FAQ
Does the Quartet play at receptions?
Yes, we do. We can play at the reception venue as guests arrive, during pre-reception drinks, or during the reception itself.
If I want the Quartet to play at our ceremony and also at pre-dinner drinks, or at our ceremony and also the reception, how much will that cost?
The longer the period of time you hire a Quartet for, the cheaper the hourly rate. We are very flexible, and can organize a cost effective 'Wedding Package' to suit most events.
When does the Quartet play during the wedding ceremony?
Usually, we play for half an hour before the ceremony starts as guests arrive, during your walk down the aisle, during the signing of the registry, when you exit, and then for about twenty minutes as guests leave. Some ceremonies also include ring warming rituals, or the offering of communion – these are also good moments for background music.
Does the Quartet play at events other than weddings?
Yes, we do. We have a range of music to suit every occasion, from Christmas parties to corporate events.
Can I choose which pieces I would like to hear?
Yes, you can choose any piece from our repertoire list, or we can choose the music for you. Most couples like to choose some of the main pieces (for example, entrance music or signing of the register) and leave the rest to us. We have become pretty good at 'reading' situations, and knowing which pieces work best in different settings!
How do you time the music so that it fits in with the ceremony? Do you need to attend the wedding rehearsal?
Very simple – we arrive early and speak to your priest or celebrant. They give us a nod or some sort of cue as you arrive, and we start playing the entrance music. They give us cues to begin playing during the signing of the register – and at any other time necessary. We are very experienced at timing our pieces so that they fit into the right 'slots' in the ceremony, and we don't actually need to come to a wedding rehearsal. However, should you have specific directions that require a rehearsal, we are usually able to attend (a rehearsal fee applies in these situations).
What do you need to perform?
Four chairs, without arms, are all we require. If it is an outdoor event, we also require shelter; even if there's no rain, the sun can be just as damaging to our instruments.
Do you ever play as a trio?
Yes, sometimes we do. But the reality is that most of our music (and most good music, come to that!) is actually written for Quartet. Having the four instruments creates a fuller, more varied sound. We can scale down to a trio (very handy if money is an issue), but a full Quartet is what you will need if you want to hear well-known music.
How does the quartet dress?
The dress code is normally formal: men in tuxedos / women in black. For some occasions, like a funeral service, dark suit and long tie will be more appropriate.
