut it here.