Outdoor Ceremony Tips for Northwest Indiana Weddings

An outdoor ceremony is beautiful, but sound behaves differently outside. There are no walls to carry your voices, and Midwest weather can change fast. Here's how to plan for it.

Make sure guests can hear your vows. Without a microphone, guests past the second row usually miss the most important words. Plan on a mic for your officiant, plus one for readers or musicians.

Ask the venue about power. Sound equipment needs a nearby outlet. If your ceremony spot is far from a building, ask your venue early about extension runs or a generator.

Plan for wind. Wind is the biggest enemy of outdoor sound. A good DJ brings wind covers for microphones and positions speakers so the breeze doesn't carry your vows away.

Have a rain plan, and decide on it early. Pick a time, such as the morning of, to make the final call. Tell your DJ where the backup spot is so the sound can move with you.

Think about the sun. Afternoon sun can be harsh on guests and on you. Face the ceremony so the sun isn't in anyone's eyes, and offer water on hot days.

Keep the music timed to the aisle. Your DJ should cue processional music to the moment each person walks, and fade it naturally once you arrive at the front.