Writing Your Wedding Vows

I came across an awesome document that assists couples when writing their own wedding vows. Although this blog is a String Quartet Blog, it’s also a Wedding Blog so whenever we come across a good article or a interesting wedding tip we like to pass it on… Hope it helps:

Questions to help you when writing your own wedding vows.

Print out two copies of these questions. Take one and give the other to your fiancé and take two blank pieces of paper each also. Go to separate rooms to complete these questions. Continue Reading…

The music played on your wedding day is important in setting the tone and mood.

A special song shared between the newlyweds or an upbeat dance number that gets all the guests on the floor will be sure to make your wedding day unique and memorable.

Try to remember that there will be a variety of different people of varying age attending your wedding. This is important when selecting music for the day as most couples want to accommodate their guest’s tastes and play a wide variety of music from romantic ballads to the latest commercial tunes.

Music during the ceremony is usually of a softer and more romantic tone to ease the guests in. Instrumentals (like a string quartet) are a favourite amongst brides and serve as good unobtrusive background music.

If the ceremony is to be held in a church it is important to remember to ask about any restrictions with musical pieces. Some churches may request that only sacred music is featured.

Souce: BrideOnline

Your wedding ceremony music create the atmosphere and overall feel of your event. The music selections are usually determined by the personal preferences of the bride and groom.

Below is a simple ceremony music structure for most wedding ceremonies. Also, some song suggestions you may like to consider when having a wedding string quartet:

1. Pre-Wedding Music

The pre-wedding music sets the scene for the actual ceremony. This usually begins approximately 15-20 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to begin while guests arrive. The music selections are often light and lively, and played in a low volume allowing guests to converse.

Choosing string quartet music for pre-wedding music:
Your pre-wedding music should be easy listening songs setting the scene for the ceremony that’s about to commence. Some of Mozart’s pieces are always a popular choice, alongside Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. But if you wanted a more contemporary sound, Michael Buble, Cold Play and The Beatles are also favorites. Depending on your personal tastes, 16 Strings String Quartet allows you to choose songs from a range of classical, jazz or pop styles. The aim is to have music that suits you, because at the end of the day, it’s your wedding!

2. Processional Music (Walking Down The Aisle)

The first notes of the processional music announce the arrival of the Bride and inform the guests to stand! Because of this, processional music should be joyful and triumphant.

Choosing string quartet music for the processional:
The most popular string quartet processional song that we play is the famous Pachebel’s “Canon In D”. Wagner’s “Here Comes The Bride” is also a popular choice and it quite often used for a church wedding because of it’s traditional sound. But don’t let tradition stop you from you choosing more contemporary pieces like “Bella’s Lullaby” from Twilight, Elton John’s “Your Song” or Jackson Five’s “All Be There”

3. Signing Of The Register

This is the part within the ceremony where the bride and groom sign all the appropriate paperwork to make the marriage legal. As this is done, it is nice to have some background music played to keep the guests entertained.

Choosing string quartet music for the singing:
Like the pre-wedding ceremony music, the song for the signing should be an easy listening piece. Why not choose a song that all your guests may be familiar with. It’s always nice to have a song you can hum to (well that’s what we think anyway). Some popular choices for the signing with 16 Strings are “Someone To Watch Over Me”, U2’s “Chasing Cars”, “The Prayer” or Michael Buble’s “Everything”. For a more traditional choice why not have Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” or Bach’s “Air On G String” these are both favourites.

4. Recessional Music (Exiting or End Of Ceremony Song)

The recessional music usually begins immediately after the celebrant or minister introduces the new couple to the guests as husband and wife. Like the processional, this music is generally joyful and triumphant.

For a traditional recessional song Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is the way to go. However, as we’ve already mentioned choose a song that reflects you as a couple. 16 Strings String Quartet have a wide range of pieces to choose from. Some favourite choices are U2’s “Beautiful Day”, ColdPlay’s “Viva La Vida”, “Clocks” and “All We Need Is Love” by The Beatles is also a very popular song with our string quartet.

If you would like to see 16 Strings String Quartet’s full repertoire list with a range of other song choices and suggestions of where those songs should be played in the ceremony click here. Or to hear audio and video examples click here.

Choosing your wedding ceremony music should be fun and not stressful. When hiring professionals to play at your wedding you should have peace of mind that they have your best interest in mind. They should guide you in the music choices, if you are stuck but most of all give you confidence that “they know what they’re doing”. Remember, your wedding ceremony music should reflect you as a couple, making it a memorable day, so choose songs that you love…

If you would like 16 Strings String Quartet to quote you on a wedding ceremony go to: http://www.16-strings.com for more information.

