What to expect when booking a wedding string quartet
DAHLIA MUSIC
Booking live wedding music should be one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning process, not a source of stress. Whether you are dreaming of a romantic live string quartet for your aisle walk or an upbeat string ensemble for your drinks reception, knowing what to expect behind the scenes keeps your day running smoothly.
To help you plan ahead, here is a complete step-by-step timeline of what to expect from your initial inquiry all the way through to your final wedding day performance with Dahlia Music.
Step 1: Initial Inquiry & Quote (6 to 12 Months Before)
The journey begins when you reach out with your event date, venue location, and general ideas for your day.
What happens: We review our availability and create a personalised quotation tailored to your timeline, ensemble size (from solo violin to a full string quartet), and venue location.
What you need to do: Share any specific musical styles or key moments you already have in mind (e.g., ceremony entrance, register signing, cocktail hour).
Step 2: Securing Your Date (6 to 12 Months Before)
Once you’re happy with your quote, it’s time to make it official!
What happens: We send over a simple booking agreement alongside details for a deposit to lock in your date on our calendar.
What you need to do: Review the terms, pay the deposit, and rest easy knowing your live music is officially reserved.
Step 3: Repertoire Consultation & Custom Requests (2 to 4 Months Before)
This is where the fun really starts! You get to shape the soundtrack of your wedding day.
What happens: We provide our comprehensive repertoire list- ranging from timeless classical pieces to modern pop and TV/movie arrangements- to help guide your choices. If you have a special song request not in our library (such as a unique entrance track), we begin working on a custom arrangement (please note an extra fee may apply).
What you need to do: Choose your key ceremony songs (Processional, Register Signing, and Recessional) and select your preferred genres for the drinks reception setlist.
Step 4: Venue & Logistics Coordination (1 Month Before)
About a month before, we finalise all technical and timing details.
What happens: If you have a wedding coordinator or venue manager, we are able to liaise directly with them to confirm arrival times, setup locations, power availability (if sound amplification is required), and wet-weather backup plans for outdoor performances.
What you need to do: Provide your final schedule for the day and introduce us to your venue contact or wedding planner (if applicable).
Step 5: Final Balance & Information Double-Check
With the final details taking shape, we make sure every single piece of information on your booking is completely accurate.
What happens: The final balance is processed, and we share all the details we have on your file for you to double-check that everything is OK. If required, we can also get directly in touch with your venue to resolve any remaining operational questions.
What you need to do: Settle the balance, review your booking summary file, and let us know if any last-minute adjustments are needed.
Step 6: Last-Minute Contact & Final Updates
As the big day approaches, we remain fully available to accommodate any final adjustments.
What happens: We carry out any last-minute contact to arrange anything extra or integrate extra updates (such as small schedule shifts, specific arrival instructions, or cue changes).
What you need to do: Pass along any final updates- we’ll take care of the rest so you can focus on enjoying your wedding week!
Step 7: The Wedding Day!
When the big day arrives, our priority is to deliver a flawless, magical soundtrack while keeping logistics completely hands-off for you.
Arrival & Setup (45–60 Mins Before): The musicians arrive early to set up, tune instruments, adjust to the room acoustics, and touch base with your registrar or celebrant.
Pre-Ceremony Music (15–20 Mins Before): As your guests arrive and take their seats, the quartet begins playing light background music to set a warm, elegant tone.
The Ceremony, Reception & Wedding Breakfast: We play seamlessly to your cues—slowing down or extending arrangements naturally to match your pace down the aisle—before transitioning smoothly to your drinks reception and wedding breakfast
Ready to Start Planning Your Wedding Music?
Whether you're just starting to gather ideas or ready to lock in your date, we’re here to help guide you through every step.