2) Your speakers need to be powerful enough for your amplifier or you will risk blowing them. Home speakers are not meant to play at loud volumes for extended periods. Speakers sound best when they are operating well below their maximum power capability. All other things being equal, a 500 watt speaker will sound a lot better at 300 watts than a 300 watt speaker would. There are huge differences between speakers both in terms of sound quality and output level, choose carefully. Better-quality speakers cost between $1500-$2000 each, and most SoundThrust.com events require 4 to 6 units.

3) If you want clear sound in the back of the room, you need speakers with high frequency horn drivers instead of domed tweeters (as found in home stereos or studio monitors). Horns focus the high frequency energy so that it can travel as far as the bass energy. Professional sound reinforcement speakers use horns.

4) If you want people to hear announcements and music clearly, the speakers must be mounted in the air. Bodies absorb a lot of sound, particularly in the higher frequencies that determine articulation of words. The horns should be placed at or above ear level. The pros elevate speakers on top of stands (or other speakers) or hang them from truss work. You can also prop your speaker up on tables but make sure the table doesn't have pieces that will vibrate and buzz with the music. Tape can help stop that problem. You also want to make sure that the speaker is secure. The last thing you need is a lawsuit because the speaker fell on a guest or broke something in the hall.

4) If you really like bass music that you can feel in your chest, you'll need to use a separate subwoofer. Regular speakers can't produce low enough frequencies. The subwoofer needs to be at least as powerful as your other speakers. To use a subwoofer, you will need a crossover and set it properly. There are good resources on the internet that will explain this but you might want to have someone technically inclined help you.

5) Consider renting a professional sound system. Rental rates vary with speaker quality. A decent speaker for 200 person event might cost $75-100 per day per speaker (you'll need at least two speakers). Don't forget stands, cables and maybe a subwoofer.

Factor in two days for the rental because things get hectic around the wedding day. Also, some rental companies put a credit hold on your card during the rental period. If you are maxing out your credit near the wedding, this could be an issue.

6) Give yourself at least at least two hours to set up. That way you have time to get help or parts if something is wrong. It also gives you time to cool off before the reception. Some halls won't let you in that early so check beforehand. Give yourself an hour to clear out. Some halls want to chase you out in 15 minutes due to a later event or to minimize staff wages. Recruit a helper or two if you can.

7) Bring lots of heavy duty extension cords (at least 100 feet of 14 guage). You never know if the outlet near you is working. Buy gaffers tape (available in most music stores) to tape down the wires so people don't trip on them. Gaffers tape won't leave residue on the carpet or wire.

8) Learn how to control the lights in the room. People prefer to dance when the lights are low. Of course you don't want things too dark. If you want disco lights, rent or buy professional ones. The ones you get at gift stores aren't bright enough for a large room. If you buy DJ lights, be mindful of how much power (watts) they need. You don't want to blow the breakers in the hall. Also, DJ lights (except for the new LED kind) can get very hot. Keep them away from anything that can melt or catch fire.