DJ's: what about high ceiling acoustics

[cammen]

I am having my ceremony at an old train depot. The great hall (where the ceremony will be) is about 6,500 sq.ft. and totally open (think a small grand central station) It has tremendously high ceilings, tile nd hardwood floors and is essentially a large rectangle (nno breaks or bends in the walls). I am struggling to decide how to approach the music aspect of my ceremony--whether a DJ system will casue to harsh of an echo in the room, or if a simple stereo system from home would be a better bet. I am also having a soloist sing one song during the seating of the parents--will this echo too loudly?
HELP!

Hi Cammen welcome to the board,

I am a Wedding Photographer, I have shot in 2 locations like yours and the music was great. I never heard any echo from the music except when it stopped. I believe as the music plays it will drown out the echo do to the music being louder then the echo.

I would also go with a DJ, as they will 'move' your guest along. They will also take a lot of stress off of you when it comes down to moving from first dance, cake cutting, etc.. The Dj will have a larger selection of music with quality equipment that can do the job right the first time.

Search for a DJs:
http://www.onewed.com/modules.php?category=115&state=&submit=Search&name=vendors

Levi

[djmaine]

Hi Cammen,
As a Disc Jockey, rooms like the one you are describing are a major challenge.

I would need to know how many guests there would be and the exact dimensions of the room.

It can be done to where the music is pleasing to the ears during dinner and cocktails, but once the open dancing begins, it gets more difficult.

On consequence is that with the higher ceilings, sound tends to bounce in areas unexpected leaving for unpredicatble levelas in certain areas. A good Disc Jockey will be able to figure most of these out with a thorough site walk.

This is NOT the type of wedding for a $300-500 DJ.

[PerfectPartyDJ]

It's always important to make certain you have hired a professional. The difference between DJ's becomes VERY apparent when faced with challenging situations like the one you describe. I would use SPL readings and an RTA(Real Time Analyzer) to "tune" the system to the room. Depending on the data from the RTA I would most likely bring in several "satellite" speakers to enhance the fidelity of the music (quality, clear, enjoyable sound) at lower volumes.

Many less experienced DJ's would simply turn up the volume to try and overcome the acoustics(crank the Bass/Treble). This will just result in unhappy guests who can't talk, or even enjoy the music.