String quartet for reception

homeOwner

Anyone got any recommendations in the Dublin area? I have googled a bit and groups I have contacted are way outside our budget, charging upwards of E600 for 2 hours, which I think is alot. Or am I being unrealistic?

hunnymonster

600 seems reasonable to me. 600/4 = 150 each, say €50 per hour & €50 travel per person? Given the years of practice musicians have put in, not to mention the lessons that were paid for, 50 per hour seems ok?

However, I understand that you're paying out left right and centre for a wedding, a cheaper alternative might be to get some music students? Where are you based? If there is a university with a music degree locally that might be a good place to start.

homeOwner

Good idea, I'll check out music colleges in the area. Thanks for the suggestion.

I dont think factoring in travel and their music lessons is a reasonable way to look at their charges. I dont charge my employers for my travel expenses to and from work and there are not alot of people out there these days earing E75 per hour, even professionals who also studied/trained for years. But I take your point.

hunnymonster

not sure I'd agree with you there homeowner. When I go to my office I don't charge for expenses but if I work off site then I do, and I don't have to lug a cello about :-)

Mr.David

The other consideration is the price of the instruments (which you are effectively hiring) which can easily be €5-10k

BláthnaidK

Hi,
I play in a string quartet, and we all live in Dublin! Each of us have plenty of experience also..When are you having the reception?? Let me know if you're interested!