What’s the best way to contact you?

The best way to contact us is through our Contact form. You can email us too: info@weddingtonstrings.com.

Or call our Creative Director, Victoria on (07807) 168910.

What do I need to get a quote?

To secure a booking with Weddington Strings please provide the date, time and venue of your event, type of event and your contact details. It’s easy to do this by filling in one of our Booking forms.

Do you require a deposit?

A non-returnable deposit of £100 is required to secure a booking. The balance is then due up to 7 days in advance of the event date. You can purchase this on our Packages page.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. We don’t charge agency fees if you book through us direct! All our fees include travel within 25 miles of Canterbury, Kent at time of booking. For bookings outside this area, travel costs will be added to our performance fee.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, to to be sure Weddington Strings is available for the date you require.

Do you do last minute bookings?

Yes of course! We usually require 7 days notice to book Weddington Strings for your event, but really the earlier the better. If booked with less than 48 hours notice, we will do our best to fit you in, but cannot guarantee Weddington Strings availability.

What if I need to change the booking date or time?

That’s not a problem! We understand that sometimes event running times and dates can change. Just please let us know as soon as you can, for date changes. We will always do our very best to accommodate you.

What if I need to cancel my booking?

We understand that from time to time a booking gets cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks in advance, with no view to reschedule, will be charged at 50% of the full fee. Bookings cancelled at less than 7 days notice, will incur FULL fees.

How long can we book you to play for?

For as short or as long as you like! Our minimum booking is up to 2 hours. But we can play for as long as you want! Our rates thereafter are charged by the hour, after our minimum booking of 2 hours. A standard event booking is usually 2-4 hours.
Weddington Strings will require 15 minute breaks every 50 minutes to 1 hour, to refresh for the next set, making sure you get the very best standard of performance. For performances over 4 hours, we will require a 1 hour break.

Can we book you to play for a short time?

Yes of course. Our minimum booking is up to 2 hours playing. However this can include eg. a wedding ceremony and drinks reception, just the ceremony or even just your first dance. It really is up to you!

Can we choose our own music?

Of course! We want your event to be unique, so you can have whatever you like. We have a vast range of repertoire to choose from. Take a look on our Repertoire page. However, if what you’re after isn’t listed, then our in-house arrangers can source or arrange it for you, exclusively for your event. Our sourcing fees are £15 per song, and our arranging fees start from £75. We can even have it recorded for you too! The perfect gift for your guests.

Check out our Repertoire page for more info, or click Song Arrangement on our forms and we’ll set right to it. For recording requests please contact our Creative Director, Victoria for more info.

I don’t know what music to have at my event. Can you help me?

Absolutely! Weddington Strings have over 20 years experience performing at all sorts of events and functions, and we can help you hand-pick just the right music for your event. Just get in contact and ask us. 

For wedding ceremonies we can recommend the perfect music for the Entrance of The Bride, Signing of the Register and Processional, as well as entertaining your guests on arrival. Have a look at our Wedding Music on our Repertoire page for ideas.
For wedding receptions we can recommend music to entertain your guests at your drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening entertainment. We can even help you choose your first dance!
 

For other events and functions, we have a huge variety of music available to perform and all sorts of combinations of ensembles to choose from. We can happily recommend you music for your occasion, whether you require background music or even a show. Just ask!

To see a selection of our music library, check out our Repertoire page.

If you don’t have the music we want, can you get it for us?

You certainly can! There’s nothing better than knowing you can have whatever you want for your big day, so our in-house arrangers at Weddington Studio will happily oblige, for an extra fee.

Sourcing repertoire (that is already arranged for the ensemble you require) is £15 per song.

Bespoke arrangements (for repertoire not already in existence for the ensemble you require) start from £75.

Can we get a recording of our song arrangement?

Absolutely! Looking for a gift for your guests or something to remember that special moment? Then a recording of your favourite song is the perfect memoir. Weddington Strings are happy to record whatever you want! To book a recording please contact our Creative Director, Victoria on (07807) 168910.

How far do you travel?

As far as you like! Weddington Strings are based in Kent, but we travel all over the world for our performances. Obviously the further away, the more expensive, but wherever you want us, we are happy to go!

Are travelling expenses included?

Yes. When we give you a quote, travel is included within a 25 mile radius of Canterbury, Kent. Further travel is charged at 45p per mile.

Do we need to meet you in person before our event?

We now offer Zoom consultations as part of our service! So you can chat any details through beforehand. Weddington Strings have over 20 years experience, playing at all types of weddings and events, so we’d be happy to pass on that experience when helping you book your occasion.

How long do you need to set up on arrival at the venue?

We always like to arrive at least 30-45 minutes prior to our performance time, in order to set-up, liaise with the event co-ordinator/registrar and prepare for your performance. Please pass on any relevant details we may need, once you have made your booking.

Do we need to liaise with the event coordinator/venue for you?

You do need to tell the venue in advance of our arrival,  just so they’re aware we’re coming. They may have a Performance Form for you to pass on to us too. But don’t worry about liaising with your event coordinator, MC or registrar on the day. We always liaise as a matter of course with the relevant person on our arrival at the venue, and we make sure we know where and when we will be required. Just relax and enjoy your day!

What if our event is running late, will you stay later?

