The Ardeton String Quartet have been playing for weddings since 2001, and have experience of in excess of 250 wedding ceremonies and receptions. Although every wedding is different and we will always accommodate clients' instructions, we have put together below a few suggestions which you may find useful to make full use of the string quartet as part of your day.
It can be helpful to arrange for one of your guests or bridal party to let the quartet know when your car is arriving outside. This helps us to bring our pre-wedding performance to a close, and have a moments silence before your entrance.
It can make our planning for your service easier if we have a copy of your order of service. This can be sent prior to your wedding day, or else can be provided on the day by one of your ushers.
In order for the quartet to have the best visual appearance, consider where in the church you would like the quartet to sit. Many churches have very little space by the altar for the quartet (we need about 10ft by 6ft), and sometimes the quartet works best in a side-chapel or at the back of the church.
As with Church services, consider where in the room it is best for the quartet to sit. We can decide ourselves on the day, but you may prefer to plan this yourself so everything is exactly as you wish. Try to leave ample space for doors, particularly if you have elderly guests.
If you would like the quartet to play outside, please remember that the quartet will need adequate shade in order to protect our instruments from being damaged by the full sun.
If your photographer is planning on taking photographs in a different part of the hotel grounds we are happy to follow you, but please let us know on the day where you are going.
Try to use the quartet as a feature of
your wedding reception or breakfast. We are happy to play wherever you
wish in the room itself, but it is often nicer to have the quartet
places near to the head table or towards the middle of the room as
this creates the best impression for your guests, and ensures everyone
can hear the music clearly.