Wedding Music Guide
General:
What do you require to perform?
The musicians require upright chairs without arms for us to perform well. Also cover if there's inclimate weather.
Are you willing to play outdoors? What about rain?
Yes, we perform outdoors – Our main concerns are the safety of the instruments. If there is any precipitation, there must be a provided covering. If the wedding is not moved indoors due to light rain, cover must be provided by the wedding coordinator / client beforehand for the musicians to perform.
Prelude Music:
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 Selections:
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/Fees:
How are contracts / payment handled?
When you are ready to book the musicians, we send a contract in pdf format through email which is then reviewed for correct details, signed and mailed back with the deposit. The deposit should be in the form of a check.
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.
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).