I’ve successfully performed at several weddings but I just recently booked my first “Totally Outside” wedding (I’ve have handled weddings where the ceremony was outside and then the reception was inside). At this upcoming wedding, I’ll be providing music for both the ceremony and the reception and I’ll be emcee/MC at the reception. The event will have approx 200 guests. Activities will start at 3pm and last for 6 hours.
As I’d like to deliver the same level and quality of performance I’ve been able to achieve at my indoor weddings, I’m hoping this thread will provide an opportunity for Bose brothers and sisters to share tips, ideas, do’s & don’t s as well as success and horror stories about outdoor events (Weddings in particular).
I’ve met the young couple (They came to see me perform at another event) but have yet to see the location of the wedding. We will be meeting soon and I’d like to be prepared to make suggestions and offer ideas regarding the entertainment aspect of an outdoor wedding. I realize that since I don’t have location specific details, comments may be generalized but that’s okay. Any thoughts you have will be greatly appreciated.
In addition to a variety of mixers, for equipment I have:
One (1) Bose T1 mixer (Might have to shelve the T1 for this event in favor of using my Maya44 soundcard (More output options)
One (1) Bose L1 M2 w/ 2B1’s (I think this will do the trick but if needed, could rent/borrow another one).
Two (2) Bose Compacts (I think I migh use these to augment my L1 by strategically placing them father away.
One (1) Sanheiser wireless mics with instrument connections (At least on Compact could be run remotely while I might have to daisy chain the 2nd one)
I also have a set of older 250 watt powered Speakers on a stick as well as other wireless mics and tons of cables and connectors.
Areas for possible discussion:
1. Power source management (Grounding etc.)
2. DJ Booth Location (Wind, sunset, etc.)
3. Temperature, (Heat management of Bose equipment)
4. DJ Lighting (What works, what doesn’t)
5. Speaker placement (if near build, if away from building)
6. Set-up (Special considerations for load in/out)
7. Moisture management (Day of event could be fantastic but the ground could still be wet from an earlier rain, etc)
8. Weather forecasting (Contingency plans if couple decides to hold event in inclement weather).
9. Tents - If event is under(Do’s and Don’t s) (Again, lighting, moisture, etc.)
10.Should the DJ provide their own Easy up (Pro’s & Cons)
11. Facades - Use or don’t use
12. Other things that I can’t even imagine
Thank you in advance.
Hi. If you play on a lawn put something down first to prevent moisture from the grass. Don’t forget to make sure the lawn sprinklers are off. Maybe a canopy if it’s really sunny. I live in the desert and I was playing outside when a monsoon storm came through and I had to tear down very quickly and set up again. What mess, good luck! Randy
Randy -
quote:a monsoon storm came through and I had to tear down very quickly and set up again
Yikes…a monsoon?? I don’t think I’ll have to worry about monsoons here in the northeast but we have been known to have the comparable hurricane with gale force winds. Last year we had an early snow storm in the middle of October that left some towns without power for 7 days. leaves were still on the trees so the combination of snow and leaves was too much for the aging power lines.
Anyway…I digress.
Good tip re: Moisture mat. I’ve had my eye on some of those boot mats that you see in Home Depot. They have a little lip on them. Might work for the compacts. Not sure about the L1 M2.
There was a post on here a few years ago with a useful tip. Take some big yard trash bags with you. Cut a hole in the bottom of one them. In a pinch you can slide that one over the tower and then put the other one on top. With the draw strings you can secure them. I have had to do this twice when a boomer blew in real fast or here in the south when you know it will only last for 5 minutes. It’s down and dirty but it works.
Hi Roy,
Good reminder - that was in wet weather tips.
I’ll help with what I can.
1 - power: I’m sure you know - you can run several L1’s on a single circuit.
2 - location: if using a laptop, the sun going down behind you will cause a horrible glare on the screen.
3 - Temp - the Bose should be fine. I’ve run mine in 90 in the sun without any issues
4 - lighting: this could be tricky. If the reception will be under a large white tent, shine your lights up onto the white tent and it should light up the whole area (and it looks really cool from outside the tent to see the whole thing changing colors)
6 - set up: if possible, use a cart like the Rock-n-Roller R10 or R12 so you can get everything there in one trip.
