Strings for pre-ceremony??

We are using After Hours as our DJ, and we're getting a string trio through them as well. Currently we have them booked for just an hour, but we can get them for 2 full hours.

Here's my question to you girls - My ceremony begins at 11:30, and there's a 'hospitality' time from 11am to 11:30 where coffee and danishes or whatever is served for folks getting there early.... if we get just the hour, should we have them play from 11 to 12? Or should we have them start at 11:30 for the ceremony and play through the first half of the CH?

Or should we just book the 2 hours and have them play from 11 to 1? I've never been to a wedding with a string ensemble so I don't know if it's a waste to have them play during the hospitality/CH or not.

Thanks!

I'm actually struggling with the same thing!

I thought it might be strange for the strings to play for only part of the CH and then leave.

As of now, I'm having them play for the ceremony (30 min) and full CH (mine is 1.5 hours).

For the hospitality, I'm having the hall play music from a CD that we'll provide.

Interested to hear opinions.

I want strings toooo!! For hospitality and ceremony. If you guys find info, do you mind posting? Thanks!

Many DJ companies offer strings, such as After Hours.

I'm using Vintage String Quartet. I believe they are a vendor on here. Great reviews.

I hired a string quartet and have them for 2 hours.. hospitality, ceremony, and ch.

I think it gives a wonderful first impression as people walk through the door.