Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life — and the right AV can make it absolutely magical. Nashville Audio Visual has been creating stunning wedding experiences across Nashville and Middle Tennessee since 1995. Here’s everything you need to know about wedding AV before you book.
Ceremony AV: What You Actually Need
The ceremony is all about being heard and creating atmosphere. The basics:
- PA Speaker System — Sized for your venue. Indoor ceremonies in small chapels need less than outdoor garden ceremonies.
- Wireless Microphone for the Officiant — Non-negotiable. Guests in the back need to hear every word.
- Music Playback — Bluetooth/aux input for processional/recessional music, or live band/musician support.
- For outdoor ceremonies: A dedicated outdoor speaker system with weather-appropriate gear and a technician on-site.
Reception Audio: Setting the Mood
The reception has multiple sonic moments that need to be handled seamlessly:
- Cocktail hour music — Background music at comfortable conversation-friendly levels
- Dinner announcements — Wireless mic for toasts, emcee, first dance announcement
- Dance floor — Full PA system for DJ or live band
- Band support — If you have a live band, they may need additional PA, monitors, and mixing support
Wedding Lighting: Where the Magic Happens
Lighting transforms a venue from a room into an experience. Here are the most popular wedding lighting options in Nashville:
Uplighting
Battery-powered wireless LED uplights placed around the perimeter of your venue cast color up the walls, completely transforming the atmosphere. You choose the color — ivory and champagne for romance, deep blue for drama, or your wedding colors. Uplighting is the single most impactful and cost-effective lighting upgrade for a Nashville wedding.
Gobo Monogram Projection
A custom gobo is a metal template with your initials, names, or a custom design cut into it. We project it onto the dance floor, a wall, or even the ceiling using a high-powered lighting fixture. It’s one of the most popular additions at Nashville weddings and a guaranteed photo moment.
Chandeliers
Crystal chandeliers add elegance and drama, especially in barn venues, tents, and ballrooms. Nashville Audio Visual has an extensive chandelier inventory and handles all rigging and installation.
String Lighting / Fairy Lights
String light canopies draped across tent ceilings or outdoor ceremony spaces create a warm, romantic glow that photographs beautifully. We handle the rigging, spacing, and electrical for a clean, professional installation.
Wedding Video AV Options
- Photo/video montage screen — Projector and screen setup for displaying slideshows during cocktail hour or dinner
- Live streaming — Stream your ceremony or reception to guests who can’t attend in person
- Large format displays — LED walls or large TVs for seating charts, menus, or photo displays
Nashville Wedding Venue AV Tips
- Barn venues: High ceilings are great for chandeliers and string lights. Acoustics can be challenging — we know how to work with them.
- Hotel ballrooms: Check if the hotel has an exclusive AV vendor policy. You may be able to bring us in as a supplement for lighting even if the hotel handles audio.
- Outdoor venues: Weather-appropriate equipment is essential. Always have a backup plan for rain.
- Historic properties: Power access can be limited. We carry power distribution to handle any scenario.
FAQ: Nashville Wedding AV
How much does wedding lighting cost in Nashville?
Wedding lighting in Nashville typically ranges from $500–$3,000+ depending on the package. Basic uplighting (10–20 wireless LED fixtures) starts around $500–$1,200. Adding chandeliers, gobo projection, pin spots, and string lighting can bring the total to $2,000–$4,000 for a fully designed look.
What AV do I need for a Nashville wedding ceremony?
For a Nashville wedding ceremony you typically need: a PA speaker system, a wireless microphone for the officiant, a lavalier mic for the vows, and a music source. For outdoor ceremonies, a larger PA system with a technician on-site is recommended.
Do I need a separate AV company from my DJ for a Nashville wedding?
It depends on your DJ’s capabilities. Many Nashville DJs bring their own PA and lighting, but for larger venues, barn weddings, or more elaborate lighting designs, a dedicated AV company provides better equipment and a cleaner overall look.