It's an odd little job, but someone has to do it, I suppose. I'm the wedding sound technician... or so I deem myself. (Sounds like one of those dumb beer commercials.. "We salute you, Mr. Wedding-sound-technician-guy"... except I'm not a guy and I don't drink. Heh.) I guess it's kinda cool. Knowing that you are participating in a day that can be (and should be) the biggest and most important day of someone's life. It can be extremely nerve-racking though. And this is why I post tonight.

I am doing a wedding tomorrow and in traditional fashion they had a rehearsal at the church tonight. This one was particularly bad. So, here are some tips I have for anyone out there who hasn't gotten married yet, but plans to do so.

1) Don't have more than 4 songs. It's BORING for the audience. They have to sit there and listen to this person, who most of them usually don't know, and try to pay attention. Weddings aren't showcases for talent, and shouldn't be. On top of that it's a lot of pressure on the sound person. Of course, I work best under pressure, but still. You're just asking for trouble. (p.s. Tomorrow's wedding has 6, yep count them.. SIX songs. Blech.)

2) Pay the Wedding Sound Technician according to how much work they are doing. For the most part people are ok with this, but sometimes they really jip you out of money you deserve for the pressure. I'll tell you flat out, the average rate is $35 - $40 (U.S. Dollars, of course). But if there is something special they are doing (such as tomorrow's amount of songs and a video presentation), it's just a nicety. I've been payed up to $100 before, but that was for creating the powerpoint presentation with pics and stuff.

3) Know what you're doing before you get to the rehearsal. I had a schedule tonight that the bride had given to me before hand and thought I was doing good on this point. However, when I arrived it had totally changed. And the pastor kept arguing with me about the music.. as if I had picked where it went. I'm just the worker here people!!!

Maybe it would be easier just not to have music at all. That would be my choice. I'll just hum my way down the aisle.

fam "hmmmm hmm hmm hmmmmm" ous