FAQ
What is the difference between the string quartet, the string trio and the string duo? Which would you recommend, in particular, and why?
A string quartet is a group consisting of four string players – two violin players, a viola player and a cellist. The trio has two violins and one cello. The duo is made up of one violinist and one cellist.
We usually recommend the trio over the quartet or duo. The reason for this is that the trio sounds almost exactly like the quartet, in that it still has a big, beautiful, warm sound, and it also can play the exact same repertoire as the quartet.
Also, the trio has one less player, which makes it a cheaper option than the quartet. It’s because of this ideal mix of perfect sound and price that we find the majority of our couples choosing the option of the string trio.
What kinds of music do you play? Can you advise me on music choices for my wedding?
We usually play a mixture of light classical music and more modern or contemporary songs.
Ultimately, however, the type of music we play is up to you! Your preferences come before anything else when it comes to choosing our playlists.
We always make sure to find out what kinds of music you like and we work with you to craft your dreamed-of collection.
Typically, we email you a list of various pieces and songs that are commonly played at different points in the wedding ceremony. These lists contain both classical and modern choices. You by no means have to choose any of the music from the list, but they do serve as a good guide and excellent inspiration for deciding what music you may like performed on your big day.
Rest assured that the Delta String Quartet will be right with you to advise and assure you, every step of the way.
Do you take special requests? What happens if you don’t have a song or a piece that I love in your current repertoire?
We absolutely take special requests! In fact, we relish playing something that we know is special to you, so all requests are welcome and accepted.
If we don’t currently have a piece of music that you are looking for, we ensure to put together an arrangement for the quartet or trio that is totally unique for you. This is a service that we offer free of charge and, contrary to many other groups, there is no limit on the number of arrangements that we will provide.
Never be afraid to ask for exactly what you imagine (for example) walking down the aisle to!
Do you provide discounted rates or package deals?
We certainly do. Should you decide to book us for both your wedding ceremony and your drinks reception, we provide a discount in price to reflect that.
In such cases, we usually play at the drinks reception for the duration of either one hour, one and a half hours or two hours (depending on your preference and particulars of the day), and we provide a slightly larger discount, the longer we play for. This applies each to the quartet, trio and duo.
We also provide discounted rates for any weddings booked from Monday through Thursday.
Will you play music as my guests are arriving at the wedding venue/event?
Yes, it is one of our standard services to play for a minimum of 15 minutes as guests are arriving to your wedding venue and awaiting the arrival of the bride. This can frequently run over 15 minutes as we know that brides are often fashionably late! However, we usually play until we can see that the bridal party has arrived and is getting set-up to walk up the aisle.
Regarding any other events, we make sure to start playing as soon as guests begin to arrive.
We are planning on booking a singer for our wedding. Can you provide accompaniment for a singer?
Yes, it is very common for this to be the case. We have extensive experience working with singers, so much so that many of us know each other well and are extremely used to performing as a group.
We comfortably work with singers of all levels of proficiency – from professional wedding singers to friends or members of family – and there is never any problem or difficulty with either.
As for organising rehearsals etc. between us, we simply ask you for the contact details of the singer and we then arrange all the particulars ourselves, hence leaving you free from worrying about any of those details. We make it as easy as possible for you!
We are always happy to pass on our recommendations for singers (male or female) also, if you are wondering where to start.
How far do you travel?
We are a Cork-based string quartet and we travel regularly throughout Munster. We, on occasion, also travel to Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly and Kildare.
Our general rule is that we tend to travel no further than two hours from Cork city, but we have been known to travel further so it is always worth asking, no matter where your event is being held.
What do you wear to a wedding or event?
We dress discreetly and smartly in all-black attire. We aim to present ourselves in as classy a manner as our sound projects.
Can the musicians play outdoors?
Yes, we can certainly play outdoors…most of the time. There are two caveats to that, both being weather-dependant.
The first is if it is raining or drizzling, as unfortunately our instruments cannot get wet.
The second is easier to accommodate. Because the instruments are made of wood, they are damaged by hot temperatures, so if for example we are asked to play outdoors at a drinks reception on a particularly hot day, we may or may not be able to play directly in the sunshine, or at least not for the entire duration of the event. Usually, we manage to find a sheltered or shaded area where we can play outdoors and still be heard perfectly well by the guests.
How do I book the Delta String Quartet for my wedding or event? What forms of payment do you accept and when is payment due?
Simply Contact Us to enquire if we are free on the required date and, if so, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of our rates and packages, including any other relevant information that you would like to know about or that we think you might find helpful.
As regards payment, we do require a non-refundable booking deposit to secure a wedding date (details will be provided via email if requested) and the balance is then due two weeks before the wedding itself (DSQ will make sure to remind you of this around the time, so it’s not yet another thing for you to have to remember!). We email you immediately on receipt of any payment so that you know it has arrived securely.
We request that payment be made in form of bank transfer, but other arrangements can be made if preferable.
When can I book?
You can book us at any time!
Feeling excited about your wedding music?! Please feel free to Contact Us to make an enquiry and weigh up your options. There’s no rush to commit to a booking and we do ensure to provisionally pencil in wedding dates (before a deposit being paid) for couples who expressly let us know that they are interested in having us play for their special day.
We are always delighted to hear from prospective clients looking forward to hearing their wedding music!
