Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Ensemble wear?
We normally wear all black dress clothes (black dress shirt, black dress pants/skirt, black dress shoes.)
2. Is there a deposit?
There is a $100 deposit that is added to your final balance.
3. How much space does the ensemble need?
We need enough space to fit chairs for each member of the ensemble. We will bring our own music stands. We will need chairs without arms provided for us. We can fit under a 10x10 tent.
4. What time does the ensemble usually arrive at my ceremony site?
We normally arrive 30 minutes before the prelude music begins.
5. Will there be a Piedmont Strings member at my rehearsal the day before?
We do not attend the rehearsal. We are able to judge how long to play the song by the length of the aisle and the number of bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. We are able to fade out and end tastefully when each entrance is over. We do require a wedding coordinator to give us cues during the processional entrances.
6. Will you play outdoor weddings?
Yes. We play many outdoor weddings! Direct sunlight can damage our expensive instruments (broken seams, cracked wood, broken strings, etc.) If your ceremony is in a sunny location we will need something to provide us with shade so we can keep our instruments safe. In addition, our instruments cannot be exposed to water (rain, fountains, or extreme humidity.) Some sort of covering is necessary if there is a risk of rain (a canopy, porch, tent, overhang, etc.) We will be more than happy to work to find a solution to any possible issues concerning your particular venue. Please note that we do not play outdoor weddings in August.
7. Do you use microphones/amplification?
Normally, we do not require microphones or amplification. If your wedding or event is over 200 guests, is outside, or at a very large venue, we recommend upgrading to the Amplification Package ($350). For most average-sized weddings, we do not require amplification. The amplification package does not include microphones for your officiant.
6. Do I need to know my ceremony song list when I book?
Nope! You will need to send your song list at least 1 month before your ceremony. We will need choose one song for each of the following:
Mothers/Grandmothers Entrance Song:
BridesmaidsEntrance Song:
Bridal Entrance Song:
Recessional Song:
We can offer suggestions if you are having trouble deciding. Please visit our "Repertoire" page for an updated list of our music.
8. What if I want a song not listed on your "Repertoire" page?
We are more than happy to make a custom arrangement of any song that you would like. We charge $145 per custom arrangement. This can be added to your final balance. Please visit our "repertoire" section of the website for a complete list of our repertoire. We have a pretty extensive list so custom arrangements are fairly rare.
9. Are there any hidden fees?
Our travel fees are included in our prices. We require a $100 deposit that is added to your final balance. If you choose to have us make a custom arrangement of a song that's not on our repertoire list, the cost is $145 per custom arrangement.
10. If I have a family member or friend who would like to sing at the wedding, will you accompany them?
Yes! We would be more than happy to collaborate with any musician of your choice. We will most likely require them to attend our warm-up rehearsal about 30 minutes before Prelude Music starts the day of your wedding. We also recommend that they provide us with sheet music.
11. What if a member of Piedmont Strings gets sick the day of my wedding?
When you sign your contract, you are guaranteed a member of Piedmont Strings or a substitute of equal or greater ability on the same instrument.
12. When is my final balance due?
We require the final balance the week before your wedding. Our preferred method of payment is venmo. Our username is @piedmontstrings.
13. What is your cancellation policy?
In the event that a client needs to cancel our services, they will not be required to pay the remaining balance up until 2 weeks before the ceremony. For cancellations within 2 weeks before the ceremony, the total balance will still be paid by the date the outstanding balance was originally due. The $100 deposit will not be refunded in either scenario.
14. Can I hear you live?
As of right now the only performances we have scheduled are private weddings. We have a number of sound clips on our website so you can hear us as a quartet playing some of the most popular current wedding songs.
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15. Are you LGBT friendly?
Absolutely! We believe that Love is LOVE!
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16. Can I book an event for 2026 and beyond?
Of course! We are currently accepting requests for a year or two out. Please email us at piedmontstrings@gmail.com to see our rates.