So you’ve decided you want strings at your wedding. Maybe it was a song that moved you, a moment you saw at someone else’s ceremony, or just the idea of live music carrying through the air as you walk down the aisle.
A string quartet brings elegance, emotion, and warmth to any setting. But how do you actually go about booking one?
It’s simpler than you think - but there are a few things to know before you send that first inquiry.
Start With the Feel, Not Just the Budget
Before you start price-shopping, get clear on what role you want the music to play. Do you want soft background music during cocktail hour? Live performance for your processional and recessional? Music that carries through dinner?
Knowing when and where you want the quartet to play will shape your search. Some groups offer full-day packages, while others specialize in ceremony-only performances. The clearer you are on your vision, the easier it becomes to find a quartet that fits both your needs and your budget.
Look for Musicians, Not Just a Name
Some string quartets are formal ensembles with a set group of musicians. Others are part of larger collectives that pair you with available players from their roster. Both can produce beautiful music, but the experience may vary.
If having a specific look, vibe, or sound matters to you, ask who will actually be playing on your date. Listen to sample recordings. Watch performance videos. It’s not just about skill - it’s about style.
Do they play with warmth? With presence? With feeling?
You’ll know it when you see it.
Ask the Right Questions Upfront
Once you’ve found a group you like, don’t just ask about price and availability. Ask what’s included. Will they bring their own chairs or music stands? Do they need amplification for your outdoor ceremony? How many songs do they typically play? Do they offer custom arrangements?
Good musicians are happy to guide you through all of this. The best ones will help you figure out what you need before you even know to ask.
Talk About Repertoire Early
Most modern string quartets can blend classical music with modern covers, but not all styles are created equal. If there’s a specific song you’re dreaming of walking down the aisle to, ask if it’s already in their repertoire or if it would require a custom arrangement.
Some songs translate beautifully to strings. Others need a little creative reworking. The earlier you talk about song choices, the more time the musicians have to prepare - and the smoother the performance will be.
Timing Is Everything
You don’t need to book a string quartet as early as your venue or planner, but don’t wait too long either. Six to nine months out is a sweet spot for most weddings. Quartets that specialize in weddings often fill their weekends quickly, especially during peak months.
If your wedding falls on a holiday weekend, in a destination location, or during high season, consider booking even earlier.
Make It Personal
The beauty of live strings is how they elevate a moment. A familiar melody can make people cry before they even know why. A subtle shift in tempo can draw out your walk down the aisle or wrap up perfectly as you reach the altar.
So don’t be afraid to make it yours.
Choose songs that mean something to you. Share why you picked them. Give your quartet those details - they’ll feel it too. And that feeling? That’s what carries into the music.
Final Details Matter
Once you’ve chosen your group and confirmed the date, make sure to share the full timeline of your wedding day. Include your planner or coordinator in the communication so everyone knows when and where the musicians will set up.
And if your ceremony is outside, have a plan for shade, shelter, or alternate arrangements. Instruments are sensitive to weather, and even a little wind or humidity can make things tricky. Most quartets will offer guidance on this as part of the process.
Live Music Makes the Moment Real
A string quartet doesn’t just play songs. It creates an atmosphere. It fills the air with intention. It makes your wedding feel like it exists in its own little world, far from timelines and to-do lists.
And when the music starts, everything slows down. Just for a minute. Just long enough to let the moment really sink in.
So if that’s the kind of feeling you’re after? Book the quartet. It’s worth it.
