How long does a wedding violinist play?
It depends on which parts of the day you book. Here's how the time breaks down, and why the hours are a little longer than the music itself.
A ceremony booking plans for up to 1.5 hours: about 30 minutes of prelude, about 30 minutes of ceremony, and a few minutes after. Ceremony plus cocktail hour plans for up to 2.5 hours. Some couples add the reception, where the violin plays along with the DJ.
Time by booking
| What you book | Time planned | What fills it |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony | Up to 1.5 hours | About 30 minutes of prelude, about 30 minutes of ceremony, a few minutes of postlude |
| Ceremony and cocktail hour | Up to 2.5 hours | All of the above, plus about an hour of cocktail music, roughly 20 songs |
| Adding the reception | More hours, set in your quote | The violin pops in over your DJ's set for big moments |
The ceremony booking is the minimum. Ceremony plus cocktail hour is the most popular choice, because the sound is already set up and guests get music the whole time they're mingling.
Why the window is longer than the music
Ceremonies rarely run exactly on time. As Jared says, the ceremony plus cocktail hour window is “technically up to two and a half, just because ceremonies can be a little unpredictable.” Building in room means a late start or a long receiving line doesn't cut your cocktail hour short.
A worked example: for a 4:30 ceremony, prelude starts at 4:00, so Jared arrives at 3:00 to set up and sound-check.
Adding the reception
At the reception the violin usually plays along with your DJ. Jared pops in for big moments, steps out, and comes back when the dance floor needs energy, taking breaks as needed. Toward the end of the night, Jared often suggests keeping the violin on longer. Some couples also have him play through dinner and the cake cutting.
Couples on a full day of music
★★★★★“He played the violin during our ceremony, reception, dinner, and cake cutting, and every moment was perfect.”
★★★★★“We couldn't have been happier, and are so glad we didn't go with a DJ instead.”
★★★★★“Our guests raved about the performance for the ceremony and cocktail hour! 10/10!!”
Timing questions
When does ceremony music start?
About 30 minutes before the time printed on your invitation, while guests arrive and find their seats.
How many songs is that?
Usually about 16 to 18 for the ceremony and about 20 for an hour of cocktail music.
Do you take breaks?
At the reception, Jared pops in and out of your DJ's set and takes breaks as needed.
Can you play during dinner?
Yes. Some couples keep the violin on through dinner, often a little more quietly, and through the cake cutting.