On Newsstands > On Your iPad >

tools:

Checklist | Budgeter | Guest List | Favorites | Wedding Website

Community

Wedding Boards

Special Topic Wedding Boards

Local Wedding Boards

Wedding Month Boards

Cultural Wedding Boards

Wedding Theme Boards

Life Boards

Community Links

Update Profile

Private Messages

Change Avatar

Update Signature

Threads I'm Watching

Rules

FAQs

Wedding Tickers

Photo Galleries

Real Weddings!

Get inspiration and upload photos here!

Check out our NEW Hairstyle Tool on WeddingChannel.com!

Try on 1000's of wedding day hairstyles now!

NEW! We launched
an iPad app!

Check it out here!

best of [the nest]

Wanna take a peek inside a newlywed's home?

Check it out
See all life boards.

Wedding Boards

Cat:Wedding Boards

A string quartet on a budget?

Budget Weddings

A string quartet on a budget?

Want a beautiful wedding on a budget? Chat here.

hi! I am getting married in the madison area and would really like to have a string quartet for my ceremony.  but every one I have looked into has been $600 or more. I cant afford that!!  ar

0

False

Budget Weddings

A string quartet on a budget?

Want a beautiful wedding on a budget? Chat here.

hi! I am getting married in the madison area and would really like to have a string quartet for my ceremony.  but every one I have looked into has been $600 or more. I cant afford that!!  ar

0

Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665

Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104c

[
						{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:960ff1ef-fff8-4eec-aea9-420aa12ead63","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 1, 35, 29, 1)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:fce9503d-7a90-4b77-8d40-cda66408a36e","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 4, 39, 55, 893)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:8355e1fd-01d1-4dae-be8c-ecd7d01c42de","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 6, 11, 46, 610)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:29940536-1cf9-42c1-892f-74dab7078445","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 10, 14, 17, 728)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:6cd525b0-8444-4db0-843c-5c294226dbcb","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 10, 37, 56, 673)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:3c0048d5-df12-4722-ad4a-e33b518233ea","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 12, 41, 14, 402)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:a155c7f3-1729-4a27-8781-f98cc126ce14","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 16, 8, 12, 236)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:6be04085-13a8-43a2-bd6b-c5bf4a9cb657","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 17, 29, 50, 215)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:05840a80-1c2f-4bf1-845e-4d8772021688","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 17, 46, 19, 973)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:9bfe3bc7-7633-42ce-aeb1-e19b9424aebc","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 11, 19, 38, 3, 418)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:4e0d4b4f-95af-4c36-9dd7-904ef8aa414c","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 12, 10, 11, 51, 155)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:877caba2-4304-421b-9537-eb74f7891f03","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 12, 16, 51, 3, 180)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:4ff083bc-9ec9-42d4-a1bb-727f9e38fb7a","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 12, 21, 7, 10, 20)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:fc2cb0da-2cfc-45dc-8961-c4f6eb622464","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 12, 23, 41, 36, 85)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:8b12ec28-f1f3-4a2a-a79d-bd8e278b35b7","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 12, 23, 56, 50, 751)} ,					{"Key" : "Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:5595b874-691e-4495-9a12-563a7934104cPost:900561e9-fa9d-4e30-8e43-d297324b817b","Timestamp" : new Date(2012, 1, 13, 13, 6, 34, 399)} 				]

Forums > Wedding Boards > Budget Weddings > A string quartet on a budget?

You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register

A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 1:35 AM EST on theknot.com

sarahgoodwin2be

Joined on
02-10-2012
MILWAUKEE

6433645077059642

Posts: 4

First: 2/11/2012

Last: 3/1/2012

hi! I am getting married in the madison area and would really like to have a string quartet for my ceremony. but every one I have looked into has been $600 or more. I cant afford that!! are there any other less expensive options?
thanks!

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 4:39 AM EST on theknot.com

Elinetrouwt

Joined on
08-09-2011

6782484583585973

Posts: 1415

First: 8/20/2011

Last: 3/18/2012

I'm not having a string quartet, but if I wanted one, I'd try to find some students through my local music school. Usually they have these billboards, probably you can put a little note out there that you're looking for a string quartet, or maybe the teachers can recommend you someone.

