Your Questions Answered

Your Questions Answered – String Quartet FAQs

Introduction

First, booking live string music raises plenty of questions. Consequently, whether you’re planning a wedding ceremony, drinks reception, or corporate event, you deserve clear, concise answers. Therefore, below you’ll find our most frequently asked questions—complete with the details that make hiring The Bridgewater String Quartet smooth and stress‑free.

1. Booking Duration

Can we book for under two hours?
Yes! In fact, our shortest booking is one hour. This option is ideal for ceremony‑only performances or brief reception sets. Moreover, shorter slots let you enjoy live music without committing to a longer appearance.

2. Lead Time

How far in advance should we book?
Popular dates fill quickly; as a result, our calendar often stretches three years ahead. Therefore, to secure your preferred day—especially summer Saturdays and holiday weekends—it’s best to reach out as early as possible.

3. Illness Contingency

What happens if someone falls ill?
Our quartet operates with a small, trusted pool of artists. If a member cannot attend, their regular deputy—of exactly the same calibre—steps in. This system ensures that your music continues uninterrupted, even at the last minute.

4. Outdoor Performances – Venue Requirements

We love playing al fresco; however:

  • Our instruments (worth over £100,000 collectively) need shelter from sun and rain.

  • Thus, if your venue lacks built‑in cover, please arrange for a marquee, canopy, or large umbrella.

  • Additionally, temperatures must stay above 17 °C for optimal sound quality and instrument care.

5. Space & Setup

What space do you need?

  • A flat area of roughly 3 × 2 m

  • Four armless chairs
    Furthermore, we normally arrange in a semicircle but can line up if space is tight. All stands and equipment are provided by us.

6. Breaks & Fees

How do breaks work?
Our fee covers total hire time, not just playing time. For bookings of two hours or longer, we take a 10‑minute break each hour—timed to fit speeches or natural pauses. Conversely, ceremony‑only bookings include built‑in pauses, so music aligns perfectly with proceedings.

7. Refreshments

Will you need us to supply refreshments?
For engagements of four hours or more, please provide light snacks and drinks—sandwiches, fruit, coffee, or tea—to keep our energy up and ensure top performance.

8. Repertoire & Arrangements

Sourcing Existing Music

Whenever possible, we source existing sheet music at no charge. Typically, arrangement costs range from £10–£20 if a free version isn’t available.

Custom Work

Custom arrangements cost £45. Moreover, we also handle trio conversions and hymn performances—just send us a hymn‑book photo.

9. Rehearsals

Do you attend on‑site rehearsals?
Our extensive experience means we rarely need pre‑event rehearsals. Instead, we confirm processional preferences in advance and liaise discreetly with your registrar or celebrant upon arrival.

10. Further Reading

For more on typical wedding music elements—preludes, processionals, and recessional pieces—see this overview on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_music

Ready to Book?

If you’re ready to secure your date or have more questions, please get in touch. Let The Bridgewater String Quartet bring beautiful, reliable live music to your event—every time.

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