Dear Videographers / Wedding Filmmakers,
My fiancé and I are planning our wedding and we want our guests to actually enjoy being in the room with us.
At a few receptions we’ve attended, the music has been so loud during dinner and dancing that people were shouting across the table. We’ve even watched guests leave early because the dance music was so piercing it drove them out of the ballroom. We love a good party, but we don’t want our reception to feel like a punishment. How do we avoid this?
Signed, Loud in L.A.
Dear Loud:
You are not alone, and you are absolutely right to bring this up. As wedding filmmakers and videographers, we feel your pain – sometimes literally. We are often in the middle of the reception trying to capture great footage while guests are clearly uncomfortable, leaning in to yell just to be heard. Because audio is half of any great wedding film, we notice q
uickly when the volume crosses the line from “fun” to “too much.”
We are not anti-volume. Most of us love high-energy dance floors and music that fills the room. But there is a big difference between music that powers the party and music that becomes obnoxious or even painful. Some videographers and DJs have developed tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears) after years of overly loud events. Once that happens, it does not go away. There is simply no good reason for reception music to be pushed that far.
So how do you avoid this at your wedding? First, make sure you are not unintentionally encouraging the problem. Couples sometimes say, “We want it really loud!” without realizing what that feels like to older guests, kids, or anyone seated under a speaker. If you are not sure where the line is, check in with a few friends or family members during the night and ask, “Does this feel comfortable to you?” Their feedback will help you find a guest-friendly level.
Second, talk to your DJ or band before the wedding day. When you meet to discuss playlists and timelines, also talk about volume. Let them know you want a great party, but you also want guests to be able to talk at dinner and stay in the room during dancing. Ask them to be proactive about adjusting levels as the night goes on, keeping the sound dynamic but comfortable rather than cranked to the max.
The good news is that most DJs, bands, and production teams are true professionals. They want your reception to feel incredible, not overwhelming, and they are usually more than willing to dial things in so it sounds powerful but not painful. Often, when the music is blasting, they are simply following what they think the couple wants. Clear communication from you gives them permission to keep the volume at a level that works for everyone.
In the end, your vendors – DJs, musicians, filmmakers, planners – all want the same thing you do: an amazing experience for you and your guests. When you share your expectations and keep the conversation open, they can make smart adjustments throughout the night. The result is a reception that looks great on video, sounds great in your wedding film, feels great for your guests, and keeps the celebration going well into the night.
Images by: BobOrtiz Photography, Harvard Photography, InvisibleTouch
Article written by: Rick Betancourt, Carolwood Productions
