Frequently Asked Questions

 Music & Customization

  • We offer four different combinations of string instruments:
    Quartets – Two Violins, Viola & Cello; Violin, Violin, Cello, Piano; Violin, Violin, Cello, Harp
    String Trio –Two Violins & Cello or Violin, Viola & Cello; Violin, Violin, Piano; Violin, Cello, Piano; Violin Violin, Harp; Violin, Cello, Harp
    String Duo –Violin & Cello or Two Violins; Violin Piano, Cello & Piano; Violin & Harp
    Solo –Violin, Cello, Piano or Harp
    Additional Instruments – larger ensembles can be provided upon request.

  • Your choice depends on the size of your function, and your personal taste.  We recommend the smaller ensembles; solo instrument or duo for
    intimate affairs ranging from 30-40 people, and the larger ensembles for bigger spaces. The string quartet is known for its reach sound. It creates the affect of a small orchestra that so many people love. It provides the most versatility in terms of repertoire. This is our most requested ensemble. String trio has a lighter more transparent sound.

  • Using Carolina Royal Strings Wedding Music Ideas and our on-line music samples gives you easy access to music that is both beautiful and
    appropriate for your ceremony. You can fill out our Wedding Music Planner as you listen. If you can’t decide what is appropriate we will be glad
    to give you further suggestions. Music needs to be chosen about a month before your ceremony.

  • Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to select every piece, especially for the prelude and ceremony. To make the process simple, we provide a detailed Music Planner form that outlines the flow of the ceremony and the number of songs needed for each section.
    For cocktail hour and dinner, we offer curated setlists such as Bridgerton, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Coldplay, Disney Classics, Favorite Oldies, and Movie Themes—or we can tailor a playlist based on your preferred style or genre.

  • Typically, 3–6 pieces are ideal. Most couples choose music for the family processional, bridal party, and bride’s entrance, followed by an optional mid-ceremony selection, a recessional, and guest exit. Your Music Planner form will walk you through each section to ensure a smooth and well-paced flow.

  • If there’s a special piece not listed in our repertoire, we’re happy to obtain the score ($30 per song) or create a custom arrangement exclusively for your event.

  • We perform a wide range of styles—from timeless classical pieces to modern pop and the latest hits. Our repertoire includes everything from Bach and Pachelbel to Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Coldplay, and more, all arranged beautifully for strings.

  • Yes. Our musicians often perform with harp, piano, trumpet, or voice. We handle all coordination under one contract for a seamless experience and welcome collaborations arranged in advance.

 Performance & Day-Of Details

  • Musicians will arrive 30 minutes before contracted start time. The set up takes no more than 5 minutes if the required space, location and chairs are provided. This is the time during these 30 minutes when musicians discuss last minute details and cues with the event coordinator or with person in charge of your event.

  • We require a small area approximately 8 by 8 feet, away from guests, wedding party or wait staff, armless chairs for each musician and adequate light. We should be able to see as much of the processional route as possible during the ceremony.

  • All ceremony music is timed live to match the natural flow of your processional. Our musicians coordinate closely with your planner or day-of coordinator and take visual cues from them to ensure each entrance feels perfectly timed. We recommend allowing a few seconds after the music begins before walking to create a smooth, well-paced transition.

  • The dress is formal unless otherwise requested: men in tuxedos and women in long black.  For events that take place in the morning or early
    afternoon the men will wear dark suit and a tie. In extremely hot temperatures during outside weddings, men will wear black, buttoned short sleeve shirt with black pants and a tie. Women will be dressed in calf length black.

Booking & Policies

  • Professional Quality, Experience – Carolina Royal Strings is comprised of a team of highly skilled, classically trained professional musicians with a wealth of performance experience. Combined we have over 70 years of performing experience, over 300 weddings and other events performed as well as solo and chamber music recitals. We perform on the stages of large concert halls as symphony orchestra musicians including Charlotte Symphony, Charleston Symphony, and Colombia symphony. Our personal biographies can be provided upon request.

    Repertoire – Carolina Royal Strings has one of the largest sets of music from which to choose in the area. We have a wide variety of light classical selections, pop tunes, rock, contemporary, romantic, holiday, music from TV shows, musicals and movies. We are always adding new songs to our repertoire. If there is a piece of music that you wish to hear and it is not on our list, please ask, and we will make sure that we have it for your event.
    Organization – You will work exclusively with Oksana McCarthy to organize your event. In addition to our high level of
    musicianship, we emphasize exceptional communication, planning and preparation from the moment you book us through
    every moment of your event.
    Ensemble variety- We provide ensembles as small as a solo instrument and as large as a chamber orchestra. Our instruments include
    violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, harp, and trumpet.

  • Email or call Carolina Royal Strings as soon as you know the date and time of your event. Contact us to discuss the type of ensemble that suits your event the best. To reserve your date, a signed contract and a 50% deposit are required. The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the event.

    When you contact us about the booking please provide the date, time and location of your event

    Please note that booking will only be made once the signed contract and deposit is received within 10 days of the date of the contract.
    Call 561-909-9607 or email Oksana McCarthy at info@carolinaroyalstrings.com.

  • Final song selections and balance payment are due two weeks before your event. This ensures we have time to prepare music and coordinate all details with your planner and venue.

  • Carolina Royal Strings primarily serves the Charlotte region and North and South Carolinas. Travel fees may apply for venues outside our regular service area to cover mileage and time. We’ll provide an exact quote once your event details and location are confirmed.

  • We frequently perform for outdoor ceremonies and events; however, to protect our instruments and ensure performance quality, specific conditions must be met:

    Temperature: If the temperature is below 65°F, two large propane heaters in good working order must be provided. Performances cannot take place outdoors at 50°F or lower, even with heaters.

    Sun Protection: Full shade is required. Tree cover is acceptable only if it provides consistent protection and does not drop debris. Otherwise, additional tenting or canopy coverage must be arranged.

    Rain: In the event of rain or drizzle, a three-walled tent is required. Tree cover alone is not sufficient.

    If these conditions are not met, the performance will need to be moved indoors to protect the instruments and musicians.

  • Carolina Royal Strings carries full liability insurance, meeting the requirements of all major venues.

  • Carolina Royal Strings works with a number of member musicians. If the contracted musician is unable to attend, all efforts will be made to replace them with another Carolina Royal Strings professional.