| More than most factors, music can shape the mood | | | | opportunity to speak to people who have hired the |
| of your wedding service and reception in a really big | | | | band previously?o Is there enough space for the |
| way. This is particularly so with string quartet and | | | | string quartet or band at the venue? Is the venue big |
| instrumental ensemble music. | | | | enough and are the acoustics suited to the sounds of |
| The beauty of hiring a string quartet is the versatility | | | | your band?o Will extra PA and sound systems be |
| of what they can play. Literally, any music classical or | | | | required to be hired - where they are not being |
| popular, (within reason), can be adapted for use by a | | | | provided by the band or quartet?o What will the |
| string quartet. Moreover, string ensemble music | | | | band be wearing? For example, if you've hired a |
| provides the perfect backdrop for such a special | | | | string quartet, will the players be in black or white |
| occasion. | | | | tuxedos.o Are back up musicians available in case one |
| Do you want to relax your guests as they arrive? | | | | of the band or string quartet has to drop out at |
| Complement the conversations during your wedding | | | | short notice?o Is the bandleader, or dance caller, |
| meal? Don't forget that string quartet music can also | | | | willing and able to act as M.C. and organise the |
| accompany an organist or other musicians during the | | | | evening's entertainment, direct guests and convey |
| wedding ceremony itself. | | | | announcements etc?o Who is the leader of the band |
| If your venue is small or your budget is tight, | | | | - and can they be contacted easily prior to the |
| consider a string quintet or trio in lieu of a string | | | | event?o Who will be the responsible person for the |
| quartet. The difference is only a violin player - plus or | | | | band or string quartet at the reception?o What is the |
| minus! | | | | total charge? What is the deposit? When and in what |
| It's imaginative to involve quite different styles of | | | | payment form is the final balance due?o If you can |
| music over the duration of your ceremony and | | | | afford it, wouldn't it be great to have a band and |
| reception. For example, you may want to start the | | | | string quartet playing in an alternating fashion or in |
| church service with guests being met by a piper, (if | | | | different parts of the venue?o Will you or the band |
| it's a Scottish wedding), or a classical rendition from a | | | | want a break whilst an evening buffet is being |
| string quartet just prior to the proceedings | | | | served, for example? |
| commencing. Also what about a jazz band for a bit | | | | To conclude, music is frequently the last service to |
| of gusto after the speeches? | | | | be booked for a wedding. Yet it is so important to |
| During the reception itself, string quartet instrumental | | | | the ambiance and atmosphere of such a special |
| music is a wonderful accompaniment during the meal, | | | | occasion. At the very least you should consider the |
| when guests want to have a conversation along with | | | | possibility of string quartet music alongside a function |
| the soothing backdrop of great instrumental music | | | | band or disco. The beauty of string quartet |
| From experience, we recommend that you select a | | | | instrumental music is that it can be provided in |
| wedding band, jazz band, swing band or an | | | | popular, contemporary or classical styles. |
| entertainment group that you've personally chosen to | | | | A quartet can play during the ceremony itself - in |
| start the proceedings proper during the all important, | | | | tandem with a church organist. Whilst, during the |
| dancing phase of the reception. Alternatively, if your | | | | welcoming and wedding meal stages of the |
| budget is limited you may want to select a string | | | | reception, string quartet music can provide a |
| quartet plus disco. | | | | wonderful romantic backdrop to the occasion. |
| What will you need for wedding day music? | | | | If your guests are staying overnight at your hotel |
| For the most part, this question will be answered by | | | | venue - what about surprising them with beautiful |
| six factors:o The size of your budget.o Do you want | | | | string quartet instrumentals first thing in the morning |
| a lot of special requests?o The availability of good | | | | as they eat their breakfast. Soothing classical music is |
| local bands, string quartets and musicians.o The | | | | a sure way to relieve the effects of a wedding |
| logistics of your venue and the size of your wedding | | | | hangover. |
| party.o Your desire to have a live vocalist present.o | | | | Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate with a band leader. |
| The amount of dancing that you'll want during your | | | | It's important that you get what you require at a |
| wedding. | | | | price that's acceptable to you. However, remember |
| If you are planning to have live music at your | | | | that good bands and string quartets cost money and |
| wedding - consider the following:o Does your chosen | | | | often a cut in costs can only be done when cheaper |
| band or string quartet have recordings of tracks that | | | | alternatives are considered. |
| you can listen to?o Do they have testimonials that | | | | Good luck with planning your wedding day. |
| can be seen and if necessary, can you have the | | | | |