What do you require to perform?
The musicians require upright chairs without arms for us to perform well.

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. i.e.. we need to be in full shade, if possible (except for beach weddings), and there cannot be any precipitation.

Do you play for receptions also?
Yes - we often play during the cocktail hour and/or for dinner, and frequently the whole reception.

My wedding ceremony and the reception are in two different locations. How do you charge for that?
In a situation like this, which is quite common, we charge for the length of the engagement, including the time to travel between venues. In other words, from the start of the prelude until the end of our playing time at the reception This usually needs to be addressed on an individual basis.

Prelude:

Is there going to be music before my ceremony?
We suggest prelude music fifteen to twenty minutes 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. Through long experience we have found that choosing from a wide variety of material, according to what “feels” best for the moment and the location, usually works best. Also, if you give us an indication what mood you would like to create, we find most clients like a combination of traditional and contemporary pieces.

Ceremony:

How many pieces of music do I need for the ceremony?
-- For most weddings, you might have up to five to six separate pieces:
A. one for the seating of the grand mothers and mothers
B. one for the bridal party (minister, grooms men, brides maids, flower girls, ring bearer, etc.)
C. one for the entrance of the bride.
D. interlude music, (optional), example - lighting of the Unity Candle
E. one for the Recessional (exit of the bridal party)
F. one for the Postlude (music for the guests to leave by).

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.

Planning:

How far in advance should we book your ensemble?
We encourage you to book as early as is feasible, since the majority of spring and summer weekend dates book up rather quickly during January each year. Don't hesitate to call on short notice however. We have often been able to accommodate even very late bookings because of a previous cancellation.

A deposit is required at the time of contract to reserve a date. (by check normally, but, if you want to put it on a credit card, PayPal is an option). We do prefer getting the balance two weeks prior to the event, that way neither you or we have to think about it.

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, we can write an arrangement for the group (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. Also, we do perform weekly around the Charleston area if you would like to hear us.