So my band is playing a short set (5 songs) at a friends wedding on Saturday. The family is very musical and there will be other people performing as well.

We have the "biggest" setup, from what I understand the others mostly just play guitars through the PA and use a drum track.

Tomorrow the band is going to go set up and run a practice. We have to move my rig the guitar amp and the drum kit. That is all fine but what I am wondering is this:

What is the best way to setup using the PA. The wedding is outdoors and I believe the stage will be setup in the main tent. Around 200 people will be in attendance.

What I was thinking was to really just run the vocals through the PA. I am using an Ampeg V4b head with a Peavey 1820 cab, the guitarist plays through a Traynor Custom Valve 80 and the drummer has ham hands :)

we don't want to blast people away but what would be the optimal setup? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Depending on number of channels and what you have in terms of drum mics, I'd put everything possible in the PA. Once you get monitors and stage sound squared away, you can add more of anything out front if needed. Some of what you put in the PA you may not even need to bring up in the mix at all, but at least it's there if needed.

Smoke em if you got em.

We don't have any mics for the drums, I guess we could rent it but I'm wondering if it's going to be overkill for such a short set. Maybe a kick mic would be worth it a minimum.

Outdoors, 200 people....I'd use the PA for vocals only and just play to the 15-20 feet in front of you. Don't try to cover the entire tent or the great outdoors. Keep it quiet. Tell Ham-Hands The Drummer that this is the Bride's Day and it's all about her, not the band. Keep The Volume Down!!

We don't have any mics for the drums, I guess we could rent it but I'm wondering if it's going to be overkill for such a short set. Maybe a kick mic would be worth it a minimum.

I wouldn't go renting anything. In fact, I just saw the 5 song set part. Screw it, go simple and just do vox in the PA.

Sounds good. I planned on keeping it simple but then I started thinking about it.....I should know better than to think :)

Thunder, that was my other issue, I didn't want to over do it. It is after all her day and I wouldn't want to talk away from that. I always get really caught up in making the band the best is can be.