Weddings
We'll handle the second most important part of the day!
We can't help you decide if you really have found the love of your life, but we will make sure everything gets handled right with the music for your ceremony. Our experience is that, aside from speculation on the compatibility of the couple, the greatest impression of the event on your friends and family is made by the music. Before and during the ceremony, we will work with you to make sure your guests are commenting on how beautiful the ceremony music was for years to come!
We want you to love our music!
We pride ourselves on helping you determine just what to play and when to play it. It isn't enough to fill your dance floor - we want you to love the music!
Unless you have already determined otherwise, we recommend hiring a string quartet as it provides the richest harmonies and ample volume. Most of our music is composed or arranged for string quartet, so this ensemble allows us to perform our full range of repertoire and accomodate any song requests.
Our guide to helping you plan
We'll work with your to create a set list based on your musical preferences to ensure that every song from the start of the day until you drive away together as a married couple is tailored especially for you.
Prelude
Approximately thirty minutes of music as the guests arrive and are seated, this part of the service is particularly important in setting the desired atmosphere for the occasion.
Ceremony
Depending on the nature of the service, including any faith requirements, we may play one or more pieces as part of the ceremony. For example, a march for the entrance of the bride, a interlude after the saying of vows, and recessional music as the wedding party and then the guests exit the service.
Cocktail Hour
While our standard package ends with the completion of the wedding ceremonly, we are also perfectly suited to play instrumental music for a cocktail hour as the guests relax and get in a festive mood. We will work with you to come up with the styles of music you prefer and any particular requests you may have.
Reception
Want some elegant background music for your dinner reception before the DJ or band arrives? We can help keep things moving as the event transitions into party mode.
We thought you'd like to know
What is your booking process?
After discussing what is desired, particulary the performance location, ensemble required, and other details, we will prepare a proposal for our services including all fees and expenses. Once we have agreed upon terms of the engagement, we require a 50% deposit to hold the date available. This deposit is not refundable.
Is An Array of Strings LGBQTA friendly?
Absolutely. We would be honored to be part of any wedding or other event celebrating the love and commitment of any two people.
How much does it cost to book your services?
For a typical wedding ceremony, the full quartet charges a fee of $2,400. This fee is meant be an all-inclusive, full-service cost, and not the starting point for the addition of "extras" and "custom orders". Additional performance options, such as post-ceremony cocktail hours or gatherings will typically be considerably less expensive, as they will not require additional travel, set-up and other preparation. Upon request we will be happy to consult with you to determine your needs and prepare an all-inclusive proposal for your review.
Can you perform at an outdoor function?
While we enjoy performing outdoors and are equiped to handle normal breezes, we suggest that one keep in mind the region's fickle climate. In particular, our instruments must not be exposed to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or precipitation. We require contingency plans be made and communicated in advance of the event in case of inclement weather.
How far from Charlottesville can you perform.
Our standard fee is based on travel up to twenty-five miles from Charlottesville's Downtown Mall area. Travel beyond that distance may incur an additional fee, which will be separately stated in our contract proposal. Such arrangements are usually quite straightforward; however, please let us know as far in advance as possible if it is anticipated a performance might require travel other than by automobile, overnight stays, or other unusual arrangements, and we will be happy to discuss accomodation of such requests.
We have a vocalist/instrumentalist performing at our event. Can you accompany them?
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians when practicable. If you wish to provide a soloist, please let us know as early as possible so that we can determine rehearsal requirements, musical arrangements, and set up. In addition, we can make recommendations for other respected instrumentalists if you have a particular desire (such as trumpet, flute, oboe) or vocalists. Simply let us know any details or ask for more information.