Question 1

What makes your company different from the others?

Accepted Answer

Ceremonious Strings is fully licensed AND insured. If your venue needs a certificate of insurance or worker's compensation, we can provide one.
Many musical groups are NOT insured and many venues require proof of insurance- that cost can fall onto you.
Ceremonious Strings is also NOT a booking agent---
we are an established team of musicians! We are a legitimately operating  company that employs 20 musicians who have countless hours of experience performing together. Other companies take your event and contract it out to any available musicians in their network. At Ceremonious Strings, you are getting a specific "Ceremonious Strings" vetted musician.
How else are we unique? We all play the same music- what do I mean by that? Jaime has worked over the years to custom write all of the music that we play to specifically fit our ensembles. If you book a String Trio, your musicians are playing music specifically written for 2 Violins & 1 Cello. Other companies rely on their subcontracted musicians to find music for your event or pull "piano scores" off of the internet. This requires the musician to make up a part as they go along. At Ceremonious Strings, our music is pre-written and it shouldn't matter if Jaime, Jenn, Patty or Rose are playing the cello---- they all read the same musical parts and it should all sound the same!

With our years of experience at weddings and other special events, Ceremonious Strings will ensure that the music for your special day is perfect!

Question 2

How many weddings do you do in one day?

Accepted Answer

Ceremonious Strings has grown into a team of 20 employed musicians! 
We do NOT subcontract your event. You are getting one of the members of our vetted and experienced team. Depending on musician availability, we can do up to 4 events in a day. Jaime will coordinate all events-- but she can only physically play at one. 
At Ceremonious Strings, our music is pre-written and it shouldn't matter if Jaime, Jenn, Patty or Rose are playing the cello---- they all read the same musical parts and it should all sound the same!

Question 3

What is the difference between the DUO and the TRIO?

Accepted Answer

DUO: 1 Violin & 1 Cello 
TRIO: 2 Violins & 1 Cello 
Some groups will use 1 Violin, 1 Viola & 1 Cello-- we use 2 Violins

The more instruments, the fuller the sound. However, we can play a wide variety of music with both our duo and our trio. We usually recommend using the trio if you are booking a cocktail hour with a guest count of 175 or more. See our Ensemble section for example audio for the Duo vs the Trio

Question 4

I am interested in the harp- do you work with other instruments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have harpists/pianists/vocalists/etc. Inquire with Jaime if there is something that isn’t on the ensemble list that you are interested in!

Question 5

How do I choose the music for my event?

Accepted Answer

When you book with Ceremonious Strings, you will receive a log-in to our online planning system. In the portal, you can view details about your event and choose all of the music using our questionnaire. Did you lose your login? Email us!

Question 6

What is your timeline for the day of our event?

Accepted Answer

Musicians arrive 1/2 hour before the start of prelude music.

Example timeline:

Musician Arrival: 				4:00pm 
Prelude Music (guest seating): 		4:30-5:00pm 
Ceremony: 					5:00-5:30pm 
Cocktail Hour: 					5:30-6:30pm

Question 7

How many songs do I choose?

Accepted Answer

You can customize the music for all portions of your event which include:

1. Prelude Music: 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony, as guests are arriving. 
We typically do a mix of light modern music—if there are specific songs that you would like, you can request these in the portal. If you want us to go with our favorites, we can do that too!

2. Processional of parents/grandparents/bridal party: We recommend 1 song to keep the flow of the processional smooth. If you have a very large bridal party and would like a separate song for the entrance of the parents/grandparents, we can discuss customizing that.

3. Bride: Your own special entrance!

4. Recessional: Something upbeat and fun-- you are finally married!

If you booked for a cocktail hour, we usually play our own mix of upbeat modern tunes—we like to read your crowd! However, if there are specific songs that you would like, you can request these in the portal. If you want us to go with our favorites, we can do that too!

Question 8

What is our payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

We require a $250 non-refundable retainer to secure your date in the calendar at the time of booking- this goes towards your balance. 
We ask for the balance to be paid 2 weeks prior to the date of the event

Question 9

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept:
Check 
Zelle 
Venmo (we have a business account) 
Credit Card (there is a 3% fee)

Question 10

Do you bring a microphone for the officiant?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not have microphone equipment to lend out for your officiant. We recommend that you check with your DJ or Band, to see if they offer such a rental.

Live Music for all Special Events!

FAQs