Planning advice, from the musicians

How to choose your string configuration

Start with the room, not the budget. A trio (two violins and cello) is warm and full in an intimate ceremony, and it never overwhelms a small space. A quartet is the classic choice for most weddings — full enough for a ceremony and cocktail hour. Add harp or piano when you want warmth that carries: harp shimmers in the processional, piano lifts a reception and a first dance. The full 10-piece — eight strings, harp, and piano — is for grand ballrooms and 200+ guests, where the sound has to fill a large space.

Quick rule: under 50 guests in a small room → trio. 50–150 in a church or lodge → quartet. 150+ or a ballroom → ask about harp, piano, or the full ensemble. Then tell Matt your venue and guest count — he'll confirm it with you on a call, and your proposal gives the exact price.

Best ceremony songs for a Utah temple reception

Temple receptions are joyful, family-filled, and often held in a cultural hall or a garden — which means the music sets the tone as guests arrive. Prelude favourites that work beautifully: Clair de Lune, Air on the G String, and Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring — calm, familiar, and never distracting from conversation. For the couple's entrance, Canon in D and A Thousand Years are the two most-requested choices for a reason: everyone recognises them instantly. Hymns belong here too — Amazing Grace, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and Be Still, My Soul are all in our repertoire. If you have a song that matters to your family, tell us — we learn requests, including pieces outside our published list.

What to ask your string ensemble before you book

Five questions that save surprises later: 1. Who exactly will play on the day — and what happens if someone is ill? (We substitute qualified professionals of equal ability.) 2. How much setup time do you need, and what do you need from the venue? (We need 30 minutes to set up and tune, plus armless chairs and space for stands.) 3. What happens outdoors — sun, wind, rain? (The client provides shade or shelter; if none is provided, we can supply our own shade for a $200 fee, and we may pause if weather endangers the instruments.) 4. What does the deposit and cancellation policy look like? (50% deposit secures your date; see the contract for the cancellation schedule.) 5. Can you learn a song that isn't in your repertoire? (Yes — custom arrangements are $50 per piece, subject to feasibility and preparation time.)

Prelude vs processional vs recessional, explained

Prelude is the music while guests arrive and are seated — usually 20–30 minutes of calm, familiar pieces. It sets the mood before anyone walks in. Processional is the walk itself: family, wedding party, then the couple. Pick one song per group if you like, or one song for the whole processional — we can time the music to land exactly as you arrive. Recessional is the joyful exit: bright, upbeat, celebratory — Ode to Joy or the Wedding March are classics, and a pop favourite works beautifully here too. After that comes cocktail hour (light, social) and the reception (first dance, dinner music, and celebration). When you book, we help you choose one song for each moment — and you can change them up to 30 days before the event.