How to Choose the Right Speakers for Your Event or Party
Most people only notice sound when something goes wrong. Feedback squeals, muffled speeches, music that cuts out halfway through the first chorus of "September". The kind of thing that sticks in peoples' minds, and not for the right reasons.
Good sound doesn't just support an event, it shapes how people experience it. From making sure everyone hears the vows at a wedding to delivering crisp audio at a product launch, the right speakers are non-negotiable.
That's where we come in. At Edwards Sound, we've spent years helping New Zealanders get their events sounding exactly how they should. Whether it's a quiet gathering or a full-blown festival, we've got the gear and the knowledge to make it work.
Key Factors to Consider
There's no one-size-fits-all speaker. What works in a hotel conference room won't cut it on a windy hillside. Before you hire anything, it pays to run through a few key questions:
What type of event is it?
Is it a wedding? A corporate seminar? A DJ night? A concert? Different events need different sound priorities. Speech-heavy events demand clarity. Music-focused events need full-range sound and solid bass response. Start with the format, and everything else follows.
Where is it happening?
Indoors, you're managing echoes and reflection. Outdoors, you're fighting wind, distance, and the sound just disappearing into the ether. Venue acoustics make a difference - more than you'd think.
How many people are you expecting?
This one's easy to underestimate. A speaker that works for 30 people in a lounge won't hold up when you've got 150 people in a marquu. The larger the crows, the more power and coverage you'll need.
Speech or music or both?
If you're just doing speeches, a standard PA will usually do. But if there's a dance floor involved, you'll want subwoofers and speakers that can handle a bit more punch. It's not just about loudness, it's about clarity and coverage.
This isn't guesswork, we've helped hundreds of clients get it right. And yes, we're happy to talk you through the details if you're not quite sure where to start.
Speaker Types and Their Uses
You don't need a sound engineering degree to pick the right setup, but knowing a bit about the different speaker types can save you from hiring the wrong kit. Here's a breakdown of the most common options and where they shine:
PA Speakers
PA (public address) speakers are the go-to choice for clear, consistent sound in events that rely heavily on speech. Whether it's a wedding ceremony, business presentation, or a school production, these speakers are built to project voices cleanly and without distortion. They're reliable, flexible, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. If you need a solid all-rounder, a decent PA speaker setup will rarely let you down.
Powered vs Passive Speakers
This is one of the more important distinctions when it comes to setup logistics. Powered (or active) speakers have their amplifier built in, meaning fewer separate components and quicker assembly. You plug in your audio source, power them up and you are good to go. Passive speakers on the other hand, require an external amplifier to function. While they offer more flexibility in larger or more complex setups, they involve more gear, more cabling, and more room for error if you're unfamiliar with how it all connects. For most small to mid-sized events, powered speakers tend to be the more convenient and foolproof option.
Subwoofers
If your event involves music, especially dance music or anything with a strong rhythm section, a subwoofer adds a significant layer of depth. These speakers are specfically designed to handle the low-frequency sounds that regular speakers can't deliver as effectively. Think basslines, kick drums, and that low-end presence you feel in your chest when the music's just right. While not necessary for every event, subwoofers are essential if you're aiming for a full-bodied, immersive sound.
Line Arrays
When you're dealing with large-scale events, such as outdoor festivals, live concerts, or corporate presentations in a larger venue, line arrays are the professional solution. These are vertically stacked speaker systems designed to distribute sound evenly across large areas, maintaining clarity and volume from the front row to the back. They're engineered to minimise distortion and ensure that the sound doesn't drop off sharply for those further from the stage.
Bluetooth and Portable Speakers
For smaller events where convenience is king, portable Bluetooth speakers are a solid option. These systems are typically lightweight, easy to carry and require very little setup. They're idea for casual gatherings, breakout sessions, small meetings, or pop-up events where speed and flexibility are priorities. While they won't match the output of a full PA or powered system, they're more than capable of handling modest audio needs with minimal hassle.
If you're still not sure which speaker type fits your event best, we've detailed more specs, use cases, and hire options over on our sound system hire page. Or, just give us a call - we'll walk you through it.
