The Booking Process

Book EARLY!

Ok, now that we've said that, here's how it works:

1. Save the date by signing our contract and paying a deposit. We can do this step in person or via phone/email/mail. You will need to decide on a few things:
- Which ensemble you want. Click here for options.
- What time we should start and end.
Once you know the above two things, we will mail you two copies of our contract. Keep one for your records, and sign and mail the other back to us with your check or money order for the deposit.

2. Pick your ceremony music. Whenever you're ready (usually after you've met with the officiant and planned out the ceremony itself), we can get together in person or via phone/email to finalize your selections for ceremony music. You can simply choose from our repertoire lists or we're happy to advise; let us know in advance if you might want something that's not part of our normal repertoire and we'll make it happen.

3. Send us the remaining balance 1 - 2 weeks before the wedding. At the same time, we should finalize all the details and communicate any changes.

4. Relax and enjoy your wedding! If that's not a good idea, we don't know what is.

Download our handy music planning worksheet here! (pdf)

Here's a copy of our contract, if you'd like to glance over it: Collage Music Engagement Contract

Want to see where we've played? Here's a current list (as of September 2009).

Now for a few nuts and bolts...

Cancellation Policy: In the unfortunate event that a booking must be cancelled by you, we will refund any payments including the deposit amount up to 60 days prior to the date of the engagement. After that point, the deposit amount is not refundable. If a contracted musician is ill or otherwise cannot play, we will employ a highly competent substitute from our preferred roster.

Method of Payment: we accept checks and cash; in very special circumstances where a check or cash is not possible, we can accept credit card payments through PayPal.

Our Basic Requirements

1. We require one armless chair per musician.

2. We require one 10-minute break per hour of service (when we are playing for a ceremony and cocktail hour, this means we'll take a short break after the recessionals and an appropriate amount of post-lude music, and then we'll start our cocktail hour set).

3. We need adequate shelter. We cannot play in direct sun nor rain. Most of us play extremely old and/or valuable instruments ranging in value from $5,000 to $50,000 or even more, and the elements can damage them irreversibly in a matter of minutes. Most wedding venues and event rental services can provide a canopy or umbrella. Dense tree shade is usually sufficient.

4. We require final payment no later than the date of performance. We will mail you an invoice and a return envelope about two weeks before your event date. If you do have to wait until the day-of, we humbly implore you to provide payment BEFORE we start playing. Dealing with money in the midst of your celebrations is not fun for you nor for us!

5. Access to a working electrical outlet within 25 feet is critical if we are providing amplification for ourselves, unless we are providing a battery-powered amp; read more at the following link:

Click here for important information about amplification

Contact Susan at 503.317.5825 for information, booking, and questions.