Here are some common questions asked we get asked about live music for a wedding...
What’s the point in having live music? No band is going to sound like my favourite album.
True, but then no mp3 is going to create quite the same atmosphere as real musicians actually playing live in your event. How many people have you met who don’t enjoy watching live music? It makes quite a unique impression on everyone, and no two live performances are exactly the same.
For example, we recently provided a string quartet for a university graduation event. Some of the guests, young and older, noticed the quartet playing ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams. A couple of them started singing along, and soon several did. Before long, it had turned into a live karaoke session, with lots of pop songs being played and people singing along to them.
That’s not everyone’s idea of fun, but it is more memorable than hiring a karaoke dj!
Does the size of venue/number of guests affect my choice of live music?
If you are planning an intimate wedding then you may wish to hire a small ensemble.
For example, if you want mainly classical music:
- Violin and cello
- Flute and harp
- Solo harpist
Or if you prefer background jazz:
- Guitar and jazz bass
- Guitar and saxophone
For a larger wedding though, like 250 – 300+ guests, it will make sense to have amplified music, including string quartets and classical options. This will increase the costs, although bear in mind that if you are hiring a DJ as well, then it is often possible for the musicians to link up to the PA being used, which will save the extra charge of another act bringing their own PA. This is a fairly common situation, with experienced artists used to sharing some equipment, and usually happy to do so.
What do you want the music to add to your wedding?
If you would like your favourite pop song adapted for string quartet, this may cost extra for someone to adapt it (roughly £30 - £50 per song). With requests like these, the earlier you make them, the better.
However, if you’re happy for the music to remain firmly in the background and create a good atmosphere, then you can just specify that. In general, if you just want the effect of live background music to enhance the atmosphere, you will have more choice and the costs can be lower as well.
Is your venue allowed to have live music?
Most venues are, but some have restrictions on sound levels, and this is worth checking out before you hire a venue. If you love loud music, and want a big sounding band for the after-dinner dance, there are some venues that may not have the licensing for this – so it’s always worth checking with your venue co-ordinator.
Can I watch the performers live before I decide to book?
It may be possible to do this, and we will endeavour to help you with any such requests. We are also trying to incorporate as many promotional videos into the site as is possible. Some professional groups may only have other private functions prior to your event though, so it may not be possible to see them live first. However, Liquid Strings has strictly high standards throughout.
We work hard to ensure that all musicians who work for us are of the best quality. We can guarantee that an extremely high standard and professionalism is upheld. We also add as many testimonials from previous clients to back up our confidence in the artists that we represent. If you are really unsure, we may even be able to put you in touch with someone who booked from us in the past for personal reassurance.
Will I get a discount if I book more than one set of performers in advance?
Yes. If you book more than one act for the same event (say, a string trio and a jazz band), Liquid Strings will offer you a discount from the total booking. It is worth considering as you could get all the entertainment sorted for the whole day (including a DJ), and save money in the process.
What do musicians require on the day?
Musicians require sufficient space to play properly. This can be checked for each booking. If a band seems too large for your venue space, they may have options to perform with a smaller line-up. We are happy to assist with this.
Refreshments – sandwiches and cold/hot drinks for an afternoon event, and preferably a hot meal for an evening one. For events of 2/3 hours, this is essential for the performers to keep their energy levels high. Performing music live is extremely demanding, even for seasoned pros!
-Space to change and somewhere to leave personal belongings.
How do I book?
Once you have decided to go ahead, we send you an agreement which explains the terms of the transaction. Apart from last minute bookings, the standard deposit is 25%. This is refundable up to 31 days before an event for string quartets, trios etc. After this, the total sum is payable. For other acts, the deposit is the same, but the terms might be more stringent for cancellation. It will always be made clear and straightforward.
The outstanding payment is due by the day of the event – in some cases can be paid during the event. Late payments are rarely allowed, apart from with larger organisations that have to clear invoices at set times.
Can I get personal help beyond this article?
Yes, please contact us by enquiry form, e mail or phone for a quick response to any queries about live music for any kind of event.
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