Father Daughter, Mother Son, and First Dance

Consider something a little new for a dance. How about a string quartet for the Father - Daughter dance? Maybe "Sunrise, Sunset" played by a string quartet as you float over the floor with your dad. How about "My Favorite Things" for a Mother - Son dance. Best idea yet....."Some Enchanted Evening" as your first dance as a couple played by a classical string quartet. It won't be like EVERYONE else who uses the old standby of a DJ and some "canned" music. Let's face it, you want this to be memorable!

Thinking outside the box

Want to have some beautiful traditional music but want to stand out a little from the crowd?

Try thinking outside the box. Maybe ask the group you are using if you could have a flute player in place of the first violin, or an oboe. Same music, still traditional, but a little different flavor. Something to capture your guests attention. Maybe a harpist and violin soloist, instead of a piano and violin. Still do the same traditional tunes, but a more beautiful, light and angelic sound. Maybe easier if you are in a venue that doesn't have a piano on site.

Whatever you can think up, just ask the manager of the group you are using, and see what they can do. It never hurts to ask!

Saving Money in a Tough Economy

We are all a "little tight" on money right now. Brides included. What do you do to have the fairy tale wedding music on a budget? Here are some ideas:

1. Book a string trio or duo instead of a quartet. This can save several hundred dollars.
2. Consider using the same musicians for the cocktail hour and reception. It is going to save money to have the same group stay, rather than pay another group to come in. All musicians charge a base rate, and after an hour to an hour and a half, you are saving money to just keep the same folks playing.
3. You can downsize from a quartet or trio to a duo for the reception. Ask if they can use electric instruments. As to the Georgia String Ensemble, we have a guitar player that plays viola during the ceremony then switches to guitar (with amp) and a violinist who switches to electric violin for the reception. Check us out at www.georgiastringensemble.com
4. Ask if the group you are using can accept a credit card through PayPal. This defers the money you have to come up with before the wedding. As things settle down later, you can catch up financially.

Relax, and enjoy. Many couples have the most differences over finances, so talk about a budget and a plan ahead of time and STICK TO IT! It will save you in the end!

Wedding Season in Full Bloom!

It may still be a little chilly outside, but the wedding season is in FULL BLOOM! With weddings being booked left and right, all of the musicians are getting smiles on their faces. If you are waiting until the last minute to book a musical group, consider the fact that most brides book about 6 months to 1 year in advance. If you need to book at the last minute, don't hesitate to ask, as we sometimes have last minute cancellations due to unforseen reasons. Visit my site at http://www.georgiastringensemble.com/wedding.html and see how we can help you get the best music for your money.