First thing you need to do is to decide when you want music to be played. We (and most groups) do per hour bookings. The first hour consists of 15 minutes before you are scheduled to walk down the aisle, while your bridal party and you enter, and then we you walk back down the aisle as Mr and Mrs!  Sometimes we play during the ceremony if there is candle lighting ceremony or wine blending ceremony.  If you are having a cocktail hour post ceremony you may decide on having the ensemble play during that too. We are often told that guests enjoy the continuity of having the same style of elegant music during this time before you get the party started and the reception! Or If you would prefer a more subtle entertainment we can play during the reception too!

When you are choosing the music for the ceremony there is a few things to keep in mind. The length of the piece of music of music you are looking for. For the processional this means figuring out how many people you have walking down the aisle and the length of the aisle. Some people choose to have a different song for the entry of the Bride. This is a lovely option as it adds a little more drama and anticipation. Just be aware if you choose to do this, the musicians need to know when they need to stop one song and start the next. We need to find out how many people are walking down the aisle so that we know when to transition between one song and the next. Also if you choose to have more than one song, just remember that you will only  be hearing a short amount of that song. This is especially important when considering a more popular recent song because they often have an intro and you might miss the familiar part of the song. Of course if you discuss this with the group first then there are usually ways to get you what you want. It is all just being aware of what you want exactly.

If you are planning to use a more popular recent song in your wedding, it is a good idea to make sure you hear it done by a string quartet first. Sometimes it just doesn’t translate well and doesn’t end up sounding much like the song you wanted. At Eliana Strings we want to make sure you are happy with the music you choose and do offer a service of arranging pieces for the quartet or trio for $50. Some songs we have done in the past include Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Signed Sealed Delivered and Hey There Delilah.

Some tips:

If you have a wedding coordinator, make sure they are in contact with the ensemble. Everything will run much more smoothly if they have communicated and have decided on a way to signal that the bride has arrived and  is ready to enter and are both on the same page if there are several songs for the processional etc.

If you are planning to be a few minutes late, let the group know before hand.

Make sure you have told the wedding planner and venue that they will need to have the chairs and shade (if necessary) set up for the group before they arrive. Sometimes we have to wait around while the staff scramble to get the stuff together and then end up having to start a few minutes late. Nobody wants that!

 While not contractually obliged, it is very much appreciated that if playing during the cocktail hour or reception that the musicians are provided water. Especially on those hot summers days!

 Letting the musicians know or order of service will help everything to run smoothly.

 I hope that this helps you make your decision!

Anna Piland

elianastrings@gmail.com

(858) 761 1526

www.elianastrings.com

www.youtube.com/elianastrings

Eliana Strings has been building to become the premier San Diego wedding string quartet. As well as our quartet, we do have a trio available who will provide you with the same beautiful ambiance and fit into a tighter budget.

Founder Anna Piland started in the wedding industry over 9 years ago playing in quartets and trios around Australia. During those years she formed a string trio named Torrens Trio. She managed the group and played cello. She married and moved to the United States and brought with her the passion for chamber music and love of playing at weddings.

With nearly a decade of wedding experience and a wedding of her own behind you she is more than familiar with weddings and has the ability  to provide a professional and customized service for you at your wedding.

We have provided you some samples of our music to hear us play. Please visit our Listen page to hear.

We invite you to look around our website. To get more information please visit our Contact page to send an inquiry.  Happy planning!

http://www.sdweddingscene.com/san-diego-wedding-officiant http://www.sdweddingscene.com/san-diego-wedding-officiant#comments Wed, 12 Sep 2012 03:12:01 +0000 admin http://www.sdweddingscene.com/?p=2878 Looking for a wedding officiant for your wedding in San Diego? Call Robert Stevens. His approach to weddings is second to none. Here’s are some wedding photos of beautiful wedding at Estancia in La Jolla where Robert Stevens officiated.

Robert Stevens

robert@robertstevensofficiant.com

Home=619-296-4249      Cell=619-964-0946

 

Wedding Services:

Robert Stevens will assist the bride and groom in the creation of the wedding vows, assist with the rehearsal and perform the services of a professional Marriage Minister/Officiant for the Wedding Ceremony. He will submit the marriage license to the California County Recorder’s Marriage Office within the allowed 10 day period after the wedding ceremony has been completed.

 

Estancia La Jolla Wedding Locations & ReceptionsEstancia Wedding Lawn La Jolla Hotel & Spa | San Diego California

 

Estancia Wedding Lawn La Jolla Hotel & Spa | San Diego California

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