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Wedding Entertainment

Here is a list of general and popular recommendations, divided into convenient categories. Please take your time to browse & read through the information guidelines provided below, or click here to access VIEW ALL WEDDING CATEGORIES.

CEREMONY & PRE-DINNER ENTERTAINMENT

PRE-CEREMONY ENTERTAINMENT
This sets the tone for your special day! Create a lasting first impression and add to the excitement of your guest arrivals by using an experienced artist that can set the perfect atmosphere for your wedding. Something Classical will add a sophisticated feel, while live Jazz will have set a more laid-back tone, or book an African act for a really ethnic arrival experience.

CEREMONY
Once inside the chapel / ceremony area, a Classical ensemble sets the perfect mood for the service from the time when the guests start to arrive, and can provide any wedding march or processional piece for the arrival of the bride, as well as accompany hymns, the exchange of rings, and the signing of the register. Other popular choices for ceremony entertainment include Jazz artists, Choirs, wedding singers – to perform that special song, and African entertainment – to add that ethnic feel.

AFTER THE CEREMONY
After the ceremony, it's time for your guests to relax, unwind, and absorb and celebrate the greatness of the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the couple saying “I Do”! The entertainment should be light and fun; something that will complement the champagne and canopies, whilst contributing to lasting memories of this special hour or two! Go with Light Classical (most Classical ensembles, if booked for the ceremony and pre-dinner drinks, will move to light & more contemporary repertoire during this stage), introduce an Easy Listening & Jazzy act or, if yours is an African themed wedding, or you have many international guests, some great African entertainment.

RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT

The music played during the reception will go a long way in creating the mood of the evening. A live band can really make the difference, but you need to make sure that you choose the right band for your reception. The most important question to ask yourself is whether you want dance music (or at least the option for guests to dance), or purely good live background music? If it is dance music you're after, you would need quite a large band (minimum 4-piece, usually) that can perform a lot of covers and knows how to get and keep people on the dance floor. An alternative is to book an Easy listening artist to perform during dinner, as well as a DJ to take over when it’s time to hit the dance floor.

NOVELTY WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT

Are you looking to do something completely different? Want to add to the excitement of your Big Moment by blowing your guests away with innovative entertainment of international standard? A Novelty Act, Show Band, or Circus Act / Acrobat would certainly get your guests talking, and will create great memories of the occasion! Novelty Entertainment can be used during any stage of the wedding, instead of or in addition to the more traditional entertainment choices!

The music samples below denote the standard wedding repertoire performed by the Five Seasons Classical in-house ensembles; they have been tried and tested at hundreds of successful weddings. Should you have any special requests which do not fall within the scope of this list, we are happy to consider such requests, given adequate notice. Kindly note however that certain special requests and items which require special transciption, or purchase of sheet music, will attract additional costs and will be quoted for separately. Please read our FAQ Section for clarification.

PRELUDE (before ceremony)

We suggest prelude music from 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. This sets the mood for your guests as they are waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin. It is not necessary for you to choose the prelude music; through long experience we have found that allowing the musicians to choose from a wide variety of material, according to what “feels” best for the moment and the location, usually works best.

Typically, the music before the ceremony will include some of the following:

PROCESSIONALS & RECESSIONALS

SERVICE MUSIC (Register, Unity Candle etc.)

PRE-DRINKS & RECEPTION MUSIC

The reperoire is typically lighter and up-beat, incorporating light Classics, Tangos, Jazz, Movie theme tunes, Broadway pieces etc.

MUSIC FOR SOLO HARP BOOKINGS only

Processionals / Recessionals

Other(Register etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions (Weddings)

Click on the expand icons to view answers

We have compiled a list of questions most frequently asked by our Wedding clients. If you do not find an answer to your queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on enquiries@5seasons.co.za.

For more general FAQs, please visit our General FAQs page.

Booking Procedures

Question: How do I make a booking?

Answer: It is easy! Simply complete the enquiry form above and we will respond within 24 hours with rates and options for your special day. Back to top

Question: How long will it take for you to answer my initial enquiry?

Answer: We aim to respond to all request within one working day. Complicated requests may take slightly longer, but you can expect and initial response within a day. Back to top

Question: I don't know very much about Classical musicians but would like an ensemble to perform at my ceremony / pre-drinks / reception. Can you advise me?

