Frequently Asked Questions
How does the quartet dress?
The ensemble will wear formal attire: men in tuxedos, women in black.
What do you require to perform?
The quartet requires only 4 chairs without arms in an area ideally ca. 8 by 8 feet (if that is not quite possible, don’t worry, we have squeezed into some tight places on occasion).
Are you willing to play outdoors?
Yes, we are — within reason. Our main concerns are the safety of the instruments and being able to perform well. We request not to be put in direct sunlight and will not play outdoors if there is any precipitation.
Do you play for receptions also?
Yes — we often play during the cocktail hour and/or for dinner, and frequently the whole of the reception.
Is there going to be music before my ceremony?
We suggest prelude music one-half hour before the start of the ceremony. This does help greatly to set the mood for your guests as they are waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin.
How do I choose the music for the prelude? Do I have to select the whole program?
It is not necessary for you to choose all the prelude music, unless of course you want to. Some people have very definite ideas about programming, others leave it completely to us.
How many pieces of music do I need for the ceremony?
- One for the seating of the grand mothers, one for the seating of the mothers (depending on the numbers of grand mothers and mothers, it could be only one piece)
- One for the bridal party (officiant, grooms men, brides maids, flower girls, ring bearer, etc.)
- One for the entrance of the bride.
- Very often there is a short meditational piece, lighting of the Unity Candle, for example.
- One for the Recessional (exit of the bridal party)
- One for the Postlude (music for the guests to leave by).
Often, the officiant will make an announcement between Recessional and Postlude. We will help you of course with all of this during consultation.
How will you know when to start the music for the ceremony?
All we need is a signal from your wedding coordinator. Also, we do arrive half an hour before prelude begins and go over the details with the appointed person to confirm the plan.
How do we time our entrances to finish with the music?
You don’t actually have to worry about that. We have become very skilled in ending the music at just the right time through long experience. The only thing we do need to know is how many people are processing to each piece of music.
Can I have music during the ceremony?
- There is often room for some short pieces: after readings, lighting of the unity candle, communion, parts of the Mass, or congregational hymns etc. Please also ask your officiant about these for help in choosing appropriate music.
How far in advance should we book your quartet?
We encourage you to book as early as is feasible, since the majority of spring and summer weekend dates book up rather quickly. However, don’t hesitate to call on short notice. We have often been able to accommodate even very late bookings because of a previous cancellation.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of contract to reserve a date. The balance is due two weeks prior to the date of the event.
The organist is included with the church fee. Can we incorporate the organ?
Having both the organ and strings is actually very useful. Also, after 30 min. of the sound of strings during the prelude, it can be a great “color” change to use organ and strings for the bride’s entrance, for example. The recessional is another great spot to collaborate.
What if there is a special piece of music I would like to be played. Can you do that?
Yes, we almost always can. If it is not in our repertoire, or even available for strings, we can write an arrangement (a fee typically applies, in all cases needs to be addressed on an individual basis).
Will you perform with singers?
Absolutely. We will touch base with them ahead of time, work out details about keys, sheet music etc.
Do you need to rehearse with the vocalist(s)?
Often, depending on the material, a rehearsal is needed for the the song(s) in question. Usually 30 min. before prelude begins. (a fee typically applies, in all cases needs to be addressed on an individual basis).
Do we need to meet in person?
It is actually not necessary to meet in person. All details can be addressed over the phone or via e-mail, but if you prefer meeting in person, we would be happy to.
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal? I’m worried about timing the bridal party to the music.
It is really not necessary for us to attend rehearsals. First of all, we are very adept in timing the music to the right length, and secondly, it would add to the cost (we are usually playing for another client’s function during your rehearsal).