Using the 5 Senses to Bring Your Event to Life: Sound

Last week we offered tips on how an event organizer should appeal to guests' sense of sight to ensure that guests have a total experience at your event. While having a visually stunning event is great, you also need to take into consideration sound elements!

• What guests hear as they enter: As you walk into an event, the change in sound from the outdoors to the event space can be dramatic. If you walk in and you hear silence, you may think that no one has arrived yet or that the party is dull. The chatter and laughter of guests indicates that people are interacting and having a good time. Special effect sounds that match up with the event theme can add a playfulness to the event. Spend time planning out the sounds guests will hear at your event and use them to get guests excited!

• Music: Music has a way of luring people in. When used properly, it can set the tone for the event and put your guests in the appropriate mood. All of your music selections should be event appropriate. If you're having a formal gala, it's probably not the right time to play the Chicken Dance. The timing of when music is played is another thing to consider. If you're having a big speech, you want to make sure the music is playing very quietly or not at all so that it doesn't distract guests.

• Audio systems: One of the worst things that can happen at an event is making a speech or announcement that the back half of the room isn't able to hear. Plan out your audio system so that sound will be properly projected in every area where guests will be. Test everything ahead of time to make sure it's working the way it should and sound levels are at an appropriate level. Don't forget to turn the microphones on before your event begins!

• Competing sounds: Even if you've meticulously planned out the sound for your event space, you may not have considered the sounds coming from surrounding areas that may take the attention away from your event. Noises coming from other rooms, such as utensils banging around in a kitchen or cars noises from a nearby road, can ruin the atmosphere you're trying to create for your event. When selecting a venue, always keep this in mind to ensure that you are in control of these competing sounds and that guests are kept far enough away so that it doesn't detract from your event.

With all of these tips, your event should now look and sound perfect! Next week we'll explore the sense of taste.