Perfect Music for a Perfect Day

FAQ

Q. Do you play music as guests arrive in the church/venue?
A. Scarlet String Quartet plays beautiful classical music as guests arrive which creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while your guests wait. If you are delayed in any way, you can relax knowing the guests will be gently entertained.
We arrive at the church/venue 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Q. How do I choose music for the ceremony?
A. For the ceremony we have a repertoire list you can choose from, and I can help you decide on music if needed.

Here is a church ceremony sample list of where the music can be played to give you an idea:

Processional: Canon, Pachelbel
Lighting of both candles: Lascia Chio Pianga
Lighting of the Unity Candle: Inis Oirr
Offertory: Gabriel’s Oboe, Morricone
Sign of Peace: Ag Criost an Siol
Communion: Intermezzo, Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring, Bach (2 pieces here)
Signing of the Registry: Spring, Vivaldi and Cant Help Falling in Love (2 pieces here)
Recessional: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel

Q.Can you play a a contemporary piece which is not in your repertoire?
A.Yes we can play your favorite song or piece of music to create the perfect musical selection.
We are happy to arrange popular pieces if they are suitable for strings.

Q. Do you play for civil ceremonies?
A.Yes. For civil ceremonies we can play for 30 mins before the ceremony as guests arrive, during the ceremony and afterwards can play for the drinks reception.
Here is a sample list for a civil ceremony. There is more flexibility with a civil ceremony for where music can be played, so this can be discussed with us to help you plan a beautiful ceremony.

Entrance: Canon, Pachelbel
Lighting of first candles: Gabriel’s Oboe, Morricone
Between readings: Halleluia, Leonard Cohen
After vows/lighting of the single candle: Inis Oirr
Signing of the Registry: Cant help falling in love
Recessional: All you need is love

Q. Is it ok to only have instrumental music for the ceremony? Do I need a singer? Or can I have a mix of both?
A.We usually play instrumental music, and this is a beautiful addition to the ceremony. It is not essential to have a singer. We can lead a hymn if the congregation are happy to sing.

Q. Can you play with a singer?
A. Yes. We can accompany a singer if you choose to have one. We can recommend excellent singers, or can book one for you. If you have a friend or family member who would like to sing a song we are happy to accompany them. We meet before the ceremony on the day of the ceremony to rehearse. If there is need to rehearse on another day there may be a small fee.
If there is a singer we also play for the Responsorial Psalm and the Alleluia.

Q. Do you play music other than classical for the reception?
A.Yes. For the reception we can play a lively mix of light Classics, Tango, Jazz Standards, Show tunes, Irish trad and contemporary songs. Click HERE to see our repertoire list

Q. How long do you play for the drinks reception?
A. We arrive before the guests, ready to play as they arrive, and can play until the dinner is called. This is usually 1 ½ – 2hrs

Q.Will you perform outdoors?
A.Yes! weather permitting.
The instruments are delicate so the slightest rain can cause damage and if the sun is very strong during an extended period of playing, a shaded area will be needed.

Q.Will the quartet travel?
A.Yes, we play all over, although when the distance is further than 2hrs from Cork we would usually play for both wedding and drinks reception, not only the ceremony.

Q.Are there any special requirements?
A.We just need space to set up where it is safe and we have room to swing our bows

Q. How do I book the quartet?
A. Email us or give us a call and give as many details as you can about your upcoming event. Date, Venue, if you want quartet, trio, duo or singer. If you are not sure what would be good for your event we can discuss. Once you have contacted us and given us some details we can prepare an accurate quote. If you like the quote and want to proceed with your booking you will be emailed a booking form to fill out and send back with a deposit.

Q.When can I book you?
A. RIGHT NOW!

Client Testimonials

Interested in hiring us? Check out some of our client testimonials below!

The music really added to the ceremony and the emotion!!

Hi Ilse,

Didn’t catch ye before you left Friday but myself and Lisa wanted to say thanks for the wonderful music. Ye guys got loads of complements, people were highly impressed. The music really added to the ceremony and the emotion!!

Many thanks,
Dermot and Lisa

Siobhan and Andrew

Hayfield Manor

Just a note to say thank you for providing absolutely beautiful music during our ceremony and drinks reception. It created a perfect atmosphere. Even though I never got back to you about song choices, everything you played was spot on!!
Best wishes, Siobhan and Andrew

Karen & Steve

Carlow

Ilse,
Thank you so much for the fabulous music on Friday, everybody was raving about yea.
We will certainly be recommending you.
Karen & Steve

Sarah & Brian

Cork

Hi Ilse,
Thank you so much for the beautiful music at our wedding on the 10th of October. Everyone commented on it and we were really delighted with it. I’m sorry I did not get a chance to say hello to you at all, but sincere thanks for the service.
Kind Regards,
Sarah & Brian

Gemma & David

hiya Ilse,
Just a quick mail to say thanks a million for everything on our wedding day in February The music was just amazingly beautiful from start to finish. So sorry I didn’t get a chance to thank you in person but it truly was beautiful. It really meant a lot that you played Masterplan for us, you really did a fantastic job on it and all our guests have commented about that song and how brilliant you were. Thanks you so much for everything you really helped make our day special and the service memorable for all there.
Thanks again,
Gemma & David

Elise & Paul

Dear Scarlet Strings,
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful music you played at my wedding, and at the reception. Despite being in a totally daze by the whole day, I remember it clearly. The cavaleria rusticana was absolutely stunning. I don’t think you got to play Clare du Lune, as the priest told us to light the candles immediately, so thank you for improvising on the timing there!!
It was really stunning and Sharon sang so beautifully.
Thank you again,
Best regards,
Elise and Paul.

Martina and Simon

Hi Ilse, Just a quick line to say a huge Thank you to you and the girls for making our wedding day so special. We have received so many compliments on our choice of music and everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. You were also so professional and made it so easy to decide on the music which you performed so brilliantly.We will continue to refer anyone we come across to you. Best wishes,Martina & Simon

Timmy & Micheal

I just want to mail to say thank you for providing the music for our wedding at Inish beg last week. You guys were wonderful. Sorry we didn’t get to talk to you properly on the day but we were rushed around a lot for most of the afternoon. Everybody who was there complimented the music and we want to say a special thanks for traipsing through the forest to set up at the pond where we had the ceremony! It was great to have music out there.
Hope all goes well for the future and thanks again for everything!
All the best,
Timmy & Micheal

Eimear & Alan

St Colmcilles, Inistioge

I’m so sorry I never got to speak with you at the wedding. The music was amazing!!! I want to thank you so much. We’re really excited to see the video so we can hear the music properly as it was such a surreal experience. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart xxx
I will definitely be recommending Scarlet Quartet to everyone!!
Warmest regards
Eimear & Alan

Sinead and Conor

Clogheen

Dear Ilse,
Thanks to you and the Scarlet Strings for filling the air with such beautiful music on our July wedding day.
All our guests commented on how much they enjoyed them. We’d recommend you to anyone. All the best,
Sinead and Conor

The music really added to the ceremony and the emotion!!
Siobhan and Andrew
Karen & Steve
Sarah & Brian
Gemma & David
Elise & Paul
Martina and Simon
Timmy & Micheal
Eimear & Alan
Sinead and Conor