Answer: Yes! All our agents are highly qualified musicians themselves and can therefore assist you in selecting the perfect combination of musicians for your ceremony, pre-drinks and reception. Back to top

Question: Once I've selected a wedding package, how do I confirm a booking? What is the next step?

Answer: When you receive our rate sheet, you will have the opportunity to complete a booking form where you can list all the details of your wedding date. We ask that you complete the form and return to us for processing and availability checks. Back to top

Question: What about payment? Do you require a deposit?

Answer: Yes, we do. In order to confirm a booking, we require a deposit and signed performance contract. The deposit is normally 50% of the agreed fee. Back to top

Question: When is the balance payable?

Answer: The balance is always payable on or before the wedding day before the performance. We have structures in place to ensure that final payment is a convenient process and will always provide you with a simple invoice detailing payment procedures. The contract will also clearly state when and how payment is to be made. Kindly note that it is standard procedure for Artists to require final payment before they commence their booking. Back to top

Costs & Payments

Question: I have limited budget. Can you still help?

Answer: Yes, within reason. We have a variety of packages and options available. Our unique categorisation structure caters for a wide budget range and it is likely that we will be able to help. Simply complete the enquiry form and we will respond with appropriate rates and packages. Back to top

Question: What are the charges? Is it very expensive?

Answer: Once again, we cater for a variety of budgets. However, it is useful to bear in mind that larger ensembles will attract higher rates and therefore a quartet will be more expensive than a duo or trio. Likewise, a longer booking will be more expensive than a short one, but our rates are both competitve and logically priced. Back to top

Question: Do your musicians charge for travel / petrol?

Answer: For venues in within major centres, petrol is not normally charged. For venues outside major centres, travel charges will be applied to your booking. This charge will always be advised to you at quotation stage and should be taken into account for your budgeting. Back to top

General Booking Questions

Question: I would like to hear your groups before booking. Can I come to your office to hear them rehearse?

Answer: No, unfortunately not. We work with a vast number of musicians and our Artists do not rehearse at our offices. The best way to hear examples of the groups we represent is to visit our Sound Clips page, where you can listen to a variety of ensembles. Our groups perform together on a regular basis and normally do not rehearse expressly for weddings as they are extremely familiar with the repertoire and requirements. If you still insist on attending a live rehearsal, please note this will be charged for (please see more about rehearsals below) and certain logistical issues will need to be discussed. This may also delay the normally streamlined booking process. Back to top

Question: Can I choose a particular ensemble from your website?

Answer: This is possible in some cases only. For our higher-priced established ensembles (such as the Hungarian Trio, Lyric Ensemble etc.), you will sometimes be able to book a specific group, but this depends entirely on availability. If a specific group or Artist is not available, we will put together a magnificent Five Seasons in-house ensemble for you, but unfortunately you will not be able to pick your own group. Back to top

Question: What is a Five Seasons in-house ensemble?

Answer: We work with a vast number of Classical musicians in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. A Five Seasons Classical ensemble is a group that we will put together from our large pool of musicians specifically for your event. You are able to choose your ensemble size (e.g. Quartet, Trio, Duo) and configuration (e.g. strings / winds etc.) and we will put the group together. Please note while these musicians play together regularly on a variety of weddings and corporate events, the exact members and configurations will vary for each booking. As such, profile information and photographs of these groups are not normally provided as they are different each time. Our Five Seasons Classical ensembles are widely regarded as of the highest quality in SA. Back to top

Question: Do you have sound clips available?

Answer: Yes, we have wedding sound samples available here
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Question: Typically, at how many weddings do your groups play? Have they played weddings before?

Answer: Too numerous to list. Since our inception in 2001, our musicians have played at so many weddings, we are unable to put a number on it! We place wedding musicians on a continuous basis throughout the year and pride ourselves on being one of SA's leading and most respected agencies. Back to top

Question: I would like the musicians to "audition" for me free of charge. Is this possible?

Answer: No, unfortunately not. If you insist on hearing the musicians before making a booking, we will provide you with a quote for that, which will be calculated at performance rates. Why? Our musicians are extremely busy and we must therefore charge for their time, even for "auditions". If you need to hear what our groups sound like, please visit our sound clips page as this is the best way to hear our groups free of charge! Back to top

Question: My wedding is taking place outdoors. Is this a problem? Can the musicians perform in direct sunlight?

Answer: Instruments can sustain substantial damage if played in direct sunlight. Therefore, we ask that you provide a shaded area with umbrellas / gazebo in order to protect the musicians' instruments. This is an absolute requirement and unfotunately not negotiable. Back to top

Question: How long will my booking last?