Indoor vs Outdoor Considerations
Outdoor
In outdoor settings, sound doesn't have surfaces to bounce off, so it disperses quickly. You'll need speakers with strong projection to carry over open areas, especially if you're working with a larger crowd. Wind can also interfere with sound direction, so placement and coverage matter more than people often expect.
Access to power is another big one. No mains nearby? You'll need battery powered or generator friendly systems. And of course, there's the weather. Rain and electronics don't mix, and even strong sun can cause problems if your gear's not protected. Outdoor setups need to be durable, weather-aware and flexible.
Indoors
Inside you're managing echoes and sound reflection. Hard floors and bare walls bounce sound around, while carpet and curtains soak it up. Speaker placement is key - keep them off the floor and away from corners to avoid muffled or uneven sound. Indoor venues may feel more controlled, but they still need a properly planned setup to sound their best.
Matching Speakers to Your Event Size
There's a fine line between "not quite loud enough" and "I think the walls are shaking". Choosing the right speakers isn't about overkill, it's about matching the sound system to the size and style of your event. Here's a quick guide:
- Small Events (under 100 people): For intimate gatherings like birthday, engagement parties, or company meetings, compact PA systems or portable Bluetooth speakers usually do the trick. They are easy to set up, don't need much power and provide clean, clear audio without taking over the space. But keep in mind your venue will dictate the requirements. You'll find sold options on our PA system hire page.
- Medium Events (under 250 people): At this size, you need a bit more punch. Powered speakers give you the coverage and volume you need, and pairing them with a subwoofer ensures music sounds full-bodied rather than flat. Great for weddings, dance floors and community events.
- Large Events (250+people - to as many as you can!): Now you're into serious territory. Line array systems or multi-speaker setups ensure even sound coverage without deafening those at the front. Perfect for festivals, large conferences, and open-air events where sound needs ot reach far and wide -- and actually be heard when it gets there.
Additional Equipment You Might Need
Speakers are only part of the puzzle. A great sound system involves a few more pieces that keep things running smoothly and sounding sharp.
- Microphones: Whether it's a wired mic for a wedding MC, a wireless mic for a roaming presenter, or a lapel mic for hands-free speeches, choosing the right microphone matters. The right mic will cut through background noise and keep things sounding crisp.
- Mixers: If you've got more than one audio source - think microphone, laptop playlist, live instruments - a mixer will help you balance levels and avoid the classic "why is this so loud suddenly?" moment. They're easy to use, and we are happy to show you how.
- Speaker Stands and Placement: Speakers sound best when they're raised and properly aimed. Floor level sound rarely travels well. Stands improve projection and keep things tidy, especially in crowded spaces.
- Cables, Power and Setup Essentials: It's the boring stuff but it's essential. From power leads and audio cables to adapters and extension cords, we make sure you've got everything you need. We even label things so you know what plugs in where, no guesswork involved.
Why Hire from Edwards Sound?
Hiring speakers shouldn't feel like you're stepping into a tech support call. At Edwards Sound, we make it easy.
- Our range covers everything from portable PA systems to concert-grade line arrays. Whether you're planning a small function or a large event, our equipment is tested, maintained and ready to go.
- We're not just here to hand over gear. Our team offers practical advice based on experience, not guesswork. We'll help you figure out what you need, explain how it works, and even handle the set up and operation if you'd rather not deal with cables and knobs on the day.
- Hiring from us is flexible, we deliver across New Zealand and tailor each hire to suit your schedule and venue. If something goes wrong mid-event (it happens), you'll get real support, from real people, fast.
From start to finish, we make sure your event sound the way it should, clear, confident and completely stress-free.
Upgrade your Event Today
Sorting out sound for your event doesn't need to be complicated. The key is understanding your space, audience size, and the type of audio you'll be using, and matching your speakers to that.
At Edwards Sound, we help you cut through the noise, quite literally. With expert advice, quality gear, and straightforward hire options, you can focus on hosting while we handle the technical bits.
Browse our speaker hire options or get in touch - we'll help you sound good, no matter the size of your crows or venue.
