Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does special event and wedding music cost?

Starting costs for events and weddings in the Triangle area are $325 for ceremony music, $800 for bands, and $600 for DJs. We will be happy to quote exact prices for your event as a part of a free planning consultation.

2. How do I know which bands, DJs and songs are right for my event?

Save the Date matches your preferences for music types, level of formality, flow of your event, favorite songs, favorite instruments, and budget. You will also be able to hear sample music from performers to help match your needs. We can work with nearly any preference and would be happy to help you find the perfect music for your day.

3. How do I know which type of classical group I should book?

The string quartet is the most versatile for all occasions.  They can be heard in a large venue or can play for an intimate proposal dinner.  String quartets have the best combination of balance and Save the Date Music has an extensive repertoire of string quartet music.  For a smaller budget, a string trio is quite suitable and many of the standard wedding pieces have been arranged for trio.  Duos of all combinations are also available from Save the Date.  We can also add a flute or other wind instruments to the string group.

4. Can I talk to your references?

Of course. Save the Date Music has done up to six hundred weddings a year and have thousands of delighted clients who are eager to share their memories and experiences.

5. Where do you serve?

We operate throughout North Carolina, primarily serving the Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill). If you’re unsure if your event is in our service region, let us know and we can confirm. Nearly anything is possible with the right budget and proper notice.

6. What equipment do I need to provide?

For string groups, the musicians need chairs that have flat seats and are without arms.   We will need adequate lighting so that we can read our music.  If there is some Q about the lighting quality, please let us know and we will know to bring our stand lights.  The musicians bring their own music stands as well as clothespins for outdoor performing in windy conditions.

7. Do the musicians take breaks?

Playing over a period of time is demanding.   Performers will take a break of 5 – 7 minutes after each hour of playing. If your event includes speeches or presentations we will coordinate breaks to coincide with your schedule.

8. Do we meet in person?

It is usually not necessary to meet in advance.  Details are communicated via the client agreement form, by email or telephone.  However, I am always happy to meet with clients at their request.

9. Can I request a special piece of music that is not on your repertoire lists for string combinations?

In general, yes, special requests are fine as long as the sheet music is available.  We do need at least 5-6 weeks advance notice in order to obtain the best available arrangement of the music.  In some cases there may be an extra fee for this service.

10. Do you perform outside?

Yes, if the event is scheduled between April 1st and September 15th, when the temperature is between 65º and 90º, and there is no rain or chance of rain, we are happy to perform outdoors.  Shelter, such as a tent, gazebo, porch or canopy for protection from the elements is ideal.  Please note take the position of the sun for the time of day and date of your event.  If the weather is questionable, we will play, but reserve the right to shorten the time as necessary.

11. Do you attend wedding rehearsals?

We do not routinely attend the rehearsal. We have played for hundreds of weddings and we are skilled at timing music to fit the right length of time for processionals, prelude and recessionals.  If we are accompanying a vocalist or other soloist we will need to have a rehearsal immediately prior to when we start the prelude music to the ceremony (1 hour before the start of the ceremony). There may be an additional fee for this rehearsal.

12. How are the pieces timed to coordinate with our event?

When we arrive at the venue we will have a quick discussion with the event coordinator and/or officiant to agree on the cues and signals for starting the processional music.   You do not need to be concerned about timing of the music.  Our musicians are very adept at timing the end of the music to suit the flow of the ceremony.

13. How do you charge for a wedding ceremony and a reception that are in two different venues?

We will charge for the length of the engagement, including the time to travel between the two venues. This usually needs to be negotiated on an individual basis.

14. What is your cancellation policy?

Your deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the event, the entire fee will be due.

15. What’s the next step?

• Once you fill out the inquiry form on the website, Save the Date Music will contact you to discuss your request. When you feel comfortable to proceed with a booking, we will ask you to read and sign our agreement and will begin matching you with the perfect music group(s).
• Call (919) 942-7882 or email us at savethedatemusic@gmail.com to set up a free consultation and we will take it from there!