1. Most string quartets will be made up of highly skilled, trained musicians who will play beautifully on your big day. Look for an experienced group who play together regularly and who deal with your requests in a professional way. Getting back to your enquiry fairly quickly is always a good sign.

2. If possible, try to speak to one of the musicians in person, you'll need to liase quite a bit with them leading up to the wedding so an approachable, friendly person is going to be much nicer to deal with. There are quite a few agencies who act on behalf of quartets (and take a percentage for each booking), but ideally try to speak to the musicians directly so that you can be sure they know exactly what you are looking for on the day itself.

3. You may like to look through their repertoire list - a large list of available music in various styles is a good sign and probably indicates your quartet will be flexible. You may wish to have a mixture of classical, jazz, light music, pop or even rock so that there is something for everyone.

4. If you'd like a special song arranging for the big day, bear in mind this takes time and some quartets charge a little extra for it. Creating an arrangement of a track (perhaps a pop song, a ballad - something you both really like as a couple) is quite an involved process and if it's done well can take several hours. It then needs to be rehearsed and prepared so do give your quartet as much notice as possible. Most ensembles are happy to offer this service but it's always worth checking before you exchange contracts.

5. The average cost of a string quartet really does vary, and whilst it's definitely worth shopping around do be careful of anyone who seems drastically cheaper than every other group. Very top quality quartets will charge significantly more than an amateur group but you can usually be assured of a world class performance on the day of the wedding, a large repertoire and the attention to detail that makes it really special. If you're booking a quartet through an agency, you'll always pay more than if you go to the musicians directly, sometimes the difference can be £150 or more.

6. Many quartets have a minimum booking period of 2 or 3 hours, sometimes longer. This is usually because it's not feasible to give up the whole day for just one hours work, so if you were only thinking of having them play during the ceremony itself, you might find some groups who are reluctant to take on very short bookings
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7. It's not unheard of for groups to take on several engagements at once and sub contract other jobs out to another four musicians. If you're just looking for background music this may be absolutely fine, but if you want to be 100% sure that the quality of performance on the day reflects the quality of the recording on their website or demo, look for a group who commit to playing for you themselves. Try to make sure that the musicians who you deal with leading up to the wedding will actually be playing on the day.

8. You should expect to pay a deposit to secure the date in the quartets diary - after all they will be turning down other work to keep your day free and many groups will also ask you to sign a cancellation policy.

9. If you'd like something a bit different, look for a quartet who offer a wide variety of modern music - nowadays there are quite a few groups who offer pop and rock music alongside the usual classical and light jazz. Although many brides choose the traditional entrance to Pachelbels Canon or Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, it's now perfectly possible to have your quartet play your favourite pop song as you sign the register, or something really upbeat and modern as you walk down the aisle. During the reception, modern music goes down really well and guests are usually surprised and delighted to hear tunes that everyone recognises played on classical stringed instruments.

10. Quartets are also usually very happy to accompany any hymns you're having during the ceremony, this can be a really beautiful alternative to a church organ, again though you'll need to tell them well in advance so that the music can be prepared.

11. You should expect your quartet to arrive at least half an hour beforehand to get set up, do a quick acoustic check and allow for any minor delays (like the venue forgetting to set out four chairs). If they're travelling between venues - perhaps from your service to the reception, do allow them plenty of time again to get packed up, drive to the reception and set up again.

12. Before the wedding, your quartet will usually ask you to get in touch with any ideas you have about the musical programme - look through their repertoire list and choose any pieces you definitely want to hear on the day so that they can bring the right music on the day. Although many groups are happy to put together a programme for you, many couples like to personalise their wedding music by choosing their pieces themselves.

13. If you're not familiar with classical music, do allow the quartet to give you any guidance you need. The musicians will be happy to do this as they have plenty of knowledge and experience in choosing pieces to create the mood you are looking for.

14. If you are having quite a small wedding with just a few guests, you might find that a string quartet is just too overpowering and can actually ruin the atmosphere rather than enhance it - simply by being too loud. Do strongly consider downsizing to a string trio of duo if you're in a smaller venue or have fewer guests, a lot of quartets have a large repertoire available written for just 2 or 3 instruments and will be happy to do this.

15. If a string quartet is not your thing, do bear in mind there are lots of other professional groups who can make your wedding sound really stunning - a brass quintet, opera singers, a wind trio, the exquisite sound of a harpist.... Whatever you choose, live music can make such a difference to your wedding, and getting a good group with the right approach can be just as important as choosing the right photographer or florist.

By Vaughan Jones of Manor House Music String Quartet