How To Plan Your String Quartet Wedding Soundtrack.
Choosing music for your wedding day can be mega-stressful. There are so many choices out there, your Spotify playlist is probably growing bigger by the minute! Fortunatley, string quartets are pretty flexible when it comes to song choices, and we can arrange most music to suit us. Here are some helpful tips we’ve gathered on our travels across Scotland to build your playlist of dreams and keep everyone entertained from the I-do’s to the disco moves!
(p.s. - you can listen to our playlist to accompany this blog here)
1. Keep it personal
Every Hollywood movie would lead you to believe you should be walking down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon. But we say screw that! If Metallica’s your thing, or Katy Perry rocks your boat, go with that. Pick a soundtrack that means something to you both.
2. F*&! tradition
Here’s a list of the non-traditional things we’ve played in the past… Rocky Theme tune for Groom’s entrance, Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter for the Bridal Entrance and Another One Bites the Dust to serenade the first kiss. Anything is fair game!
3. Keep it classy-cal
Contemporary music is great fun, but if your quartet knows their stuff, they’ll have Beethoven right through to Beyonce. Variety is the spice of life and all that!
4. Don’t think a string quartet = boring
We love Kanye, but Kanye play it on violin? Rapping, drum ’n bass, techno. We love a challenge so send us your request and we’ll see what we can do.
5. Manage your timeline
We suggest one piece for the bridal party entrance, two to three pieces for signing the register, and one piece for the grand exit. Think about the kind of entrance you want to make; do you want people reaching for the hankies to Kissing You by Des’ree while you walk down the aisle of Glasgow Cathedral, or should your guests be pulling some mega dance moves with Lizzo while you strut your stuff at the infamous Barras? Is a grand, regal exit your thing (how about Mendelssohn’s Wedding March?) or do you fancy your own blockbuster movie moment with All You Need Is Love by The Beatles?
6. Take your time
You’ve spent months picking your perfect entrance music, so take a deep breath before your first step and t a k e y o u r t i m e. Listen to the music, enjoy the walk and don’t race down the aisle. We know you want to get to your betrothed ASAP, but we have a banging chorus to play!
7. Consider the rest of the day
Your soundtrack doesn’t have to end after you’ve said “I do”. Live music can add something special to the champagne reception, and it can entertain your guests while you’re off having your pics taken.
8. Don’t stress about an entire wedding day soundtrack
We’ll be able to judge from your ceremony choices what your style is, and we’ll keep the vibe going ’til you’re back for yer grub. We also welcome requests from your guests, but we will always veto “Sweet Caroline” on your behalf.
9. Know what to look for in a string quartet
Experience, professionalism and good looks! You’ll be able to gauge from first contact whether a group will be a good match for you, so if you’re getting bad vibes – walk away. Check out playlists, follow their social media and ask plenty of questions.
10. Invest in your choice
Your string quartet is responsible for making your day one to remember: music has the power to bring back all those wedding day memories, even 30 years down the line.