Can a string quartet play an outdoor wedding?
Yes. Acoustic instruments just need a few conditions met.
Yes, with three conditions: shade over the players (a tent or a big leafy tree), dry weather, since anything more than a drizzle means the instruments go back in their cases, and temperatures between about 55 and 92 degrees. Have a covered or indoor backup ready.
Shade is part of the contract
Our contract requires shade for the players at any outdoor spot. It doesn't have to be fancy:
- A big leafy tree. At Abloom Farm in Saukville, the players set up under a tree.
- A tent or covering. At The Marq Supper Club in Lawrence, Wisconsin, the couple put up a tent for the players.
In Colorado, where the sun is strong, plan the shade before you plan anything else. Our Colorado musicians have played hundreds of weddings and events there, from Denver gardens to mountain meadows, under the same rule.
Rain and temperature
Water is the real risk for wooden string instruments. If it is anything more than a drizzle, and honestly even a drizzle is a bit much, the players put the instruments in their cases to keep moisture off them. That is why every outdoor ceremony needs a covered or indoor backup.
Temperature matters too. We play best between about 55 and 92 degrees. October in Wisconsin is usually pretty good, often somewhere in the 60s.
Your outdoor checklist
- Shade over the spot where the players sit, in place before they arrive.
- A chair for each player, in the shade.
- A covered or indoor backup with chairs too. At The Marq Supper Club, the plan was the tent, or indoors if it rained.
- A forecast check together as the date gets closer.
Outdoor ceremonies we've played
We've played outdoor ceremonies at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, Cupola Barn in Oconomowoc, Villa Filomena, Abloom Farm, The Marq Supper Club and on the lawn of a private home in River Hills. Outside, the players still sit, so the venue sets a chair for each one in the shade. Wondering about sound outdoors? Read does a string quartet need a microphone.
From an outdoor ceremony
★★★★★“They set up for our outside ceremony with minimal instructions and played the ceremony flawlessly.”
★★★★★“Dream City Strings is very appropriately named because their performance made our wedding feel like a dream!”
Outdoor wedding questions
Is a tree enough shade?
Yes, as long as it is a big, leafy tree that covers the players. A tent works too.
What happens if it rains?
Anything more than a drizzle and the instruments go back in their cases, so the ceremony needs a covered or indoor backup.
How hot or cold is too much?
We play best between about 55 and 92 degrees.
Do you play outdoor weddings in Colorado?
Yes, often. Our Colorado musicians have played outdoor ceremonies from Denver Botanic Gardens to Estes Park and Breckenridge, with the same shade and weather guidelines.