Do your musicians provide their own equipment?
Yes, all our musicians have their own equipment.
Do you have a set list that we can view for each artist?
Yes please ask and we can email it to you.
Can a musician perform acoustically without an amp
Unless you have less than 20 guests this really is not possible. It is not loud enough to be heard over the guests without plugging into a sound system.
We won’t have access to power, is that okay?
Yes, there are a couple of options available if you won't have access to power. We will need some information about your event to let you know which option(s) will be most suitable. Keep in mind that there are time constrictions of around 2 hours when using batteries and smaller generators.
Do we need to choose the songs they play?
Unless it’s for a wedding ceremony then no, you don’t need to choose them. Intuitively, our musicians are very confident in choosing the right song for each moment. Alternatively, you are welcome to ask us to send you their set list and choose your top 10 songs for them to play or even not play.
If it rains can they still perform?
It’s important to know that any weather conditions such as wet weather or extreme heat, may not make it possible for your artists to perform. Shade or shelter MUST be provided if its very sunny (especially in months of September - March), or to protect their equipment from rain/shower if weather is looking unfavourable. Should no shade be provided and the conditions are very hot, the Artist is within their rights to decline from performing until some shade is provided. In the event of rain/shower during an outside performance, for safety reasons (electrical) and to protect the Artists equipment, they will cease performing until the rain has stopped. Having a wet weather plan will really reduce any stress about this!
Can I request any songs?
Yes, you can! It's quite common with weddings and private functions that you may want to request a song. All our musicians can learn up to two new songs as long as we are informed at least a month before.
Do we need to provide lunch/dinner?
For bookings 3 hours or longer in duration, we request that food and drinks (non-alcoholic) be provided for our musicians. This is typically a standard request by most wedding vendors across the industry.
How long do the musicians play and what happens on breaks?
Typically each hour booked = 45 minutes of live music to allow for breaks. So if you have booked a 4-hour package this might look like four 45-minute sets. On breaks, our musicians plug a phone/iPod in to play music through their sound system.
What do we need to provide the musician/s?
The musician/s will need an electrical supply and space to set up. We kindly ask for a chair to be provided for each musician and that they are in an undercover or shaded area.
It is a good idea to think about where to position the musician as the last thing you want is complaints it was too loud by certain relatives.
How many songs do I need during a wedding ceremony?
For your entrance – one song for both bridesmaids and bride
Signing the papers – one song with a backup in case it goes longer than expected
Walking out as Mr and Mrs - one upbeat song is best here
Can our celebrant use a microphone for the wedding ceremony?
Unfortunately no as not all musicians have wireless microphones. Musicians are normally located to the side or back of a ceremony and their microphones are not portable so it would not be practical. All our musicians have excellent quality equipment but it is suited for musical performances only.
For walking down the aisle: how long do you recommend for the music/do you play a whole song or part of a song?
For walking down the aisle, we don't ever recommend using strict timing as there are too many variables including length of the aisle, pace and visibility. Our musicians are experienced in finishing the song at the perfect time as long as our view is not blocked by guests and they are given an adequate cue to start.
How long does it take a bride to walk down the aisle?
On average it takes a bride and bridesmaids 1.5 minutes to make it to the front. I have even seen it take just 40 seconds. Only a few times in 10 years have we been able to make it through a full song. It always goes so much quicker than clients expect.
Can I call or contact the musician I have booked?
At Southern Highlands Musicians we work with you on behalf of our artists, to be by your side during the entire planning process. Once we have all the info we brief the musicians before your wedding day. This ensures all details are covered and our artists can focus on preparing for an excellent performance on your wedding day.
I have tricky choreography for my first dance and I’m nervous about the timing. Should I still use a live musician?
If the timing of your first dance is important it is best the musician plays the original recording through their sound system rather than performing it live. This will ensure the timing is perfect. As a live performance is organic, we can’t always promise perfect timing and we would hate for you to stumble when it’s your moment to shine!