Answer: We have different wedding packages available providing for a variety of booking lengths. We are also happy to negotiate custom packages, if necessary. Back to top

Question: Will the musicians arrive on time?

Answer: Yes! Standard arrival time is 20-30 minutes prior to the start of booking time. If you want them there earlier, there will be an extra cost involved. Back to top

Question: How will they know where to go? Who provides directions to the venue?

Answer: Our musicians regularly play at most of the major wedding & function venues across the country. As such, we already have a large database of maps and driving directions which we will provide. However, if your venue is not within our existing database (our perhaps difficult to find), we would appreciate if you could provide a map and exact driving directions.
On the wedding day, it is always helpful to appoint one person to act as organiser. This can either be your wedding plannner, or perhaps the groom, best man etc. The musicians will then deal with this person, so that the bride doesn't have to worry about logistical arrangements at the venue! Back to top

Question: My ceremony / pre-drinks / reception are taking place at different venues. Is this OK?

Answer: Yes, within reason. Any travelling time or additional set-up will have to fit into your chosen booking time and it is essential that we are informed of these requirements at quotation stage. Back to top

Question: What if my wedding runs late?

Answer: Booking time is calculated exactly according to your chosen package. If the proceedings run late, there is provision for overime in the contract, but this will attract an additional charge. Back to top

Question: Do the musicians require meals & beverages?

Answer: Yes, they do, in all cases. However, for shorter bookings (up to 1 hour only) beverages will be sufficient, with light snack being preferred but not absolutely required. For longer bookings, the musicians will require beverages, as well as hot meals / snacks. This requirement will be stipulated in your contract and is normally not negotiable. Back to top

Question: Your list of FAQ's is long and I am worried that the musicians will add to my stress levels on the day. You seem to have many rules. Why is that?

Answer: The questions listed on this page are a list of queries and issues we have encountered in our many years providing this service. They are intended to give you every possible opportunity to decide whether our service is right for you or not. We work with the best musicians we can find in order to give you the best service possible; in order to keep doing that, we need to protect our Artists and in turn adhere to their requirements. We have earned a reputation in the industry of being sensitive to the needs of our Artists and this is extremely important to us. If you find any of our guidelines to be too specific for your needs, please feel free to let us know and we will be happy to look at each query on merit. Back to top

SPECIAL REQUESTS / CHOICE OF MUSIC

Question: What about special requests for my entrance, signing of register, recession etc? How do I choose the music and communicate my choices to the musicians?

Answer: Once you have made a booking, we will advise you on the standard repertoire which is normally performed. We have a selection available here from which you can choose. If you have any other requests, we ask that you specify these well in advance. Kindly note that requests outside of the artists' repertoire, or music requiring complicated transcriptions, will be quoted for separately. You are welcome to forward special requests to us and we have procedures in place to archive such requests on our database in the months / weeks leading up to your wedding. We will then advise the musicians accordingly. If your requests are particularly difficult or complicated, we will always advise you and try to work with you to find a solution or alternative. Back to top

Question: You say you charge for requests outside the Artists' repertoire. What does this mean?

Answer: When you book one of our Classical ensembles, please bear in mind that certain contemporary songs will not sound good on these instruments. Typical examples are requests for light Afrikaans songs, certain Pop songs and generally repertoire which rely largely on drum rhythms or electronica. Sometimes these songs are simply not executable on Classical instruments and - even if they are - sheet music may not be readily available for our musicians. If you insist on the musicians playing a particular song which requires special transcription, sheet music etc. kindly note there may be substantial additional costs and not all requests can be accommodated. Back to top

Question: I have my Entrance song on a CD, but I want the musicians to play it on their instruments. Can I give them the CD so that they can learn it that way?

Answer: Unfortunately not, unless you are prepared to pay for transcription (i.e. the writing out of the music). Classical ensemble playing is an advanced musical form requiring musicians to play from sheet music with the notes written out for each instrument. Unfortunately the musicians are not normally prepared to learn songs from a CD or play by ear. If you insist that this requirement must be met, we are happy to quote for special transcription services seperately. Back to top

Question: Can the musicians accompany hymns during my ceremony?

