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COCKTAIL HOUR MUSIC

You're finally a married couple! The long-planned ceremony is over and it's time to celebrate. First stop, The Cocktail Hour - always a happy interlude between the ceremony and dinner and there's nothing better than some special music to enhance the celebratory mood.

Most couples painstakingly plan the music for their prelude and ceremony but overlook this all important interval after the ceremony ends and before their guests sit down to dinner. The same string ensemble that added so much to the wedding itself can also provide an elegance in look and sound that is a lovely addition to this part of your special day.

The string musicians you hired for your wedding should be able to play a large and varied selection of music. If you want to stick with classical music, ask them for a complete list of their repertoire so you can choose your favorites.

But it's always fun to "mix it up" for cocktails. Tangos, waltzes, old jazz standards, and show tunes as well as popular and ethnic (Irish, Jewish, Greek, etc.) songs should be on their play list as well.

Many ensembles have a two hour minimum so you may already be paying your ceremony musicians for this extra time. If your wedding and cocktail hour are in the same location (adjoining rooms, patios, decks,) the trio or quartet that played during your ceremony is going to be available at little (or even NO) additional cost. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, most groups will travel to the cocktail hour location for a small fee. These
options can help you economize if your OJ or band charges extra for the cocktail hour.

Choosing the right string ensemble need not be difficult. In addition to checking their references, you'll want to audition the groups you're considering by listening to some of their recordings, view their repertoire lists to gauge their level of skill and experience, and ascertain that they are familiar with the type of ceremony you are planning.

You'll also want to be sure to ask your musicians the following questions:

• Are you willing to move from one location to another?
• Do you require a break between the first and second hour? If so, how long?
• What repertoire can you provide for the cocktail hour?
• Will you play special requests?
• Can you add another instrument or perform as a smaller group once the ceremony is over?