Question 1

What ensemble options does Briar String Quartet offer?

Accepted Answer

Quartet: 2 Violins, Viola and Cello Trio: Violin, Viola, and Cello Duo: Violin and Cello Solo: Violin or Cello  Find out more about what ensemble has to offer on our SERVICES page.

Question 2

What are your prices?

Accepted Answer

While we offer base prices for all booking types, each occasion is totally unique. Final prices are based on the ensemble type chosen, the length of time we perform, any additional music requested, and the location of the event.   Please CONTACT us for a tailored quote.

Question 3

What is the process for making a booking?

Accepted Answer

It's as easy as...
 Contact us with the details of your event or project
 Within 48 hours receive confirmation of our availability, a tailored quote, and a copy of our most current repertoire list.  
(Your date will be held for 14 days from your initial enquiry. If we don't hear back from you after a little while, or we received another enquiry on the same date, we will follow up with you to confirm your booking.)
 Pay a 10% deposit to secure your booking

Question 4

What is your postponement and cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

After planning some of our own weddings during the pandemic, we understand the need for flexible and understanding vendors.

If unfortunate circumstances mean that your wedding day must be rescheduled, we will make every effort to accomodate your new date. If we are unable to provide musicians for your new date, the booking will be treated as a cancellation. Rescheduled bookings will be held for up to 12 months at the set price of your original date.   In the event that your wedding is cancelled under any circumstances, your 10% security deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations made within 14 days of your event, after final payment has been made, will receive a 50% refund of your total booking fee. No other cancellation fees apply.   All requests to amend, reschedule or cancel a booking must be made by email to briar.stringquartet@gmail.com

Question 5

How do I know I’m booking the best musicians?

Accepted Answer

In 2015, we crossed paths on on a month-long tour of Mainland China performing 'The Marriage of Figaro' with the Australian International Opera Company. Upon returning to Australia, we began performing together as the Briar String Quartet for weddings, corporate events, and contemporary recording sessions. It's these years of varied musical experience together that have allowed us to hone our chamber skills and unique performance style.   Each of our musicians has a Bachelor (with Honours) or Masters Degree in Classical Performance from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and have studied and performed extensively overseas in the U.S, Italy, and China. As well as being excellent performers, we are all music composers and instrumental teachers.    We are incredibly proud of what we do, and have even performed at each others weddings!

Question 6

Do you perform acoustically or amplified?

Accepted Answer

We are an acoustically performing ensemble. Our instruments project very well in both indoor and outdoor settings, however particular enemble types may be better suited to certain sized occasions or venues.   If the venue is very large and has an in-house PA team, they can set up microphones in front of us. We do not provide our own equipment, but can advise on the best methods to amplify strings.

Question 7

How early will the musicians arrive?

Accepted Answer

Musicians will arrive 30 - 60 minutes prior to all bookings to set up and make contact with your celebrant or wedding planner.

Question 8

How long should my booking length be?

Accepted Answer

Booking times are calculated from when the musicians are required to begin and conclude playing. Breaks within the ceremony, reception, or incurred moving between locations are included within these times.   For a standard ceremony we recommend a minimum booking length of 1.5 hours, commencing at the time your guests are scheduled to arrive. This allows for 15-30 minutes of music as your guests arrive, a 45-60 minute ceremony, and 15 minutes of music as guests depart. For example, if your ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3pm, your booking time could be 2:45pm - 4:15pm.

Question 9

How early with the musicians arrive?

Accepted Answer

Musicians will arrive 30 - 60 minutes prior to all bookings to set up and make contact with your celebrant or wedding planner.

Question 10

Can you play during canapés or the reception?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We recommend extending your booking length to a minimum of 2 hours for Ceremony and Canapés.

Question 11

What will the musicians wear?

Accepted Answer

Musicians typically wear formal concert blacks. If requested, we are also happy to wear colours in line with the dress code for your guests.

Question 12

How much performance space will the musicians require?

Accepted Answer

Quartet: 2.5m x 2.5m  Trio: 2m x 2m Duo: 1.5m x 1.5m Solo Violin or Cello: 1.5m x 1.5m

Question 13

Do I need to provide anything for the musicians?

Accepted Answer

Please consider providing overhead cover for outdoor events to protect our instruments and ourselves from rain and intense sunlight. This could be as simple as a nearby tree, a verandah, or a large umbrella.

