Practicalities for all events
The String Quartet takes up about the same amount of room as a table for four.

We require four upright, dining style chairs (no arms!)

We need adequate lighting.

We can move to different rooms at different stages of the proceedings and we can play outside as long as it is not raining or damp, as this damages the instruments.

Fees are available on request. Our rates are competitive!

WEDDING GUIDLINES
The Ceremony

Church Weddings

The Quintessential Quartet will usually play instead of the organ as the congregation gathers. Most people leave the selection of music to us (we would usually play serene Classical music as this stage) but if you have specific requests, let us know.

Three items need to be chosen, however, for the main points of the ceremony:
The Entrance of the Bride;
The Signing of the Register;
The departure of the Bride & Groom.
There are several ideas on our C.D., but any request will be accommodated if possible.

Hymns are normally played by the organist, but in smaller churches these can be played by The Quartet instead. We will require the music in plenty of time so it can be arranged for a string quartet.

We work frequently with singers and I can arrange a soloist for you if required.

Civil Ceremonies

I would highly recommend live music for a civil ceremony in order to create a suitable atmosphere.

Arrangements are similar to those for church ceremonies, although people choose to be more flexible with their choice of music for civil ceremonies to include a lighter repertoire, and maybe "your song". Please note that no religious music is permitted at civil ceremonies by law.

The Quintessential Quartet will begin playing 15-30 minutes before the ceremony to create a romantic atmosphere as your guests gather. Let me know your preferred style of music. We will then play at the same key points of the ceremony as above.

The Reception

Drinks Reception

The Quintessential Quartet will play for your guests as drinks are served and your photographs are taken. As this can be quite a protracted part of the day, live music creates a good focus for your guests and sets the atmosphere for the lighter side of the day's proceedings.

We can play outside in Summer unless is is raining, even slightly, or damp as this damages the instruments. We can also move position at any stage.

The Receiving Line

This can sometimes be a slow process so it is useful to have The Quartet to entertain your waiting guests. We can play either in the room where guests are waiting to be received or in the room where the meal is to be served, for guests moving after being received.

The Wedding Breakfast

The Quintessential Quartet can play for all or part of the meal, creating elegant background music, which adds a more personal touch than simply using the hotel's 'piped' music.

As timings can be difficult to predict, you may prefer to specify a point in the meal at which you wish us to finish, such as after dessert has been served, so that we can move out discreetly before your speeches begin. For added flexibility, extra time can be added on the day by the half hour, as long as you have requested this facility beforehand. I suggest you organise the Best Man to liaise with us in this case.