When does the violinist arrive and set up?
Early enough that sound is checked and the violin is ready before your first guest sits down.
About an hour before he starts playing. Ceremony music starts about 30 minutes before the time on your invitation, so for a 4:30 wedding the prelude begins at 4:00 and Jared arrives at 3:00 to set up and sound-check.
A sample timeline for a 4:30 ceremony
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3:00 | Jared arrives, sets up his sound system and sound-checks |
| 4:00 | Prelude begins as guests arrive, about 10 songs |
| 4:30 | Processional, the time printed on your invitation |
| During the ceremony | The violin stays quiet while your officiant speaks |
| After “I do” | Recessional, then about 3 postlude songs as guests head out |
| Cocktail hour | About 20 songs an hour |
Ceremonies can be a little unpredictable, so a ceremony and cocktail hour booking plans for up to two and a half hours of music.
What Jared needs when he arrives:
- Access to the violin spot about an hour before music starts.
- Some kind of shade, if the spot is outdoors.
- A small place, like a closet, for his instrument cases.
- That's it. He brings his own sound and won't need help unloading or setting up.
Ceremony and cocktail hour in different spots
If both are at one venue, Jared sets up both locations before the ceremony. When the ceremony ends, he unplugs, moves his violin to the cocktail hour and plugs back in. If cocktail hour is at a different venue, he sets that space up first, then heads to the ceremony.
Does he need to come to the rehearsal?
No. In Jared's words, “I give myself enough time beforehand... I don't feel that's necessary.” Instead, your timeline is set ahead of time in your BookLive client portal, with automated reminders, and you walk through every cue together on a Zoom call. On the day, Jared keeps eye contact with your day-of coordinator for each cue.
What guests hear as they arrive
Jared playing “All of Me” by John Legend during a prelude at Dunafon Castle in Idledale.
Clients on timing
★★★★★“He came dressed for the part and his routine of setup/takedown is extremely organized and tasteful (he also arrived early which helped the entire experience go very smooth).”
★★★★★“He was prompt, ahead of schedule, partnered well, offered suggestions, and knocked it out of the park.”
★★★★★“Jared played all the songs we discussed, was on time, and extremely professional!”
Arrival questions
When does the music start?
About 30 minutes before the time printed on your invitation, while guests are arriving.
Do you need help unloading or setting up?
No. Extreme Strings is self-sufficient by design, so Jared won't need help from you or your venue.
What if our ceremony runs late?
That's planned for. A ceremony and cocktail hour booking covers up to two and a half hours because ceremonies can be a little unpredictable.
Do you come to the rehearsal?
It isn't necessary. Jared gives himself enough time on the day, and your cues are set ahead of time on a Zoom planning call.