For all bookings, each musician will require an armless chair.

For bookings of 3 hours of more, musicians would be grateful for a meal or light refreshments. Please contact us for any dietary requirements.

Question 14

Can you attend my wedding rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

As we perform at weddings so often, which usually follow a very clear format, it is not necessary for us to attend rehearsals. If you wish to incorporate music into your rehearsal, we recommend finding your chosen ceremony songs on Spotify to use as a place holder until the big day.

Question 15

Should I practice or time my aisle walk? What happens when I get to the alter?

Accepted Answer

Timing your walk down the aisle to particular sections of music can often go awry as those nerves start to kick in! In our experience, Processionals have always run smoothly when the Bridal Party walks at their leisure, and allows the Quartet to determine the right moment to bring the song to a natural close. This is a skill we have developed from years of playing together, that allows for any fast or slow walkers on the day. As the Bride or Groom arrives at the altar, the music will fade to a natural cadence.

Question 16

How will the musicians take their cues throughout the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

On arrival, we will make contact with your celebrant, wedding planner, or venue liaison to coordinate musical cues. We will usually take these from a nod or a common phrase such as:   “Please be standing for the Bride/Groom…” “The Bride/Groom will now sign some documents…” “Please congratulate the new Mr & Mrs…” / “You may now kiss the Bride/Groom…”

Question 17

What kind of music do you play?

Accepted Answer

We have curated an extensive and constantly growing catalogue of music specialising in Classical, 20th Century, 21st Century, Religious and more!

Please note, repertoire options differ for each ensemble type as particular song arrangements are best suited to those instrumentations. Contact us for a copy of the Repertoire List for your chosen ensemble type.

Question 18

Can I select the music to be played during the Prelude, Postlude and Canapés?

Accepted Answer

We ask all couples to nominate a genre or style (eg. Classical, 20th Century, 21st Century, Folk or a hybrid of any) which we use to curate a setlist on your behalf.   We take into account your style, the venue, and the feel on the day. This keeps the music flowing and maintains the atmosphere, as if there are too many individual requests then there are likely to be long pauses while we find the next song.

Question 19

Can I select the songs to be played during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

You may select 1 song for each of the following key moments during your ceremony:​ Processional Interlude or Special Rites (Optional) Marriage Certificate Signing Recessional

Question 20

Can I have two songs played during the Processional?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We usually recommend 1 song for you and your wedding party to walk to, even for long aisles, as a change of music will result in some silence between songs. We can adjust the length of a song in real time to last the required duration and account for any fast or slow walkers on the day.

Question 21

Can I request a song that is not listed in your repertoire?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Our catalogue is updated regularly, however if you don’t see the song you’re looking for, we are happy to arrange up to 3 special requests for key moments during your ceremony (additional charges may apply for the purchase or arrangement of music, where we are unable to source existing parts).

Question 22

Can you suggest music for my event?

Accepted Answer

We know our songs like they were our closest friends. During the our initial planning and conversations we can work with you to curate the perfect set list that reflects your personal style and occasion.

Question 23

I have already sent through my music selections, but would like to make a change. Is this okay?"

Accepted Answer

We require all details pertaining to your booking to be confirmed no later than 2 weeks prior to your event. If the new song requested is already in our cataclogue, we can accomodate last minute changes. However, if the new song requested needs to be arranged or purchased, we cannot guarantee the change with late notice.

Question 24

Can my friend or relative sing with you?

Accepted Answer

Of course! A musical item featuring a friend or family member, is a lovely addition to any occasion. We can often squeeze in a quick rehearsal during our set up prior to guests arriving. However, if the performer requires additional rehearsal time, this will be added to the length of your booking.

Question 25

How long should my booking length be?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us with details of your project for our recomendation on booking lengths.

Question 26

Can the musicians write or improvise their own parts?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! String instruments are incredibly versatile, each with their own strengths and nuances. Send us the parts ahead of your session for a quick once over by our team, or put our knowledge of string writing to use and let us weave together something special.   It's incredibly helpful if we can get whatever resources (audio, lead sheets etc.) and ideas you may have prior to the session, in order for us to arrange parts and save you time and money in the studio.    If you require large-scale orchestrations or the addition of layered midi-strings, we will call in our resident composer and orchestrator Troy Rogan.

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