Mistakes I Made When Starting My Wedding String Quartet Business (And What I Do Differently Now)

A vibrant fusion of music and nature, as pink blossoms delicately rest on a violin being played amidst a backdrop of blooming flowers.

Running a wedding music business in Colorado (and beyond) is incredibly meaningful work—but it hasn’t always been perfect. When I started Lavandula Strings, I had the best intentions and the highest standards, but I still made mistakes. And honestly? I’m grateful for them and understand now that it's all just part of the process. Every challenge helped shape how we operate today: with more care, clarity, and connection.

Lavandula Strings now performs for weddings across Colorado, New York City, and Monterey County, offering elegant, heartfelt live string music for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way—so you can feel confident knowing you're working with a team that's done the work to grow.

1. Saying Yes to Everything

Red push pins mark event dates in September, our busiest month for weddings.

What happened: In the beginning, I said yes to every opportunity—every wedding, every inquiry, every last-minute gig. It quickly became overwhelming, and I realized that being everywhere all the time didn’t allow me to show up fully anywhere.

What I do now: We only take on a limited number of weddings per season, so we can give each one the attention it deserves. That means more energy, more presence, and more magic—every single time.

2. Not Setting Clear Client Expectations

What happened: For some reason I assumed couples booking live wedding music knew how the process worked—but they were often confused about timelines, what was needed from them, or what to expect on the day.

What I do now: We developed a detailed (but easy-to-follow!) Ceremony Music Guide and have up to 3 scheduled meetings with our clients before every wedding.

We also check in with your planner, coordinator, and other vendors to make sure all details are set for the day of. Everything is outlined upfront so you always know what’s coming next!

3. Underestimating How Personal This Work Feels

Newlyweds share a joyful dance surrounded by confetti and love during their wedding celebration to a live string quartet performance.

What happened: In the beginning, I approached each event from the perspective of a freelance musician—focused on the hustle, moving from one gig to the next. It wasn’t until I built stronger systems, adapted a business woman's perspective, and began connecting more intentionally with our clients that I truly realized the emotional weight of our role—especially when someone teared up during their processional or thanked us for honoring a loved one through music.

What I do now: We approach every wedding as a deeply personal collaboration. We talk through your story, your style, and your hopes for the day—then build a soundtrack that feels like you.

4. Not Having Audio & Video Samples

A string quartet dressed in elegant pink dresses performs beautifully outdoors.

What happened: At first, I didn’t prioritize recording our performances. Couples would ask for music samples and I’d scramble to find something.

What I do now: We now have an expanding library of Audio and Video Samples that reflect the quality, range, and heart behind what we do. You can hear us before you book—and get inspired by what’s possible.

5. Overlooking Weather Contingency Planning

A newlywed couple shares a joyful moment under an umbrella on a serene, lamp-lit pier, embracing the calm of an overcast day.

What happened: We’ve played in blazing sun, freezing wind, and everything in between—not great for musicians or instruments. It took a few uncomfortable moments to realize we needed clearer boundaries.

What I do now: We ask that outdoor temperatures stay between 60–90°F and work with your planner to make sure shade, fans, or heaters are in place. Comfort = better music for everyone.

6. Trying to Do Everything Myself

Three colleagues share a moment of collaboration and laughter while working on a client's wedding setlist

What happened: In the early stages, I wore every hat—musician, manager, marketer, planner. I thought I had to handle every detail on my own to ensure quality, but it left me burnt out and unfocused.

What I do now: I’ve built a team I trust deeply—musicians who are not only exceptional players but kind, reliable professionals. With more hands on deck, we’re able to give you the calm, seamless, and elevated experience you deserve.

Final Thoughts

Lavandula Strings has grown a lot since those early days—and every lesson has helped us serve our couples better. Today, we’re proud to offer a music experience that feels polished, heartfelt, and completely tailored to you.

If you’re planning your wedding and want a string quartet or wedding ceremony musicians who bring presence, poise, and artistry to your day, we’d love to chat. Inquire Here, Explore Our Music Page, or check our Inspiration Page.