| You have decided to have a string quartet for your | | | | You can begin to get a sense of the group's |
| wedding ceremony music, but aren't sure how to | | | | professionalism even from your first visit to their |
| proceed next? What are some of the most | | | | website. How well organised is the website? Are |
| important factors in choosing your string quartet and | | | | there photos of the performers on the website? |
| where do you find the best and most reliable group? | | | | How are the performers dressed? Do they give off |
| I've outlined some of the most important qualities | | | | a classy and elegant vibe? Also take into account |
| and questions to consider when choosing a string | | | | how professional and quickly email communications |
| quartet. | | | | are handled. Quick and clear communications will put |
| Music Quality | | | | your mind at ease. |
| When hiring a string quartet for your wedding, the | | | | Pricing |
| quality of the music is paramount. It can be daunting | | | | Depending on your locations and common going |
| for a non musician to assess the musical competence | | | | rates, pricing for string quartet can vary from group |
| of a string quartet, but fortunately there are many | | | | to group. Many groups also have different pricing |
| criteria that you can use to help you decide. Sound | | | | structures, depending on the event type and |
| clips(and video clips) are the best way to get a | | | | duration. Some groups have a set per hour price, |
| sense of the quality of the group. Listen to these | | | | while others charge less per hour after the first hour. |
| clips with high fidelity headphones rather than | | | | Travel fees or time between events(for example if |
| computer or laptop speakers. Take into account the | | | | there is a break between your ceremony and |
| sound quality of the group. Are they able to achieve | | | | cocktail hour) can also come into play. Give the group |
| a pleasing sound and blend? How recently were these | | | | as much information about your event as possible to |
| sound clips recorded and how well does it reflect the | | | | get the most accurate price quote and to make sure |
| current membership of the group? Take a look at | | | | you are comparing apples to apples when comparison |
| member biographies if listed on their website. Are all | | | | shopping. When taking the above criteria into |
| members accomplished professional musicians? | | | | account, you can make a better decision on what is |
| Experience | | | | the best balance of quality and value. Lastly if you |
| The more experience your group has, the more your | | | | have fallen in love with a certain group but they are |
| mind will be put at ease and the more adept they will | | | | just out of your budget, ask them if they offer a |
| be at adapting to any curve balls that may arise on | | | | string trio. This compromise might limit some of the |
| your big day. When was the group established? What | | | | repertoire choices but can often save you some |
| types of venues have they performed at recently? | | | | money. |
| What types of weddings do they have experience | | | | Where to find your string quartet |
| performing for? These are all questions that you | | | | The major search engines are a great place to start. |
| should consider. Often this information is posted on | | | | Be sure to use many different keywords and search |
| their website. Don't hesitate to contact the group | | | | deep into the results, because local groups can |
| directly with any questions and concerns regarding | | | | sometimes be overshadowed by larger or non |
| your ceremony. And again, take a look at member | | | | wedding artists or institutions. Local business search |
| bios if possible to get a sense of individual experience | | | | can be a good way to more quickly hone in on local |
| levels. How large is their library of music? Do they | | | | groups. |
| have experience playing many different styles of | | | | The next great resource to find string quartets are |
| music? Some groups offer additional services. For | | | | the traditional wedding websites. These sites offer |
| example a custom arranging service for a special | | | | customer reviews and ratings. They also make it |
| piece that might not be available for string quartet. | | | | easy to compare many groups. Be aware that acts |
| Do they have experience collaborating with other | | | | as a quasi-agency and takes a cut from their |
| musicians that you might also want to have as part | | | | musicians, so this may increase the cost to the client. |
| of your ceremony? Take all these factors into | | | | Using these resources in conjunction with the other |
| account when judging the experience level of your | | | | criteria in this article you will be able to choose a |
| group. | | | | fantastic string quartet with confidence. |
| Reliability and Professionalism | | | | |