7 - addressed above with the mats
10 - you should make sure that you can be under the same tent & next to the dance floor area (put it in your contract)
11 - I don’t use one / others do. I guess it just depends on what / if you need to hide things.
12 - other: bug spray & temp will cool off fast when the sun goes down so maybe have a jacket nearby
Hope this helps
Thanks folks, the tips have all been very helpful. keep em coming.
quote:IdahoDJ.com
One question regarding the power. I have a GFI dongle that I picked up from Home depot. Seems like having one on hand would be wise given that the event will be in a home on a Historical District parcel of land (Old outlets ect).
Any thoughts on this?
The essences of a performance is:
1) the DJ performs as specified for which the DJ is 2) paid.
If a DJ expects to be paid, they must perform.
What are the factors that would prevent the DJ to perform that were under their control and what was not under their control?
What are the factors that are under the clients control but not under the DJs control, that would prevent performance?
The answers to all these questions is what’s called a contract.
A performer’s contract had better specify quite clearly, without ambiguity, those details that would impede or prevent performing, therefore the demand to be paid.
Outdoor events add to the requirements contractually set forth for events under normal conditions. Anything that is personal or business policy or procedure has not business being mention in contracts.
I will share my basic requirements and add ons for outdoor events portion of my contract:
VIII. The CLIENT and/or CLIENT’s agents are to insure and to provide the HOST immediate, free, public, unencumbered, and non-hazardous access into, through, and out of the parking area, facility, and work space. The HOST reserves all ights to delay or discontinue setup and/or performance until all access or setup hazards, encumbrances, unforeseen union, drayage, and/or management fees or surcharges, weather related hazards, code violations, safety issues, and/or environmental conditions until such issues are cleared, paid, removed, and/or resolved.
IX. The CLIENT and/or CLIENT’s agents must provide one 115 volt 20 amp duplex-grounded electrical outlet, the circuit being free of any other connected electrical devices, and be located/positioned within ten feet of HOST’s setup. All CLIENT and/or agent provided extension cords must be minimally 3-conductor 14-gauge wire, not to exceed 25 feet in length, and be safely installed, attached, and secured in advance of HOST’S arrival.
X. The CLIENT and/or CLIENT’s agents agrees to provide or pay for all necessary authorizations, facility or management gratuities, licenses, union labor fees, drayage, parking permits or daily storage fees, and other fees or charges as may be required or mandated by the facility, union, local, state, and/or federal regulations, codes, or laws as required to fulfill the terms of this contract.
XI. For outdoor or tent events only, in addition to the aforementioned set up requirements, the CLIENT and/or their agents must provide the HOST a platform, stage, or riser, the minimum dimensions being 12 feet deep, 12 feet wide, and 4 or more inches tall, and complete protection from all weather related elements such as, but not limited to, wind, water, and sun, from overhead, underneath, and all sides.
XII. The HOST agrees to keep the area under his direct control and supervision safe and will maintain a general liability insurance policy that names or includes the facility as co-insured.
Thanks Cap-
This helps a lot. I use a contract for all my weddings but definitely need to add a few of the common sense pointers you mentioned and will then have my attorney review for accuracy/relevance in my region of the country.
Question: You refer to the DJ/Performer as the “Host.” I’ve always considered the HOST to be the one running the event as in inviting or selling access (i.e, Hosting ) to the event. In the case of a wedding, technically, wouldn’t the wedding couple and their families be the HOST or is it that the term HOST in this context a specific legalese term?
Thanks again.
Prof Lowery: I’ve rarely called myself a DJ, either in print, advertising, or in my own mid. 30 years ago it was decided to separate my style from the DJ’s of the day (record totin’, jeans wearin’, sock hoppin poorly paid radio guys,or, the dudes in the clubs focused on one genre, everything 12" and mixed, no voice, no personality. So, I invented Musical Host. They wouldn’t let me trade-mark it, so its exclusivity didn’t last long, but I’ve stuck with it.
The opening paragraph of the contract says the agreement is between Cap Capello, Musical Host, referred to as Host, and the customer, hereto referred to as client. Host has nothing to do with invitations or party hierarchy in this case.
I’m very certain your legal eagles will have little trouble flying with this.