Why have a string quartet play at your wedding?
An ensemble of four musicians playing stringed instruments (typically two violinists, a viola player and a cellist who between them cover the melodies, mid-range and bass parts) will make a classy addition to your wedding, lending a sense of occasion and a feeling of luxury. After all, the romance and elegance of a string quartet will never go out of style. What’s more, a group like this can typically play anything from classical pieces to pop or jazz, so it’s a highly versatile option for your big day’s live music. That flexibility extends to having them play at various points throughout the day. Most quartets can also work in just about any venue, so you can book them wherever you’re tying the knot, and in spaces from larger halls to intimate rooms.
Finally, they’re acoustic, and so create a rich, full sound that doesn’t generally require extra amplification. Therefore you won’t need PA systems or complex set-up arrangements. They’re mobile and compact compared to other live music acts.
Considerations when booking a string quartet for your big day
As when booking anything else, there are a number of things to take into account, including:
- Booking well in advance
String quartets are highly sought-after during summer’s peak wedding season between May and September. So, especially if you’re tying the knot on a Saturday during these months, you’d do well to book a minimum of 12 months ahead.
- When should they play?
Your act can play either for up to half an hour before the ceremony as guests arrive, as the bridal party makes its entrance, during the register signing and as the newlyweds exit. A string quartet is also the ideal accompaniment to a pre-dinner champagne reception or cocktail hour or during the meal – the music will add a sophisticated ambience without intruding or making it hard to hold a conversation.
- When will the musicians arrive?
You’ll probably want to check this yourself with your act, but typically most quartets arrive at the venue an hour or so before they’re due to perform. This allows them enough time to settle in, tune up and, if necessary, get changed.
- How much space will they need?
Most string quartets need very little space, but allow an area of at least 10 feet by 6.5, so that the musicians can set out their chairs in a semi-circle with enough room to be able to perform comfortably.
- Will the musicians need any special equipment?
No. The only thing the group is likely to need will be armless chairs, which your venue can supply. But if you want them to play outside in summer, be sure there’s a shady spot or gazebo to avoid damage to their instruments from prolonged heat exposure.
The temperature should be above 16°C and obviously you wouldn’t expect your quartet to play outside if it’s raining.
- What about breaks and food and drink for the musicians?
For longer bookings, a break of around 15 minutes every hour or hour and a quarter is reasonable.
And, certainly, refreshments are always appreciated, but whether or not this is expected will depend on the contract and how long you have booked them to play for. If they’re playing for more than two or three hours, a hot meal would be pretty standard.
If they’re booked for less time, say an hour or 90 minutes, perhaps consider providing water, tea, coffee and biscuits. You should be able to provide ‘crew meals’ rather than the three-course feast you’ll serve guests, and most musicians will be more than happy with that.
7.) Choosing the music
As mentioned, most string quartets’ repertoires are quite extensive. So you’re not limited to Bach or Mozart. Compile a shortlist of tunes and keep the point in the day in mind throughout. You’ll want gentle background music as guests arrive, for example, and to strike a different tone at various moments throughout the occasion. Your quartet may also be able to arrange custom requests if you give them enough time.
As a rough guide, think in terms of up to 10 songs while guests arrive, up to five numbers during the ceremony and up to 20 per hour during the reception.
Book your wedding string quartet through Gecko Live
Gecko Live has more than a decade and a half of experience in booking incredible performers for weddings, including string quartets.
Fortée Strings, for example, plays anything from Bollywood pieces to Coldplay, movie themes to Abba and Adele.
And because our founders are musicians themselves, we’re ideally placed to advise on what works best for which venue type We always talk to customers in the first instance to gain a detailed understanding of what they need.
We know all our performers well, so we can be very confident in the quality of our acts. Browse the website and get in touch or check availability with a booking enquiry.