Do realise that professional musicians have years of training behind them, have very expensive instruments and practice every day to be able to give their best during performances - as with other vendors, you're paying for much more than just an hour of their presence.

Looking forward to July 7th 2012

Wedding Countdown Ticker

My inspiration: http://pinterest.com/2012thewedding/

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 6:11 AM EST on theknot.com

ceh789

Joined on
11-07-2011
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

7379562558699909

Posts: 1674

First: 12/23/2011

Last: 5/9/2012

What is your budget for this? If the going rate is $600 and you're budgeting $100 that's probably not going to happen.

A few ideas:

* Can you pay cash? Ask for a cash discount.

* Can you use their services in an off-time? A Saturday afternoon in June is going to have higher demand than a Friday evening in October.

* Have you looked into local music schools for students looking for side work? Non-professionals are generally cheaper than professionals - but you're possibly sacrificing quality there.

* Have you considered a soloist instead of a quartet? A solo cello is really lovely sounding.

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 10:14 AM EST on theknot.com

Rachel405

Joined on
02-06-2012
BALTIMORE

7602641289291534

Posts: 320

First: 2/8/2012

Last: 5/16/2012

Love the PP idea about music students. Would probably cost a lot less and you would be supporting them and their career (could add "weddings" to resume). I would post at a bulletin board at local community colleges and music schools....might be hard to find the right people through say, Craigslist. Good luck!

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 10:37 AM EST on theknot.com

ginadog

Joined on
06-06-2011
UTAH

5925429724528035

Posts: 2075

First: 6/6/2011

Last: 5/24/2012

I'd start be emailing maybe a professor of strings if they know of a student musicians who would perform at weddings.

http://music.wisc.edu/faculty/studyarea

Or if you know where the building is, you could always go there and post your own flyer for "musicians wanted."

I am in a non-professional flute quartet and we charge $175 for the first hour. You might be looking at a duo or soloist for $100.

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 12:41 PM EST on theknot.com

FaithCaitlin

Joined on
10-18-2010
SOUTH FLORIDA

8300229806748851

Posts: 7148

First: 10/18/2010

Last: 5/24/2012

Try posting on your local board too!

Book Blog
Planning Bio and Knottie Info! Updated 5.2.12

Untitled

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 4:08 PM EST on theknot.com

jackandjill2011

Joined on
10-14-2008
CENTRAL FLORIDA

6085006064936186

Posts: 134

First: 2/1/2010

Last: 4/3/2012

Live music is a lot. I wanted a guitar soloist but I just honestly did a sound system to save money. Sometimes you can have your DJ come and play ceremony music for just a little extra money and save money on live musicians if thats a good compromise?

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 5:29 PM EST on theknot.com

sarahgoodwin2be

Joined on
02-10-2012
MILWAUKEE

6433645077059642

Posts: 4

First: 2/11/2012

Last: 3/1/2012

thank you so much everyone! I am new at this and also just starting planning. I am going to hasve a sunday wedding...maybe that will help too. I am going to look into hiring students .. that wouldnt scare you though as far as quality? I also LOVE the idea of a solo cello?

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 5:46 PM EST on theknot.com

ginadog

Joined on
06-06-2011
UTAH

5925429724528035

Posts: 2075

First: 6/6/2011

Last: 5/24/2012

In Response to Re: A string quartet on a budget?:

thank you so much everyone! I am new at this and also just starting planning. I am going to hasve a sunday wedding...maybe that will help too. I am going to look into hiring students .. that wouldnt scare you though as far as quality? I also LOVE the idea of a solo cello?
Posted by sarahgoodwin2be

I would not be worried about hiring college students who are majoring in performance. I once tried out for a school of music as a peformance major. You have to be pretty dang good to be accepted usually. I was pretty good, alas not accepted.

Maybe ask for a sample clip (via MP3 etc)?

If my wedding goes through, my ceremony music will be a solo cello player - only because she's my friend and she's a freelance cello player in San Fran who offered to play. She said weddings are super easy for her. For solo cellos, Bach's Cello Suites are the best according to my cello friend:

http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Six-Suites-Solo-Cello/dp/B0032HKEMW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1324417735&sr=1-1

Pick a major (not minor) and see what you think.

