The Untapped Potential: How Guest Arrival Music Sets the Tone for Your Entire Wedding. Expert advice from our award winning string ensemble. As you might imagine, when brides and grooms are thinking about wedding ceremony music, the first thoughts are often what is going to be performed during the bride’s walk down the aisle. After that, typically couples think about their first dance at the reception. Or they think about the recessional as the ceremony ends and they walk out to something fun and upbeat. Rarely in our experience do couples think about what music is going to be performed as the guests arrive. This is a mistake, as guest arrival music can have a huge impact.

Making guests feel special

When guests first arrive at the venue, one thing that they will not be expecting is a live string ensemble. Particularly not one like Duo d’Amore who perform to the highest professional standard.

Tips to choose great prelude music

I like to think of the prelude as a prologue in a book. Once you have chosen the bulk of your wedding and reception music, it’s time for the prelude music. The prelude is a time for the guests to chat with each other, say hi, and for them to get comfortable before the ceremony starts. This is an ideal time for a mix of music, that is neither too slow, too fast, too upbeat, but a good variety is also important.

Variety in music choices

We generally suggest about 5 songs for the prelude as guests arrive, and it is a nice idea to have the entire mood of the day reflected in the prelude. Of course this depends on what you have chosen for the ceremony a nd reception music. But for example, if you are having a traditional ceremony, you might want to have some classical music as well as some lighter pop music similar to what is being performed at the reception included. If you are having the DJ play the first dance music, you could have our string ensemble play a different version of the song during the prelude.

Guest preference

The prelude is also a time when you can think of your guests musical preferences, as they are the ones that will be hearing the music. The bride is typically in a room getting ready (and does not hear music until walking down the aisle) and while the groom is at the front with the officiant for part of the prelude, they will often not hear the entire playlist of songs. So this is the time to think of your guests and honor them with music that they might like.

Expert Advice

These are just a few possibilities for guest arrival music, and as we always like to customize things for our clients as much as possible, we would love to speak to you about your ceremony music.

About Duo d’Amore

Duo d’Amore is an award winning string ensemble, made up of professional violin, viola and cello players. Together we have versatile string ensembles such as solo violinists and cellists, string duos, string trios and quartets. We perform a wide variety of music including pop, Top40, video game music and classical for weddings, special and corporate events.

Whatever the size and scope of your wedding or event, there is a string ensemble that will perfectly suit the occasion. Listed below is an overview of our string ensembles, and some general remarks about the size of wedding or event where they are best suited. Every event is unique and we suggest that you contact us so that we can plan and customize a string ensemble for your special occasion. Contact us here https://duodamore.com/contact-us/

The solo violin

The smallest bowed string instrument in the violin family is the violin. It is also the quietest instrument, but that does not mean that it cannot produce a large sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra. This is in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. And this is why at wedding ceremonies for example we often are quite picky about the exact spot where our violinists and ensembles perform, no matter if the string ensemble is outdoors or indoors a single violinist is a great choice.

Duo d’Amore’s solo violinist is a great option for those who want live music but have a smaller budget. The solo violinist performs classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and intimate dinners.

The solo cello

Like the solo violin, a solo cellist is a great option for slightly smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions. Larger than the violin, it is very resonant, and can play an equally wide range of music. Clients that hire the solo cello and solo violin for weddings and events often have a guest list of under 50, but not necessarily so.

The violin and cello duo

The violin and cello duo, or string duet, is made up of one violin player and one cello player. And this is our most requested string ensemble for hire. As well, having both the violin, which is able to play soaring melodies, and the cello which is able to anchor and often accompany, while having an even larger sound it is no wonder that this is our most popular string ensemble. I like to imagine that the violin is like the right hand of the piano and the cello is the left had of the piano, together they can play almost anything, and that is another reason that it is our most popular ensembles.

Duo d’Amore’s violin and cello duo is a popular choice for weddings. The duo consists of a violinist and a cellist who play together, creating a beautiful, harmonious sound. The duo’s repertoire includes classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinner parties.

The String Trio

The string trio is made up of the violin and cello, with the addition of a third instrument. And most often this is a violin or viola. We recommend this ensemble for 150-200 guests. Also, the string trio a great mid size ensemble that is an excellent option for an outdoor wedding or large church wedding.

The String Quartet

Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire. We often recommend the string quartet for large gatherings, receptions, weddings and events with 200 or more guests. The string quartet is one of our more versatile ensembles, as we can perform everything from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms in the classical spectrum, to pop, jazz, folk, Top40 and beyond.

Huge list of Modern, Pop, Top40s

Having pop string music at a wedding or reception offers a unique and enchanting atmosphere that beautifully blends tradition with contemporary flair. Also, one of the key advantages is the versatility it brings to the event. Pop string music has the ability to cover a wide range of popular songs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Where can we read reviews of Duo d’Amore?

You are welcome to read online reviews on our Wedding Wire page here

Thank you for reading our blog: The Untapped Potential: How Guest Arrival Music Sets the Tone for Your Entire Wedding