Quick Tips: Sound Check!

Mic Check, 1-2! Why Every Officiant Needs a Sound Check Before the Ceremony

The most heartfelt, beautifully written ceremony in the world won’t mean a thing if no one can hear it. That’s why doing a sound check with the DJ before the ceremony starts isn’t just a good idea—it’s a total game-changer.

When you arrive at the venue, make one of your first stops the DJ booth. Ask what kind of microphone they have for you. Will it be a handheld on a stand? A lapel mic you clip to your outfit? Every mic type has its quirks, and it’s important to know what you’re working with—and how to wear it comfortably.

Once you’re set up, do a sound check. Seriously—step up, say a few lines from your ceremony, and have the DJ check the volume and clarity. Indoor acoustics are totally different from outdoor ones. Wind, waves, echoes, distant lawnmowers—don’t let them steal your spotlight. A quick test ensures that your voice is heard loud and clear by every guest, even the ones in the back row.

Now, if the couple is sharing personal vows or there are readings in the ceremony, make sure there’s a microphone plan for that, too. You don’t want to be figuring that out in the moment.

Decide:

• Will the readers come to a separate mic stand or stand beside you?

• Is there a second handheld mic, or will you pass yours?

• Does the couple need to share a mic, or will they each have one?

Getting this sorted ahead of time avoids ceremony hiccups and helps everyone feel more relaxed and confident. Plus, it saves your voice—you don’t want to be shouting over the wind or projecting like you’re in a Broadway show (unless, of course, that’s your thing).

So remember: before the “I do’s,” do the mic check. A few minutes of preparation means your words, their vows, and those heartfelt readings will be heard, felt, and remembered—just the way they should be.

Photo credit: Once Like a Spark