We all know that events have a tendency to run late. And we will do our best to accommodate this, whenever we can. However our contract will start and run from time of arrival. If the event is running late, and it’s beyond our control, then we cannot guarantee our availability, as we are often required elsewhere for another event on the same day. If we can stay on any late running fees will be charged by the hour after the end of original contract time.

What requirements will you need at the venue?

For quartet performances, Weddington Strings will require a 2m X 3m square space and 4 suitable armless chairs in good condition. If you wish us to be raised on a platform then more space will be required.

For smaller ensembles we require 2m x 2m square, and the relevant amount of suitable armless chairs in good condition, per ensemble.
We will provide any further Performance Technical Riders, at time of booking.
If possible, we also require a secure room to leave our cases and valuables in when performing, and somewhere suitable to get changed.

Do we have to provide food and drink?

Yes please! It is a physical process performing, so water throughout our performance is absolutely essential. Performances of over 2 hours will require food for the musicians. A plate of sandwiches is fine, but we need energy to give you the performance you deserve. We kindly request that the client organise any food required and liaise with the venue prior to the event. We are happy to take a break whenever is required to fit in with the venue.

Can you play outside?

Yes! Provided there is adequate cover (at least a meter larger than our performing space) to provide full shade from the sun. We cannot under any circumstances perform in full sun. If it is raining we cannot under any circumstances perform outside, due to the irreversible damage this could cause to our instruments. A wet violin does not make a good sound! Even if the weather looks ok, if it’s below 18C it can become very difficult to move our fingers! So please be aware that the musicians reserve the right to refuse to perform outside if the weather conditions are not permitting.
We highly recommend for outside events, that you either hire our Gazebo (£50 per event), or have a plan B to perform inside in place, prior to your event.

Can you play at 2 venues as part of our event?

Yes of course. Many weddings have a ceremony in one venue and a reception in another. However, please let us know well in advance if you require us to perform in 2 separate venues on the same day, and allow us plenty of time to travel and set-up at the 2nd location. Our booking time will need to include any time required to change venues, and extra travel expenses.
For events in one location that require us to move rooms, Weddington Strings require the venue to provide if possible, appropriate seating in all areas, prior to each set.

How long can you play for?

Weddington Strings perform sets of 50 minutes to 1 hour, with a 10 minute break between each set. For performances of 4 hours or more, we will require a 1hour break, after 4 hours of playing.

Do you need an electrical supply?

All other performances are acoustic, except our Solo Violin performances, where a PA system is provided by the performer.

However for big scale events we can arrange amplification (extra fees apply). For example if there’s over 150 guests all eating dinner, or chatting and drinking, and you require some subtle background entertainment, amplification might be required.

What will you wear?

We have different dress codes depending on your event requirements. But we’ll usually be in black. This is to look smart and not draw attention away from the main event. Which is you! However if you'd like a specific look, then we will always do our best to accommodate it. Just contact our Creative Director, Victoria on (07807) 168910 and she will be happy to discuss it with you.

Our dress codes are as follows: 

Black Tie Events – DJ and Evening Dresses.

Corporate Events and Weddings – Black Suit/Cocktail Dresses/Glamorous Trouser Wear.

Private Functions – Black Suit/Cocktail Dresses/Glamorous Trouser Wear.

Festivals - Festival Fashion.

Will the musicians be the same ones as in your video?

Not always! Weddington Strings are extremely busy freelance musicians, and we have approx. 15-20 members. However all our players are outstanding musicians and know all our repertoire backwards, as well as forwards! So rest assured you’ll be getting the very best musicians for your event.

Will the musicians be girls or boys?

Whatever you want! We can provide all male or all female players, or healthy mix, whichever you prefer. We don’t like to discriminate, but if you specifically require all female or all male musicians for your event, please contact our Creative Director, Victoria on (07807) 168910 to discuss your requirements. If you don't specify, we will assume you will be happy with either or, or a mix of the two.

Can we video you playing at our event?

We’ll happily be a part of your video, providing you specify prior to your event. Any videos taken must be for archive purposes only and are not to be released in any public domain, without our express permission. A release form in the form of a contract, will be required for any filming to be released publicly (TV/Radio etc.) and further fees may apply. The musicians do reserve the right to refuse to perform if filming commences without prior consent. But if you just ask, the answer is usually yes!

Can we record you playing at our event?

Again we’ll happily be recorded if our permission is granted prior to your event. That can be on the day, just before we start performing. Please see above for terms and conditions of recording and filming Weddington Strings at your event.

Are your musicians insured?

Absolutely! All our musicians are Musicians Union members and carry Public Liability Insurance to the value of £10 million each.

What is your Covid 19 policy? 

We guarantee all our players will pass a lateral flow test, if requested to do so, within 24 hours of the start of your event. And we can regularly sanitise our hands and equipment prior to and during your event.

We are happy to wear masks on request, when dealing with your guests and the public, especially if your event is indoors. However we prefer to perform without them. As we are usually a considerable distance from other people during our performance, we don’t usually find it necessary to wear masks when performing. But if we are performing indoors in an enclosed space we will be happy to wear masks to protect others and ourselves.

Please see our Covid 19 Risk Assessment page for more info.

How do we pay you?

All bookings require a non returnable deposit of £100 to secure the date. All bookings require payment to be cleared in our account 1 week in advance of your event. Payment can be made via BACS or online on our Packages page. Any further payments (extra fees/overtime etc.) must be settled within 1 month of the date of your event.

If you have any further enquiries then please do not hesitate to contact us.