Stings at cocktail hour???

I am getting a string trio to play my ceremony, but I am debating strings for the cocktail hour. I think it will sound beautiful...do you think that the guests would enjoy it, or do you think the guests would prefer the music a dj would provide? Thanks in advance for the opinions...

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

I am trying to decide the same thing. I think I'll pretty much decide based on cost. I am pretty sure that they charge almost half for the second hour, so it might be worth it. Who are you using?

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

Who are you using for your ceremony?

I don't mean to be rude, but how much do they charge? I emailed one company requesting an average rate, but have not received a response yet. I was interested in using a quartet or trio for my cocktail reception.

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

We had a trio (flute, violin & cello) for both the ceremony & cocktail hour. We felt we wanted to have a low-key cocktail hour where people could chat w/o screaming!! We also attended our entire cocktail hour and it was lovely!!

PLUS! The trio was only $250.00 more for the add'l hour!!

FYI: We used Island Classical Ensembles and they were fabulous!!

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

I havent booked anyone yet because I was debating if I need them for ceremony and cocktail...As soon as I shop for them I will post back. I want to decide how long I need them before I go shopping...

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

Do you have a number for them? Also - if you don't mind me asking, what did they charge for the initial hour?

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

Island Classical Ensembles # is (631) 351-7521. Jordan Vogel is the contact person. A real pleasure to work with and very helpful with song selection. He'll send you a demo if you'd like.

Our trio was $500.00 for the 1st hour & $250.00 for the 2nd. We booked them last March and used them in October so their prices may have changed a bit.

Good luck!

Kathi...

Did people enjoy the strings at the cocktail hour? What did you walk up the aisle to?

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

Thanks Kathi. I am definately going to call them. I figured it would be about $700 just for the first hour so I think we'll end up using them for both.

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

I used Encore (advertise on this site) and they were great...$750 for 2 hours (ceremony and cocktail) trio - 2 violins and cello

people loved it...MIL and DH's uncle were preofessional musicians and they raved about them!!

and one of the musicians was a music teacher from my mom's old school!! small world

I had them play classicial, b/c my parents are reall enthuisists...I told them 3 specific songs for the ceremony...no problem...then I mentioned to them other songs that I like and to be honest, I have no idea if they were played or not, but my photographer got a picture of the sheet music to one of the songs requested...so I guess they come prepared for you!

Re: Stings at cocktail hour???

Thanks ladies! I am going to go for the cocktail hour too! Why not....it sounds beautiful!

Re: Kathi...

My guests thought the trio for the cocktail hour was great!! I asked them to play a few classical standards for the first 1/2, then more upbeat jazz selections for the 2nd 1/2 hour to liven things up a bit for the reception!!

My bridal party processional was Canon in D and my processional was Trumpet Voluntary. We used Ave Maria for the Unity Candle lighting and Ode to Joy for our recessional.

Ahh, brings back memories. Hee Hee!!