Frequently Asked Questions – Wiltshire String Quartet

We are well-presented and highly experienced musicians. Our usual attire is formal black, but we can wear brighter colours if you prefer.

Pricing corresponds to the level of professionalism and experience. We offer a unique service, owning the largest string quartet repertoires we know of in Britain. Underlying this performing experience is many years of national and international concert performances as individual musicians. The result of our level of professionalism will be more than evident at your function. We are confident and capable in any setting from church services to garden parties.

If requested we would be delighted to perform outside. The British weather however presents its own unique set of challenges at all times of the year. Being a professional quartet/ ensemble we perform using expensive instruments which can have a combined value of £100,000 or more. The instruments, sheet music, stands and musicians must be protected from wind, UV rays (Sun) and rain, making outside cover required. A marquee, awning, large umbrella, extended canopy or the inside of a doorway are acceptable. To perform under a tree is not acceptable cover. Level ground, protection from high winds, adequate lighting and four chairs without arms are also necessary. For string players in normal playing attire (orchestral dress), the normal ambient outside performance temperature undercover is between 18°C and 26°C. Outside of these temperature parameters, additional heating or cooling or may be required. Cooling may come in the form of a natural breeze, fan, or even an air-conditioning unit. Heating may come in the form of a heater. The decision whether to perform outside will be made by the musicians at the time of performance and you agree that their decision will be final. Performances may be moved indoors due to weather conditions. We do not supply cover, cooling or heating equipment of any kind. Supplying these is the responsibility of the hirer.

The longer you hire us for, the cheaper the overall rate. We are very flexible, and offer a range of cost effective ‘Wedding Packages’ to suit your wedding.

Please contact us and we will send you a full quotation including availability, fees and a booking form. To complete a booking please fill in the booking form and email it to us and make your deposit payment to any of the payment methods at the bottom of your quotation which you received. We shall then respond with a booking confirmation and the ways in which you can choose your music. Your balance payment is due no later than 14 days prior to performance by bank transfer. You may pay at an earlier point if you wish.

This is very simple. We arrive approximately 30 to 45 mins earlier than required and speak to your priest or celebrant. They will give us a nod as you arrive and we start playing your entrance music. They then supply us with cues to begin performing during the signing of the register, then at any other time necessary. We are very experienced at timing our pieces so that they fit into the ceremony, and we don’t actually need to come to a wedding rehearsal.

Four armless chairs is all that we require. If your event is outdoors we also require shelter, even if there’s no rain. The sun can be impossible to perform directly under and also damage the instruments

Yes, we do. We can play throughout all the parts of your wedding, the pre-ceremony, ceremony, drinks reception and meal. Please take a look at the wedding packages on our weddings page.