The couple is halfway through their vows when the lights go out and the microphone dies. Guests at the back see only phone torches. In a country where power outages have been part of daily life, a wedding without a backup power plan is a gamble.
Ask the venue first
Ask every venue whether it has a generator, how large it is and whether it switches on automatically when the grid fails. Find out what the generator covers: lights only, or air conditioning, sound and kitchen too. Ask whether the generator costs extra and who pays for fuel.
Hire a backup if needed
For outdoor and garden weddings, or venues without reliable backup, hire a generator. The rental company should calculate the load based on lights, sound equipment, fans, cooling and catering equipment. Place the generator away from guests to reduce noise and fumes.
Fuel and an operator
Make sure there is enough fuel for the whole event, plus a margin. Arrange for an operator to stay with the generator throughout, so it can be restarted or switched quickly.
The sound system
A good sound system matters as much as power. Guests should hear the officiant, the vows and the speeches clearly. Ask your DJ or sound company to provide microphones for the officiant, couple, MC and speakers, plus monitors if there is a live band.
Sound check
Insist on a sound check before guests arrive. Test every microphone in the positions where it will be used. Check for feedback, dead spots and battery levels on wireless microphones.
Church weddings
If the ceremony is in a church, the church may have its own sound system and technician. Coordinate between the church technician and your photographer and videographer, who may want a clean audio feed for the recording.
Lighting backups
Rechargeable lights, battery-powered fairy lights and a few emergency lamps can keep the hall usable for a few minutes if both grid and generator fail.
Respect neighbours
Accra assemblies enforce noise rules, especially at night. Ask the venue about time limits for amplified music and keep the volume reasonable.
A simple checklist
Before the day, confirm: who supplies the generator, who supplies fuel and who operates it; how long the switch-over takes; how many microphones you need and whether they are wireless; where speakers will stand; and who the contact person is for any technical problem. Write the answers down and share them with your coordinator.
Most guests will never notice a well-run generator. They will remember the silence if there is not one.