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/11/2012 7:38 PM EST on theknot.com

ceh789

Joined on
11-07-2011
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

7379562558699909

Posts: 1674

First: 12/23/2011

Last: 5/9/2012

In Response to Re: A string quartet on a budget?:

You have to be pretty dang good to be accepted usually.
Posted by ginadog

Not usually - you always have to be incredibly gifted and by that point you've put in hundreds if not thousands of hours of practice.

Obviously Ginadog's judges were tone deaf though

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/12/2012 10:11 AM EST on theknot.com

RivieraBound

Joined on
03-30-2006
NORTH CAROLINA

129328125004565

Posts: 209

First: 8/3/2010

Last: 5/21/2012

The company we hired our quartet charges $150 per musician, so maybe look into getting a duet or trio?

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Photobucket

181 Invited

RSVP Date: April 18th
122 Attending

59 Missing Out

0 Not Replied

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/12/2012 4:51 PM EST on theknot.com

babs0627

Joined on
03-28-2011
SOUTH CAROLINA

6112369076114608

Posts: 5

First: 2/12/2012

Last: 2/13/2012

Most public high schools have a website listed through the school district's web page, you can mass email all of the orchestra teachers at once by going through the websites for the school. A couple of first and second chairs would be cheaper than professionals.
College students always need money, but music majors are usually slammed with practice hours, but worth trying. The career developement center handles misc. jobs like babysitting, they might be able to help you. Also don't forget about big churches! They usually have groups that can do that kind of thing!

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/12/2012 9:07 PM EST on theknot.com

ArynBaker

Joined on
01-23-2011
NORTH CAROLINA

6287314206288366

Posts: 1339

First: 9/8/2011

Last: 5/24/2012

Two things. 1) Look into something smaller. A violin and cello duo can sound just as nice. 2) As other PPs have said, a student in the area you are looking for can be very good. We hired a photography student for our E-pics and no one could tell the difference. Don't be scared to give a music student a chance.

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/12/2012 11:41 PM EST on theknot.com

ChristineM130

Joined on
01-05-2012
UPSTATE NEW YORK

6636613862436253

Posts: 72

First: 1/31/2012

Last: 4/21/2012

We are considering a harpist.

Or a solo cellist, or a classical guitarist! One musician is much cheaper than 4!

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/12/2012 11:56 PM EST on theknot.com

megan8290

Joined on
08-26-2010
NORTHEAST OHIO

8679184485211665

Posts: 47

First: 8/18/2011

Last: 5/17/2012

$600 for a string quartet for 1 hour is plenty. I own a wedding giging business in Cleveland called Encore Performance and Entertainment. I am actually a music conservatory student and I charge $110 per hour per muscian hired. I would not recommend hiring high school students but a music conservatory, definetely. The so called "professional wedding muscians" who are not in school are actually not as great as most people might think it may be.

The conservatory students are ones that are auditioning to play in big major orchestras. They are poor college students looking for money but can play just as amazing as concert hall soloist.

So I would highly suggest looking for graduate students at a music conservatory. Make sure to get a music sample. Tell them your budget is $100 per muscian and they may be able to work with that.

Wedding Countdown Ticker

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Re: A string quartet on a budget?

posted at 2/13/2012 1:06 PM EST on theknot.com

dogsandfrogs

Joined on
03-02-2011
Chicago Suburbs

7929346595213123

Posts: 505

First: 3/9/2011

Last: 5/24/2012

As PPs have suggested, contacting the music department and a nearby college would be a good starting place.

Also, I would ask around your local forum. Prices vary widely across different areas, and it would be helpful to compare what your budget is with what is the norm for your region. For us, we did actually hire a quartet, but our rate is only $400 for the hour.

My Blog: Wedding Planning Isn't For Sissies
My Etsy Shop: The Crafty Walrus

Report Abuse

New post Reply to this post Private Message

Forums > Wedding Boards > Budget Weddings > A string quartet on a budget?

SEARCH BOARDS

choose another board

HOT TOPICS

Signature Cocktails

by ElyseE25 on Reception Ideas
What's your day-of beauty schedule?

by volleygurl... on Wedding Beauty
Foods/Gadgets you miss

by musicalsun... on Etiquette

Ultimate Wedding Dress Search

Looking for the perfect wedding dress? See new styles from top designers, and search by price, silhouette, or wedding dress trend.

WATCH! How to save money on your wedding

favors and accents
for any budget