Answer: Quite simply, yes. We do ask that you give ample notice of your chosen hyms so that we can make sure this is within the musicians' repertoire. Again, if we do not have the sheet music available, we ask that you either provide the music or we would need to quote for it separately. Back to top

REHEARSALS

Question: One of my friends / relatives will be singing / playing something at my wedding. Can they join your ensemble and when can they rehearse?

Answer: Such requests can be accommodated at our discretion. Please advise us of this requirement well in advance so that we can assess the level of difficulty involved. In most cases, a quick rehearsal in the set-up time before ceremony will suffice, but in others a separate rehearsal may be required. This will be quoted for separately and rehearsals are not included as a free service (see more below). Back to top

Question: I would like the musicians to attend a wedding rehearsal.

Answer: Rehearsals are not normally necessary for our musicians. They are highly experienced wedding players and will be fully briefed by us before arriving at your wedding. If you insist on a rehearsal, this will attract additional costs and will be quoted for separately. Please bear in mind that this can amount to a substantial extra cost and rehearsals are not included as a free service. Back to top

Question: Why do the musicians charge for rehearsals? Is this really fair? Surely they should include this as a free service seeing as I am paying for their performance at my wedding?

Answer: You will be paying for their performance at the wedding only and the rates are already favourable in order to accommodate high wedding costs. Therefore, rehearsals are an absolute exclusion - without exception. If you want the musicians to rehearse, you will need to pay for it seperately as musicians always charge for their time, whether in performance or rehearsal. Back to top

DRESS CODE

Question: I have decided to make a booking, but I am concerned about what the musicians will wear on the day? Can I instruct them on how to dress?

Answer: Our musicians will always dress in formal attire, i.e. black dresses or skirt & blouse. Men will wear formal trousers and a smart shirt. We can accommodate special requests within reason, but any major variation in dress code will have to be advised well in advance and will be at our discretion. Back to top

Question: Will my ensemble be male or female?

Answer: This is a difficult question to answer! Our musicians are extremely busy throughout the year and, while we confirm your booking far in advance, the actual make-up of the ensemble may change slightly up to one month before the wedding date. Most of our groups are mixed, and we do not advertise them as either all-male or all-female as we do not feel this has any bearing on the quality of performance. Back to top

CONTACTING THE MUSICIANS

Question: I assume I will have direct contact with the musicians before the wedding?

Answer: Yes, this is possible. We will provide you with details for one contact person approximately 1 month before the wedding. However, by this time we would have already briefed the musicians (provided you have already advised all your requirements / requests) and normally there will be very little to discuss! We do not provide the contact details for each person of the ensemble simply because it can lead to confusion if too many people act as contact persons. Your one contact person will always act as the liaison with the rest of the group. Back to top

Question: Can I meet with the musicians before the wedding?

Answer: A meeting with one agent can be arranged within major centres only for some of our packages, but not all. This meeting will be at the discretion of our team and will not always be with the actual musician(s) who will be playing at the wedding. As with rehearsals, if you insist on meeting with all the musicians, this will attract additional costs and will be quoted for separately. Why? Because it takes substantial organisation to get the entire group together for a meeting and musicians always charge for their time. Back to top

Question: Why can't I have the contact details of the musicians immediately after paying the deposit?

Answer: We have a very large number of wedding musicians who are placed at various weddings throughout the year. We make final placings 1 month in advance of wedding date and therefore cannot provide contact details before such time. In many cases, wedding couples book many months in advance and musicians simply do not confirm engagements so far ahead. We do however guarantee that we will meet the requirements of your booking and you will be protected by the mutually signed contract. Back to top

I NEED TO CHANGE MY BOOKING

Question: I need to cancel my booking. Can I have my desposit refunded?

Answer: Unfortunately no, the deposit is non-refundable. Back to top

Question: I have already made a booking and would like to change one of the instruments in my ensemble / I need to change the booking length. Is this possible?

Answer: Yes, of course. However, we would need ample notice and will then advise you of any additional costs for extended booking lengths. We also need to make sure that the musicians (if already booked) can manage the amended timings as they sometimes play a number of weddings on the same day. Back to top

Question: I have already made a booking and my wedding date is getting close. I am very worried that things will go wrong! What can I do and who should I contact?

Answer: There is no need to be concerned. As long as you have followed all the steps set out by us during the booking process, there should be no need for panic. Your musicians will be fully briefed and your special requests (if any) forwarded to them. If you need re-assurance, you are welcome to call our office but we ask that you peruse any emails / paperwork received from us first as it is likely to already contain all the answers to your questions! Back to top
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