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Most
wedding ceremonies are divided into three parts: the prelude, the
service, and the postlude. The prelude is played as the guests are
gathering. It is usually fifteen minutes long. It concludes with the
processionals for the parents, ushers and bridesmaids, and bride. The
processional music can be one piece or three separate pieces.
Depending on the religious status of the ceremony, there can be musical
interludes between readings, at the lighting of a unity candle, or
during communion. The service closes with a recessional for the entire
wedding party. This is followed by a 10-minute postlude played as the
guests leave the sanctuary. Brides should feel free to choose
traditional, classical, contemporary, or a mixture of musical styles for
their service.
You will receive our wedding music worksheet to help with selecting the
music for your ceremony and to provide us with information pertaining to
your specific wedding program. You'll be able to choose from standard
pieces for each part of the ceremony, as well as list any special
requests or instructions that you might have including any
non-traditional music requests. As your wedding day nears, we will
contact you again to confirm your selections and ceremony program, and
to address any questions you might have.
At any time, we are available for consultation by phone or e-mail to
answer your questions or offer musical advice. If you are working with a
wedding coordinator or music director at your place of worship, we'd be
happy to coordinate with them as well.
Beyond
the ceremony
Our ensembles are available and are often booked for the cocktail hour
or first hour of the reception immediately following the ceremony. This
creates a very elegant bridge of live music up until your band or DJ
takes over, continuing the celebratory mood of your ceremony with upbeat
classical music, jazz standards, or your own requests! Please contact us
with specific questions or to inquire about availability
Planning a reception or Corporate Event
The San Francisco Style Strings performs for many corporate events, including
award dinners, banquets, holiday parties, and store openings. Although
each event is unique, all involve similar planning questions.
Ensemble Selection
The size of the ensemble can be balanced with the size of the gathering.
In general, estimate at least one musician for every 35 to 50 guests.
The ratio can be adjusted depending on amplification and location. This
allows the guests to converse freely while the music is being played. A
violin-flute duet is perfect for a dinner of 100 guests. A building open
house attracting several hundred guests could be highlighted with a
piano quintet.
Repertoire Selection
Most receptions feature lighter classical music. Some blend in popular
selections as the event continues.
Indoor Events
Traffic flow is crucial at indoor events. Calculate 4' x 4' of floor
space per musician. Place the musicians at opposite ends of the room
from a bar or food stations. Allow ten feet between the first seated
guests and the musicians. This leaves room for serving staff to move
freely around the tables.
Outdoor Events
The musicians need to play in shaded areas and out of the wind. Placing
them on a patio, riser, or other hard surface helps in sound production.
A wall or side of a tent projects the music toward the guests. Because
of damage to their instruments, most musicians cannot play in weather
below 60 degrees.
Other Considerations
Dress code for our musicians is black tuxedo or concert attire, unless
otherwise requested. There may be electrical requirements for lighting
and amplification needs. Sometimes speeches and toasts need to be
coordinated in advance. The San Francisco Style Strings is happy to assist you
with any questions.
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