The Aquarius String Ensemble is highly experienced in playing at both church and civil wedding ceremonies. They can also play after the service during the photographs, drinks reception, and throughout the meal.

Here is an example of a typical wedding with a few repertoire suggestions along the way...

• Wedding ceremony 2pm

We would arrive in time to start playing half an hour before the ceremony so that the guests can be entertained as they arrive. At this point we would normally play light classical pieces such as excerpts from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons', or J.S Bach's 'Air on a G string'.

For the ceremony we would play a piece such as Pachelbel's Canon for the entrance of the bride, Delibe's beautiful 'Flower Duet' during the signing of the register, and something more lively, such as Handel's 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' for the exit of the bride and groom.

• Photographs 2.45pm - 3.15pm

During the wedding photographs, we can play a mixture of either classical or more popular pieces, depending on your preference. If you would like us to play at the drinks reception as well, we normally have to leave before the end of the photographs in order to be set up in time for when the wedding party arrives (especially if this is at a different venue to the ceremony itself).

• Drinks reception 3.15pm - 4.00pm

For the drinks reception, most couples choose more up-beat music to add to the lively atmosphere at this point. This may range from jazz classics like Cole Porter's 'Anything Goes', to pop songs like The Beatles' 'Hey Jude'.

• Wedding breakfast 4.00pm - 6.30pm

The Aquarius String Ensemble has almost five hours of repertoire, which is being added to with each new request that's made. For this reason, we are happy to play throughout the meal. Often we would play a short piece as the guests are asked to stand for the entrance of the newlyweds - although this is usually drowned out by the cheering and wolf-whistling traditional at this point! Then we will play a mixture of classical, jazz, and modern music until the end of the wedding breakfast.