 

String Quartet Brisbane | String Quartet Gold Coast

Wedding Music Brisbane | Wedding Music Gold Coast

Having a budget for your wedding can help the whole planning process make more sense. Although money has little to do with love, weddings can prove expensive occasions, so it’s really important to determine how much money you will have to work with. These days anything goes when it comes to funding a wedding, from the bride and groom funding the entire event themselves, to the parents assisting with the expenses, and right through to your guests paying for their own meals at the reception.

Regardless of how much money you have, a well planned, well organised budget may help you make the most of any financial situation. You can still have an amazing and perfect day whatever your budget is.

We came across a list which categorizes the key items involved in organizing a wedding and gives you a guide to who pays for what (traditionally). Obviously this is only a guide and it doesn’t list monetary amounts, but it definitely puts the day in to perspective. After you’ve worked out who’s paying for what, you can then start getting quotes and begin booking and organising specifics for the day. Eg. Booking a string quartet for your ceremony music &/or reception!

Wedding Catergory List (Guide Only)

Beauty
Bride’s Hair ………………………………….. Bride
Bride’s Makeup …………………………….. Bride
Bridesmaid’s Hair & Make-up ……………. Bride

Bridal Party
Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Accessories ……. Attendant
Flower girl’s Dresses & Accessories ……… Bride
Groomsmen’s Suits & Accessories ………. Attendant
Pageboy Suit & Accessories ………………. Goom

Bride’s Attire
Bride’s Gown ………………………………… Bride’s Family
Bride’s Headpiece & Veil ………………….. Bride’s Family
Brides Shoes & Accessories ………………. Brides Family

Ceremony
Celebrant or Officiant …………………….. Groom
Ceremony Decorations …………………… Groom
Ceremony Musician ……………………….. Groom
Ceremony Venue ………………………….. Groom

Flowers & Decoration
Bride’s Bouquet ……………………………. Groom
Bridesmaids’ Bouquets …………………… Groom’s Family
Ceremony Flowers …………………………. Groom’s Family
Flower girl’s flowers ………………………… Groom’s Family
Groom’s Boutonniere ……………………… Groom’s Family
Groomsmen’s Boutonniere ………………. Groom’s Family
Reception flowers & Centrepieces ………. Bride’s Family

Gifts
Bridesmaids gifts ………………………….. Bride
Gifts for Parents …………………………… Bride & Groom
Groomsmen’s Gifts ……………………….. Groom

Groom’s Attire
Groom’s Shoes and Accessories …………. Groom’s Family
Grooms Suit …………………………………. Groom’s Family

Honeymoon & Travel
Spending Money …………………………… Bride & Groom
Honeymoon Travel & Accommodation …. Groom
Wedding Night Accommodation …………. Groom

Misc
Bomboniere ……………………………….. Bride & Groom
Rehearsal Dinner …………………………. Groom

Wedding Photography & Videography
Extra Prints & Video Copy ……………….. Bride & Groom
Photographer’s Fee ………………………. Bride’s Family
Videographer’s Fee ………………………. Bride’s Family

Wedding Reception
Beverages – Alcoholic & Softdrink ………. Bride’s Family
Master of Ceremonies ……………………. Bride’s Family
Reception Meals …………………………… Bride’s Family
Reception Music …………………………… Bride’s Family
Reception Venue ………………………….. Bride’s Family
Wedding Cake …………………………….. Bride’s Family

Wedding Rings
Bride’s Wedding Band …………………… Groom
Groom’s Wedding Band …………………. Bride

Wedding Stationery
Invitations & Reply cards ………………… Bride’s Family
Thank you notes & Placeholders ……….. Bride’s Family

Wedding Cars
Transportation …………………………….. Groom

Wedding Planning
Wedding Consultant ……………………… Bride & Groom

Note: This is a guide only and shouldn’t necessary reflect your circumstances. As mentioned before, these days anything goes when it comes to funding a wedding, from the bride and groom funding the entire event themselves, to the parents assisting with the expenses, and right through to your guests paying for their own meals at the reception. So there is no rules, you can do what you want!!

catergory list source: truebride

When considering whether you will book a string quartet or a string trio, you most likely don’t know the difference between the two.

16 Strings String Quartet only offers the quartet option because we believe that four instruments create a much fuller and richer sound then just having three. With the extra violin, it allows us to include additional harmonic sounds , that builds the melody line creating a beautiful rich atmosphere. The additional instrument especially compliments pop and jazz music as it allows us to be more creative with our music arranging (more parts = fuller sound.)

But don’t take our word for it – we have prepared an excellent audio example for you to listen to, that will clearly present to you the difference in sound  between a trio and a quartet. To view please click here: http://www.16-strings.com/quartet-vs-trio