Frequently Asked Questions

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Beau Son Strings & Ensembles is a woman-owned small business based in St. Louis, Missouri, run entirely by musicians—from our founder and administrative team to the performers who bring your event to life.

With decades of musical training and performance experience, we pair exceptional musicianship with thoughtful planning and personal attention. From your first inquiry to the final note, we’re dedicated to making your experience seamless and your music unforgettable.

We believe live music creates connection, sets the atmosphere, and turns meaningful moments into lasting memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or a grand celebration, we tailor the music to reflect your style, your vision, and the people you’re bringing together.

For your convenience, we offer a variety of secure payment options, including credit card, PayPal, and ACH transfers.

Typically clients books us 6 months to a year in advance. 

To make planning simple, your total investment will be divided into four equal payments:

• 25% Reservation Deposit
  • Due upon booking to reserve your date and musicians.
• 25% Second Payment
  • Due 90 days before your event.
    
• 25% Third Payment
  • Due 60 days before your event.
    
• 25% Final Payment
  • Due 30 days before your event.

Your personalized invoice will include each payment and its scheduled due date for easy reference. Auto-Pay is available for added convenience, and friendly payment reminders will be sent by email.

If your event has a shorter timeline, a different payment setup will be made - typically a 25% Deposit and Final Payment Due 14 Days prior to your event.

• Travel time will be based on location from West County Center (270 & Manchester) to venue.

• If a venue is 30-75 minutes away (approx. 25-65 miles), there is a travel fee of $50 per musician.
  
• If your event or venue is more than 75 minutes away (approx. 65 miles or more), travel fees will be calculated using mileage, travel time, lodging fees, and a per diem fee.

Example:

• Mileage Reimbursement: $0.70 per mile, round trip
  • e.g. $280 for a 400-mile round trip to Springfield, MO
• Travel Time Compensation: $50 per hour for driving time
  • There is a travel time compensation due to the inability to perform at other events during this time.
  • e.g. $300 for a 6-hour round trip
• Lodging Fees
  • For events more than 100 miles from our predetermined location listed above, an overnight stay may be required. Lodging costs are typically $100-$150 per night.
• Possible Per Diem
  • A per diem of $50-$75 may be added for meals & incidental expenses.

Example for travel to Springfield, MO from West County Center 

(200 Miles Away)

• Mileage: $280 
• Travel Time: $300
• Lodging: $125
• Per Diem (if applicable): $50
  Total Additional Fees: $755 (per musician)

We value transparency and will confirm all travel-related fees before finalizing your booking. Feel free to reach out with questions or for a personalized quote.

Absolutely! We’ll guide you through choosing your ensemble, selecting songs, and planning the musical moments that bring your celebration to life.

Every package includes one 40-minute virtual consultation via Google Meet or FaceTime to explore your vision, answer questions, and coordinate the details so you feel confident in your music plans.

You’re also welcome to email or text questions throughout the planning process. We’re here to make the experience personal, enjoyable, and seamless!

When selecting professional musicians, consider the style of music you prefer, the size of the ensemble you desire, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. 

Yes! At Beau Son Strings & Ensembles we can play anything from Bach to Taylor Swift! Our musicians have decades of musical training and are able to play music from almost every genre, style, and artist.

It's advisable to book professional musicians as early as possible to secure their availability. Popular dates and seasons tend to fill up quickly, so it's recommended to reach out and make arrangements several months in advance, especially for weddings and major events.

Performance length depends on your event and the coverage you select. Our wedding ceremony packages include up to 90 minutes of coverage for prelude music, your processional, ceremony, recessional, and postlude.

For cocktail hours, receptions, and other events, musicians typically perform in sets of 45–60 minutes, with short breaks during longer bookings. We’ll work with you to plan coverage that complements your timeline and keeps the music flowing throughout your celebration.

Absolutely! Professional musicians are often experienced in performing a wide repertoire of songs. They can learn and perform specific songs that hold significance to you, such as your favorite love ballad for a wedding ceremony or a special song for a milestone celebration.

At Beau Son Strings, we love working with clients and customizing music for each event!