Noise Restriction - 55 dB...Advice?

emineminem

Pretty self explanatory. I'm getting married in Sausalito, CA, which has a citywide noise ordinance of 55 dB. Because of this, we are not going to have a DJ, but we do plan on having a couple friends perform acoustic songs, and we want to have an iPod mix for the reception. Any suggestions for making sure we don't get too loud, and actually...any idea just how loud 55 dB is?? It can't be TOO quiet, or there would never be weddings there

Also, any suggestions for how to relay this to the guests?

Any advice is appreciated!!

jessicabessica

Are you getting married at a venue that has staff, or more like a city park?  I would ask the venue staff about this.

I don't think you should say anything to the guests, but make sure the tone/feel of your reception is quieter.  Maybe pick slower songs or more background music, even.

rlavach

I agree with PP. What does the venue say about this? I was considering 1 venue with a similar restriction. I had to select from a list of approved DJs. The venue should have an idea of whether or not an iPod is even capable of going over that. You can pick more relaxed chill songs & it is unlikely that people will get too loud.

gundy21

Google to the rescue...

Threshold of hearing	0 dB		Motorcycle (30 feet)	88 dB
Rustling leaves	20 dB		Foodblender (3 feet)	90 dB
Quiet whisper (3 feet)	30 dB		Subway (inside)	94 dB
Quiet home	40 dB		Diesel truck (30 feet)	100 dB
Quiet street	50 dB		Power mower (3 feet)	107 dB
Normal conversation	60 dB		Pneumatic riveter (3 feet)	115 dB
Inside car	70 dB		Chainsaw (3 feet)	117 dB
Loud singing (3 feet)	75 dB		Amplified Rock and Roll (6 feet)	120 dB
Automobile (25 feet)	80 dB		Jet plane (100 feet)	130 dB

HobokensFury

If a normal convo between 2 people is 60 dB, 5 over their limit, how is a group on people supposed to keep it down.  That's really realy low.

MobKaz

That ^^ chart is not really accurate.  Conversational speech occurs within approximately the 35 dB level.  Tolerance to noise level depends not only on the decibel level, but the degree/amount of pitch as well. 

55dB would be lower than a typical DJ might play, be it will be more than loud enough for your purposes.

http://www.daytonent.com/audiogram.asp

rlavach

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_noise-restriction-55-dbadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:278361b5-f538-474a-8364-2d0598c6a99cPost:fcefbe19-63dd-495f-b644-59d666395045">Re: Noise Restriction - 55 dB...Advice?</a>:
[QUOTE]Google to the rescue... Threshold of hearing 0 dB Motorcycle (30 feet) 88 dB Rustling leaves 20 dB Foodblender (3 feet) 90 dB Quiet whisper (3 feet) 30 dB Subway (inside) 94 dB Quiet home 40 dB Diesel truck (30 feet) 100 dB Quiet street 50 dB Power mower (3 feet) 107 dB Normal conversation 60 dB Pneumatic riveter (3 feet) 115 dB Inside car 70 dB Chainsaw (3 feet) 117 dB Loud singing (3 feet) 75 dB Amplified Rock and Roll (6 feet) 120 dB Automobile (25 feet) 80 dB Jet plane (100 feet) 130 dB
Posted by gundy21[/QUOTE]
WHAT! If this is true, which I'm doubting, there is no way the OP can do this. 

emineminem

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_noise-restriction-55-dbadvice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:278361b5-f538-474a-8364-2d0598c6a99cPost:8815c232-d793-4bf6-9ace-86ffe5868810">Re: Noise Restriction - 55 dB...Advice?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Noise Restriction - 55 dB...Advice? : WHAT! If this is true, which I'm doubting, there is no way the OP can do this. 
Posted by rlavach[/QUOTE]

Haha, yeah I found that chart on google too, but I sincerely doubted it's accuracy!

TY Mobkaz, for the more believable info!

The venue is a Hall, so the reception will be inside. They said an iPod would be fine. I'm just worried because I read this review on yelp :
"[the person in charge] came twice to complain about the music volume during our wedding and despite the fact that we kept the doors closed, adjusted the volume and were respectful to his requests, more than half of our deposit was withheld. They claimed that they used my deposit to purchase gifts for the surrounding neighbors of Sausalito!"

I figure as long as I keep the MUSIC at a lower level, people will get the hint that they should keep it down a little...but I'm just worried it will also keep people from dancing and enjoying themselves. Everything will be done by 9pm though, so it's not like it'll be a crazy nighttime dance party. /ramble. I guess I'll just be very selective with the playlist. Thanks for the tips!

MobKaz

Believe it or not, there are actually several apps that you can download to measure noise levels..........

http://www.healthyhearing.com/content/articles/Hearing-loss/Protection/47805-The-best-phone-apps-to-measure-noise-levels

You might want to read the specifics regarding the local ordinances.  I would think that there must be some time restrictions specified in the ordinance.  Most towns have noise ordinances but they typically do not come into play until 10 pm or later. 

You might also want to consider some wireless speakers to help spread the sound around the room a bit, which should also allow you the ability to keep the volume down a bit more.

And I would absolutely be looking at my contract regarding these "gifts" to the residents of the surrounding area.  I sure as heck would be looking for proof of exactly what was purchased for their "pain and suffering".  Perhaps you could preempt that buy passing out earplugs to the locals ;-)

aileenx13

Wow Iam not sure now if I should have my wedding in this venue.if we are pretty loud in general. 100 in a wedding how can you keep it down like that. are there any actual video or example of sound I can listen too.