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More than most factors, music can shape the mood of your wedding service and reception in a really big way. This is particularly so with string quartet and instrumental ensemble music.

The beauty of hiring a string quartet is the versatility of what they can play. Literally, any music classical or popular, (within reason), can be adapted for use by a string quartet. Moreover, string ensemble music provides the perfect backdrop for such a special occasion.

Do you want to relax your guests as they arrive? Complement the conversations during your wedding meal? Don't forget that string quartet music can also accompany an organist or other musicians during the wedding ceremony itself.

If your venue is small or your budget is tight, consider a string quintet or trio in lieu of a string quartet. The difference is only a violin player - plus or minus!

It's imaginative to involve quite different styles of music over the duration of your ceremony and reception. For example, you may want to start the church service with guests being met by a piper, (if it's a Scottish wedding), or a classical rendition from a string quartet just prior to the proceedings commencing. Also what about a jazz band for a bit of gusto after the speeches?

During the reception itself, string quartet instrumental music is a wonderful accompaniment during the meal, when guests want to have a conversation along with the soothing backdrop of great instrumental music

From experience, we recommend that you select a wedding band, jazz band, swing band or an entertainment group that you've personally chosen to start the proceedings proper during the all important, dancing phase of the reception. Alternatively, if your budget is limited you may want to select a string quartet plus disco.

What will you need for wedding day music?

For the most part, this question will be answered by six factors:

The size of your budget.

Do you want a lot of special requests?

The availability of good local bands, string quartets and musicians.

The logistics of your venue and the size of your wedding party.

Your desire to have a live vocalist present.

The amount of dancing that you'll want during your wedding.

If you are planning to have live music at your wedding - consider the following:

Does your chosen band or string quartet have recordings of tracks that you can listen to?

Do they have testimonials that can be seen and if necessary, can you have the opportunity to speak to people who have hired the band previously?

Is there enough space for the string quartet or band at the venue? Is the venue big enough and are the acoustics suited to the sounds of your band?

Will extra PA and sound systems be required to be hired - where they are not being provided by the band or quartet?

What will the band be wearing? For example, if you've hired a string quartet, will the players be in black or white tuxedos.

Are back up musicians available in case one of the band or string quartet has to drop out at short notice?

Is the bandleader, or dance caller, willing and able to act as M.C. and organise the evening's entertainment, direct guests and convey announcements etc?

Who is the leader of the band - and can they be contacted easily prior to the event?

Who will be the responsible person for the band or string quartet at the reception?

What is the total charge? What is the deposit? When and in what payment form is the final balance due?

If you can afford it, wouldn't it be great to have a band and string quartet playing in an alternating fashion or in different parts of the venue?

Will you or the band want a break whilst an evening buffet is being served, for example?

To conclude, music is frequently the last service to be booked for a wedding. Yet it is so important to the ambiance and atmosphere of such a special occasion. At the very least you should consider the possibility of string quartet music alongside a function band or disco. The beauty of string quartet instrumental music is that it can be provided in popular, contemporary or classical styles.

A quartet can play during the ceremony itself - in tandem with a church organist. Whilst, during the welcoming and wedding meal stages of the reception, string quartet music can provide a wonderful romantic backdrop to the occasion.

If your guests are staying overnight at your hotel venue - what about surprising them with beautiful string quartet instrumentals first thing in the morning as they eat their breakfast. Soothing classical music is a sure way to relieve the effects of a wedding hangover.

Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate with a band leader. It's important that you get what you require at a price that's acceptable to you. However, remember that good bands and string quartets cost money and often a cut in costs can only be done when cheaper alternatives are considered.

Good luck with planning your wedding day.

Anthony Coogan

String Quartets Live

Anthony Coogan has been involved in providing classical and contemporary music in the UK and Europe for the last 20 years. String Quartets Live developed as a result of his classical music training coupled with his experience of playing at hundreds of weddings over the years.

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