Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Plum
more by Mrs. Plum (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Plum
Mrs. Plum's Picture
Mrs. Plum, Dallas Age and Occupation in 06: 22, Accountant by day/Floral and Event Designer by night and weekends Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Security Admin Engagement Date: December 31, 2004 Wedding Date: June 29, 2007 Venue: Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens About Me: I have been engaged for about two years now - yes, a long engagement, because my fiance and I wanted to wait until I graduated college, which I did this past summer! He proposed after dating just two months - crazy, I know, but 2 years later, here we are, still crazy in love :-). We are having not one, but TWO weddings and TWO receptions in one weekend - American-style and Vietnamese-style - in Dallas, Texas, where I was born and raised!
About Mrs. Plum

Ceremony Musicians

May 15th, 2007 @ 3:01 pm by Mrs. Plum

What is the going rate for a classical guitarist versus a string quartet nowadays? I am in the process of contracting ceremony musicians, but have gotten quotes from all ends of the price spectrum (they’re all adult professionals - not students or anything). I’d really prefer a string quartet, but am ok with a classical guitarist if he can play songs like Schubert’s Ave Maria and Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (the songs I have picked out so far for the ceremony).

Any recommendations?

Tags: music |
advertisement below
Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Plum
more by Mrs. Plum (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Plum

9 Responses to “Ceremony Musicians”

1.
Guest Icon
Guest
Sarah

If you’re looking for professionals, you can contact the union directly: http://www.afm.org

The prices will vary based on their level of professionalism, the time commitment (including travel time), whether a rehearsal may be required (if you request specific tunes, for example), etc.

I’m paying out the wazoo for my ceremony musicians but they’re all from a nearby (tier 2) symphony, and it’s all brand new music that will require at least two rehearsals. On the opposite end, I’ve sung weddings for $50, and I know a professional violinist who does ‘em for $125, just because she enjoys it. The last string quartet wedding I played was years ago, but we each got $150.

Friends of mine wanted a solo cello for their ceremony, so they called the local and got a list. They called each person, explained what they wanted, asked for a price, and had them play a sample over the phone. It was a time investment, but they got what they wanted.

 
2.
Guest Icon
Guest
Sarah

Okay, your American Federation of Musicians local is here:
http://www.musiciansdfw.org/
I happen to know the vice president!
Anyway, you can click on “Browse Bands” on the left, and “String Ensembles” in the purple box. Classical guitarists would be under “Solo Acts.”

There are also plenty of music schools in the Dallas area. The University of North Texas has a large and highly-regarded music program; music teachers usually gig on the side, or will be very honest if they have a student who can fulfill your needs for cheap.

 
3.
Guest Icon
Guest
Kelly

I’m on the westcoast and our classical guitarist is $350 for the ceremony or $450 for ceremony + cocktail hour.

 
4.
Guest Icon
Guest
SKK

We’re located in the South, and our string trio for the ceremony is $450 for one hour.

 
5.
Guest Icon
Guest
Miss Bluebear

I booked a string trio for my ceremony and Cocktail hour and it is running me $850…I couldn’t afford a quartet! =(

While I’d love to recommend them, I just realized you’re in Dallas…that may not work too well as I’m in NY….sorry…but hey they say NYC prices are more expensive so at least you’ve got an idea!

 
6.
Guest Icon
Guest
Flora

You might also try SMU and UTA, whose music programs aren’t quite as famous UNT’s but also draw heavily from local talent.

 
7.
Guest Icon
Guest
Sarah

Man, I’m totally dominating the comments here, but two more things: First, Flora has absolutely the right idea–any of the big schools in town will be able to hook you up.

Second, if the ideal wedding in your head sounds like violins, not guitars, don’t feel you have to hire four people to get that sound. Trios, even duos can cover what you want. I’m imagining a violin/cello version of the Bach, and it’s lovely.

 
8.
Guest Icon
Guest
Laura K

Sarah, i really appreciate you posting that link. So helpful! I found my local website and it was just what I was looking for.

 
9.
Guest Icon
Guest
 

Leave a Reply


You can also just...

Newer blog post
more in Blog
Older blog post
Newer blog post by Mrs. Plum
more by Mrs. Plum (oldest)
Older blog post by Mrs. Plum

Visit our sister sites eHarmony
Online Dating
eHarmony Advice
Dating Advice
Project Wedding
Wedding Songs
JustMommies
Pregnancy Calendar

Copyright 2004-2012, Weddingbee.com
 

Find your vendors on Weddingbee

Real reviews from brides in your area!

Favors by Weddingbee

  • Favors by season

Shop Now ยป

Mrs. Plum
Mrs. Plum

Mrs. Plum, Dallas Age and Occupation in 06: 22, Accountant by day/Floral and Event Designer by night and weekends Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Security Admin Engagement Date: December 31, 2004 Wedding Date: June 29, 2007 Venue: Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens About Me: I have been engaged for about two years now - yes, a long engagement, because my fiance and I wanted to wait until I graduated college, which I did this past summer! He proposed after dating just two months - crazy, I know, but 2 years later, here we are, still crazy in love :-). We are having not one, but TWO weddings and TWO receptions in one weekend - American-style and Vietnamese-style - in Dallas, Texas, where I was born and raised!

Boards
Classifieds

Blog Calendar
February 2012
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
2930311234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
26272829

Weddingbee Bios
Wiki
More