Hello! D.F....oops! D.
H.&I just had our wedding at the gazebo Monday, and before that we saw weddings I think every day leading up! I think 1 out of 3 of those had the speakers, and we did as well. We had 39 guests. I would do it if you're going to be in the gazebo and are quiet. D.H. was actually miked(sp?) because we used STVS for our videography and they always do. D.H. isn't very quiet (he's a teacher, so he projects a lot), but I am, so I'm very glad I was, because I would've hated if I found out that none of our guests (or at least my parents and relatives and friends their age) couldn't hear. I don't know if you watch the reality show Kendra, but that always makes me think of her wedding, because afterwards when they did an E! True Hollywood Story on her, her producer I believe talked about how he didn't know why she laughed at certain points until he watched the video. So I think that would've been sad to have any guests pay all they did to get here (and take time off possibly), and then not even hear the day of. As someone watching the others from our balcony looking over the gazebo (yes, if you're staying at the YC during your wedding stay, you can request to look out over it!), I would also recommend using the speakers. We could hear the ceremonies that were going on w/them. With the one(s) that didn't use the speakers (I actually remember only 1), we couldn't hear, and our room is behind the gazebo and only on the 3rd floor. So if you want people who aren't even invited to your wedding to later tell you they saw it and heard it and how lovely it was, def. pay for the speakers! We have vacationers down the hall who watched, the maid watched, etc.etc.
O, and honestly the money side of it wasn't a big deal. We actually ended up being under our minimum even WITH the speaker hook up because our guest count dropped and that affected the price booze and food was going to be. O, and w/39 guests we had 5 rows of 5 on each side of the red brick aisle, so maybe that'll help you figure out what to do.

If you're going to stand outside the gazebo, which I know is an option, consider the weather because inside is shaded and there's a fan. (I was in a long sleeved dress...lace, but still long sleeved, so that was nice...I think I would've passed out standing outside! It was around 80 I'm sure.) Also, I know acoustics bounce off objects, so I'm not sure which would make you more audible...the gazebo or being closer to your guests and not inside. Just thing to consider.

I was going to go w/the violinist before, but I actually play the violin so I was afraid I'd be too picky. I'm sure they do a great job tho', because I heard the harpist at one of the weddings we saw from our balcony and she was GREAT! So if you don't go w/a violinist, I'd recommend that! Our music was from my iPod, so that's an option too, and you can use any songs as long as you tell your W.P. HTH, and I hope your day is as perfect as mine was!

O, and I think it was $200something to use my iPod.

O, and I don't think you'd need the system for the harpist. We heard HER no problem!

O, and our music was "Somebody's Getting Married" and "Waiting for the Wedding" from Muppets Take Manhattan for the Prelude, "The Rose" for the parents (minus my dad of course), "Star Trek Generations Overture" for the guys, "You're My Best Friend" by Queen for my girls, "Pachelbel: Canon in D" for my father and I, and "He'll Make Me Happy" from Muppets Take Manhattan for the uh...Recessional.

O yes, and our officiant (Ron Rosenzweig who I also recommend) was miked as well. Also, we were so under minimum, we could've had a character (or 2!) even w/the price of the system still being on there.

O yes, and if you want to see our sneak peek video for any help on your decision, check out the thread (it's kind of near the top, and it's also towards the end of my P.J./T.R.).