Can a String Quartet Play Outside at a Wedding or Event?
We’ve had a lovely summer so far, and been so lucky with the weather! We’ve also been lucky to have the best clients who ensure that us and our instruments are protected and respected. Thank you! Here’s a little blog we’ve put together which will help future clients be aware of what to expect for an outdoor wedding, and how to look after the musicians and the instruments. It’s pretty basic really!
A string quartet can be a beautiful addition to an outdoor ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast. Hearing and seeing live strings against a garden, courtyard or summer wedding backdrop creates a wonderful vibe!
The answer is yes, a string quartet can play outside – and we regularly do! But, our musicians and our instruments need to be sufficiently protected from the sun, rain, bird droppings and the like.
At String Musicians London, we regularly perform at weddings and events in a variety of settings, and we’re happy to play outdoors when suitable shelter is provided. Just remember, the weather in the UK can be fickle, and we need our clients to be aware that in order for the day to go smoothly, all eventualities have to be prepared for!
Can String Quartets Play Outside in the Sun?
No.
String instruments are made from wood and glue and are sensitive to the direct sunlight. Putting a violin, viola or cello in sunshine can cause the instrument to overheat, warp, the glue to melt, and the instrument will become damaged.
For this reason, our instruments should always be in the shade rather than in sunlight.
A gazebo, covered terrace, marquee or another suitable shaded area is ideal. Large stable umbrellas can also work, provided they offer enough shade and protection for the musicians and their instruments. And if they’re secure enough to not fall over!
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, think about where the musicians will be positioned when choosing your ceremony layout. A beautiful sunny spot might be perfect for your photographs, but it isn’t necessarily suitable for your string quartet! (Also – the guests may not like being in the sun for too long either!)
Can a String Quartet Play Outside in the Rain?
No.
String instruments and rain do not mix AT ALL. Water can seriously damage wooden instruments and bows, so professional musicians with quality instruments cannot perform in wet conditions.
If rain is a possibility, the musicians need to have proper overhead shelter that provides reliable protection from rain. Please don’t look at the forecast and presume it won’t rain in the next 10 minutes and put us outside with no cover! It’s disrespectful because it puts our instruments at risk. We’ve heard of musicians having to pack up during the ceremony because of insufficient shelter when it’s started to rain. Again, no guests will love getting wet either!
A gazebo or marquee is usually the best solution. A large parasol may provide shade from the sun, but it may not provide sufficient protection if the weather changes. Also, be aware that wind may come in under the shelter at an angle, so if this is the case the musicians will not be able to expose their instruments.
We recommend always having an indoor alternative available if you’re planning an outdoor wedding.
What Shelter Does a String Quartet Need?
The easiest option is a gazebo, marquee or covered outdoor area that provides enough room for all four musicians and their instruments. If we can play inside an open doorway overlooking the celebrations, that’s also a wonderful option. Also, if the gazebo is black and in the sun, it is VERY hot in there! So, please pop the gazebo under a tree if possible, or choose a white one which reflects rather than absorbs the heat from the sun.
Remember that a string quartet consists of:
- Two violins
- One viola
- One cello
Our musicians need enough space to sit comfortably, position their music stands and play without being cramped.
We generally recommend allowing plenty of space rather than trying to squeeze the quartet into a small gazebo. Remember also that rain may come in at an angle with the wind!
What About Wind and Cold?
Wind is something else to be aware of.
A gentle breeze isn’t a problem at all, but strong wind can make it difficult for us to keep our music stands upright. Also, we’ve had parasols blow over before which of course is another way to damage the instruments (and humans!).
A sheltered position is preferable to an exposed lawn.
If your wedding venue is particularly windy, speak to your venue coordinator about the best location for the musicians.
If it’s cold, our fingers may not be able to move properly and may cramp, so we will have to move indoors or be beside a heater.
Can String Quartets Play at an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony?
Yes!
Outdoor wedding ceremonies are one of the most best settings for live string music.
Our string quartet or string ensemble can play as your guests arrive and sit down, followed by your chosen music for the ceremony itself.
For example, you will choose:
Pre-ceremony music:
Perhaps a selection of classical pieces, romantic songs and modern favourites while guests arrive.
Bridal entrance:
Your favourite song for the entrance of the bride and wedding party.
Signing of the register:
One or more pieces or songs during the signing.
Recessional:
We recommend some upbeat music as you walk back down the aisle.
What Music Works Well for an Outdoor Wedding?
The best thing about a string quartet, string trio, duo or solo violinist or cellist is that there’s such a variety of music we can play! Check our repertoire list HERE.
Classical favourites such as Canon in D, Clair de Lune, Salut d’Amour and Richter – Spring work beautifully for traditional ceremonies, but you can of course opt for some more modern music. Most of our clients prefer pop actually! We are flexible enough to be able to perform whatever you like.
As you can see in the link above. our repertoire includes classical music alongside pop, film and TV music, Disney, Bridgerton-style arrangements, Bollywood, world music and more.
Popular modern wedding choices include:
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- All of Me – John Legend
- Young and Beautiful – Lana Del Rey
- Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
- Viva la Vida – Coldplay
- Make You Feel My Love – Adele
And if you have a particular song in mind that isn’t on the repertoire list, no worries! If the sheet music is available, we can play it for you at no extra cost!
Can a String Quartet Play at an Outdoor Drinks Reception?
Yes!
Once the ceremony is over, your guests can enjoy drinks and canapés while our musicians play live background music.
You don’t need to choose every song unless you really want to. Many couples give us a general vibe of the music they like and we can choose our best songs or pieces from that genre, our crowd-pleasers!
You might choose a mixture of:
- Modern pop
- Classical favourites
- Film soundtracks
- Bridgerton-style covers
- Romantic songs
- Jazz and soul
- Disney
- Songs that have a personal meaning to you
What Happens If It Starts Raining?
This is something you should discuss with your wedding venue before the day.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding with musicians, have an indoor backup location ready.
If the weather changes or it looks like it’s about to start raining and we can’t stay dry, the musicians will change location to somewhere safe for the instruments. Also, your guests won’t want to be wet either!
Don’t rely on being able to make a last-minute decision. Moving the musicians, instruments, music stands and equipment takes time, so your venue coordinator should know the backup plan in advance.
Please be respectful of us and our equipment. The last thing anyone wants is for rain to start during your ceremony and there being no music because we’ve been told the wedding has to be outside. We want you, the guests, and us to all have a good experience on your special day!
Can a String Quartet Play in a Garden?
Yes, provided there is a suitable shaded and sheltered area.
Garden weddings can be particularly lovely for string quartets. A quartet playing in a garden, courtyard or terrace can really enhance the surroundings while providing live musical entertainment for your guests.
Just make sure there is:
- Shade from direct sunlight
- Protection from rain
- A stable, reasonably level surface
- Enough room for the musicians
- Protection from strong wind
Outdoor Wedding Music: Our Advice
If you’re considering a string quartet for an outdoor wedding, don’t let the possibility of unpredictable British weather put you off!
Our main advice is simple:
Provide shade, provide shelter, and have an indoor backup option.
With those things in place, a string quartet or ensemble or violinist can provide music for your ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast while you enjoy your day.
At String Musicians London, our professional string musicians perform at weddings throughout London, the UK and internationally. We can help you choose the right ensemble and create a playlist to suit your wedding.