Question 1

We have lots of children coming to our wedding. Do you have any ideas for keeping them entertained throughout the day?

Accepted Answer

There are lots of suppliers out there that offer varied activities suitable for children as well as young-at-heart adults. I have come across all manner of oversized games, as well as magicians, photo booths, bouncy castles and alpacas! Try to determine how many children there will be at your wedding and their ages. There is nothing worse than having entertainment that is not suitable for a particular age group. If you would like to include children's entertainment, speak to suppliers; there may be things they can include that cater to a range of ages. Don't just assume what is advertised is all they have to offer; some suppliers may like to be given suggestions that they may not have thought about. We welcome suggestions and try to accommodate them where we can. For example, as well as spending time with our alpacas, we have a colouring competition for the children.

Question 2

My fiancé and I are having an elegant celebration and we're thinking of hiring a string quartet. Do you have any advice on how we can have a classic theme while still keeping the music modern?

Accepted Answer

Opting for a classic theme while infusing modern elements into your string quartet's repertoire can create a wonderful atmosphere for your wedding day. For example, our approach is to blend traditional classical pieces with contemporary arrangements. We offer modern interpretations of timeless classics, seamlessly blending the sophistication of classical music with the freshness of contemporary sounds. Together, we can work closely to curate a playlist that strikes the perfect balance between classic and modern pieces. Communicate your vision and preferences with your supplier to ensure that the music complements the overall ambiance of your event while still feeling current and relevant. Ultimately, the key is to personalise the music to reflect your tastes and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. We encourage you to select songs that hold special meaning to you both, and in some cases, they can be arranged to suit a string quartet. This allows you to maintain the elegance of your celebration while incorporating music that resonates with your personal style.

Question 3

What style of music would you suggest to please everyone?

Accepted Answer

Include all genres on your wedding day, from soul and Motown to funk. Spice it up with house music and nu-disco for the under 40s. If you add in some current chart pop music, everyone will be happy and dance the night away.

Question 4

My wife-to-be and I are looking for entertainment that will keep our guests happy throughout the day, do you have any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

A wedding reception will undoubtedly have slower moments such as while people are waiting for food, between the toasts, the room turn around or while the wedding party head off for photos. You need to think of a blend of activities that complement each other to keep your guests entertained. There are lots of ideas to choose from, but a magician really takes the cake. A magical host/compère can make a big impact on your guests and goes a long way to make the big day even more magical. On the wedding day, a lot of different social groups, families and friends with different dynamics are being brought together, sometimes for the first time. While this is a great opportunity to get to know people, it can often lead to some lull moments. The great thing about a wedding magician is that they'll mingle with your guests, help break the ice and alleviate some of that tension and distract from awkward moments.

Question 5

My wife-to-be and I are thinking of hiring a band, but we're a bit worried about booking someone online that we've never met. How can we make the right decision?

Accepted Answer

Finding the perfect wedding entertainment can be a daunting task, especially as a professional band will be booked up for private events so it will be unlikely you'll get to go to watch them live. However, lots of bands now have social media profiles. A high-quality band will always have videos and photos on their Instagram, Facebook or TikTok profiles from recent weddings, so you can instantly see if the band is the right fit for you. For our couples, we always like to arrange a chat over Zoom, on the phone or in person. This way, we can discuss your ideas on a more personal level. Ask your band if this is something they can provide to put your mind at ease. Recommendations from venues, friends, suppliers and family members are always a great place to start. It's also worth reading through reviews before making a decision.

Question 6

My wife-to-be and I love modern songs and were wondering if these would work with a string quartet?

Accepted Answer

From Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran to Lizzo and Dua Lipa, you'll want a supplier who can do it all and more. Start by looking for a company with an extensive modern repertoire list. Choosing songs for your wedding can be a daunting task, especially when you're not sure if your music tastes are what all of your loved ones would like too. A string quartet will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your special day and can be a beautiful way for you and your guests to enjoy the music you love.

Question 7

We'd love some live music at our drinks reception, but don't want anything too intrusive as guests will want to chat and catch up. What would you suggest?

Accepted Answer

Consider booking a string quartet for your big day. An acoustic string quartet will be non-intrusive and provide a comfortable atmosphere for your guests to mingle and converse freely. Here at Harmony String Quartet, we give our couples access to our full catalogue of music ranging from soft classical to light jazz and modern day hits. Look through your supplier's repertoire and see if their style suits your big day.

FAQs and expert advice about entertainment