Frequently Asked Questions
℘ Wedding Rehearsals
℘ Do you Play Receptions?
℘ How much are your rates?
℘ Can I request specific music?
℘ Do you Travel?
℘ How much music should I have?
℘ How you can be prepared?
℘ What will the musicians wear?
Do you come to the Wedding Rehearsal?
We have found that rehearsal attendance is typically not necessary. If details are communicated accurately to us prior to the wedding day. However, if it is an absolute must have, we will need to charge a minimum $50 fee per musician plus traveling expenses. Also, it is based on the availability of our musicians.
Do you play Receptions?
Yes! Often times we are hired for a ceremony and a cocktail hour before the reception, however, we also do full receptions, including live background music and/or a DJ.
How Much are your rates?
Because of the individuality of each wedding, all of our rates are estimates and don’t take many things into account and are therefore subject to change.
Our general starting rates for the Wedding Ceremony (Which includes Prelude, Processional, Recessional, Postlude)
- Soloist: $350
- Duet: $500
- Trio: $700
- Quartet: $950
Can I request specific music?
We do music arrangements of all kinds, the price varies based on complexity and price of music if available, and possible practice time if needed. Range from $25-300 per Piece
Do you Travel?
A charge will apply for travel significantly outside of Fredericksburg, VA. Contact us for details.
How much music should I have?
Prelude Music of around 20 minutes (usually turning into close to 30 as it is uncommon for a wedding to start right on time). Processionals for the Bridesmaids and the Bride. Recessional music as the Bride and Groom walk into the sunset together. Postlude music is common, and is usually shorter, as the guests file out.
Other places during the service where music is appropriate: lighting of mother’s candle, lighting of unity candle, and Communion. We can also play special music while nothing else is going on, simply for the enjoyment of the guests. You can select the music, leave it completely up to us, or anywhere in between.
How you can be prepared?
1. Choose music with good stopping points. We can help you with this.
2. Don’t stop walking halfway down the aisle (or tell us if you are going to)! We need to be able to time when you will arrive at the front of the room.
3. Don’t sprint! As nervous as you may be, try to walk slowly so we have time to play more than a few bars of music.
4. Place the musicians where they can see what’s going on. If we’re behind a large column and our view of the aisle is blocked off, it will be difficult to know when to stop playing.
5. If something unusual is planned (such as walking to the front, going up the steps, going around the altar, and walking back down the steps), let us know!
6. Make sure all the people involved in the processional know their cues. If the music is complex and the pieces change from one part of the procession to the next, it is a good idea for us to attend the rehearsal.
7. Make sure we are well informed. Who’s walking in the processional? Is there a runner being put down? When? Are there candles being lit? When and how many? (Make sure you have lit them a couple times and know they will light right away!)
