Everything You Need to Know About Finding—and Hiring—a String Quartet for Your Wedding Day
When one thinks of wedding musicians, it's live bands and DJs that most often come to mind. However, these vendors aren't the only options—especially for ceremony music. Enter a string quartet for your wedding, which is an incredibly popular pick. The small ensemble often consists of four musicians (hence the word "quartet")—two violinists, one viola player and one cello player.
What's more, explains Tara Bhrushundi, owner of Sweet Harmony Music based in Highland Park, New Jersey, "There is something magical about what a string quartet can do with your favorite song. When it's a group of live musical artists playing for you in the moment, you'll feel the power of the moment in a way that is real and lasting. Your guests will also feel more connected to your wedding as they are watching and listening to the quartet play."
If you're considering hiring a string quartet for your wedding ceremony, there are a few things to keep in mind before you sign the dotted line on that wedding musician contract. From finding ceremony musicians to knowing what questions to ask, we've broken down everything to know about hiring a string quartet for your big day.
In this article: Is a String Quartet a Good Idea for a Wedding? | Cost | Timing | What to Look For | How to Find | Who to Hire
Is a String Quartet a Good Idea for a Wedding?
String quartets are an excellent addition to your special day. "I recommend having a string quartet (or some form of live music) for the wedding because it is truly an incredible way to personalize your wedding," says Jared Judge, violinist and music director at Dream City Strings and Extreme Strings based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "A live string quartet has the ability to create lasting, personalized memories in a way that pre-recorded music simply cannot."
How Much for a String Quartet at a Wedding?
According to Judge, the average wedding cost of a string quartet can vary greatly based on a variety of factors, including your city's cost of living, the musicians' experience and duration they're performing and the travel distance from their home location. With that in mind, "The average string quartet will start at around $1,000, with more experienced and qualified quartets charging more than that." However, if you have a tight wedding budget—or are simply hosting a smaller soiree—Bhrushundi recommends considering a trio, duo or soloist.
You may also consider budgeting extra money for gratuities. Moreover, while tipping vendors is not required, it's always appreciated. Bhrushundi says, "Most of our customers tip us, although we don't consider it an obligation on their part." She notes that tips typically range anywhere from 10 to 20%.
How Long Does a String Quartet Play at a Wedding?
Most folks book a string quartet for their ceremony and cocktail hours, says Judge. He's also quick to note that, when you hire a string quartet for your ceremony, they'll typically begin performing around a half hour before the wedding actually begins. "This welcomes guests and provides an entertaining, relaxing atmosphere that focuses their attention," he explains.
However, you can, of course, hire a string quartet for your wedding to play throughout your big day. "We've played all parts of a wedding, including rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions and after-wedding breakfasts and brunches," Bhrushundi says.
What to Look for in a String Quartet
When selecting a string quartet for a wedding, there are a few key factors to keep in mind, starting with the outdoor factors and potential weather on your wedding day. Per Bhrushundi, this is because "String instruments are sensitive to sunlight, temperature and water. The quartet will need a shaded area and possibly more protections from weather," which can include canopy tents or heaters. On a similar note, you'll want to make sure the string quartet has general liability insurance. Per Judge, "This protects them and you from any liability caused by unforeseen circumstances at your wedding."
Additionally, "You'll also want to make sure the string quartet has a backup plan in case any of the members get sick or are otherwise unable to make it to your wedding," Judge says. "Highly experienced string quartets will have an extensive substitute list of qualified performers to ensure your wedding will live up to the quality you expect from their videos." Speaking of videos, you should certainly watch some before moving forward in the hiring process. "Quality is subjective, which is why watching videos or seeing the quartet live before booking is such an important part of making a hiring decision," Judge says.
Both Judge and Bhrushundi also recommend perusing the string quartet's song list to ensure they can play your desired style of music. "Almost every string quartet has a background in classical music, and as a result, pop, rock and jazz are not second nature to them," Judge says. Similarly, Bhrushundi explains, "String quartets need sheet music to be arranged specifically for that combination of instruments. If the group doesn't already have an arrangement, they can often purchase one for you, or in some cases, they may need to write their own."
Of course, you should also do some digging to ensure the quartet has solid ratings and reviews. (This is where The Knot Vendor Marketplace can come into play, but more on that in a bit). "I think couples need their music companies to be understanding and responsive with a smooth process and finally a beautiful, correct, heartfelt performance on the day," Bhrushundi says.
Last but not least, Judge says, "A final consideration is whether or not the string quartet needs to be amplified." In general, he adds, "String quartets do not need to be amplified if the guest count is 250 or fewer." That said, amplification will always help. Your wedding band or DJ may be able to provide a microphone for the string quartet, which will make them sound even better and provide a great way for your videographer to capture their live performance for your wedding. Otherwise, you may consider asking the quartet if they can provide amplification, with the understanding that you might pay an additional fee for the sound equipment and sound engineer.
How to Find a String Quartet Near You
Want to move forward with hiring a string quartet? You're in luck: The Knot Vendor Marketplace makes it easy to search for—and ultimately book—string quartets for your wedding near you. Simply enter your desired location to view the complete list of vendors before narrowing down your options and filtering by different instruments, music genres, wedding events and price.
String Quartets to Know
Ahed, we've rounded up just a few of our favorite string quartets for weddings nationwide. Keep reading to find out which musicians made the list—and click the links below to learn more about them.
Philadelphia String Quartet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Founded in 2009, the Philadelphia String Quartet (or PSQ for short) has racked up several of The Knot Best of Weddings awards. The company boasts a team of around 30 highly skilled musicians and can play all sorts of genres, including but not limited to classical, pop and rock. PSQ performs at ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions alike.
Milwaukee String Quartet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee String Quartet has been delighting couples and their guests alike for over 20 years. The Best of Weddings award-winning team of talented musicians—who play the cello, violin and viola—can also be hired as a trio or duo; soloists are available as well. The quartet plays classical and contemporary music, including pop and rock hits.
Santa Barbara String Quartet in Santa Barbara, California
The Santa Barbara String Quartet (also known as SBSQ) consists of two violinists, a viola player and a cello player. The ensemble has over 30 years of experience performing at weddings and other events throughout the Santa Barbara area. In addition to traditional and classical music, the group plays contemporary covers. The string quartet for weddings is also open to learning new songs to suit each couple's style and preferences.
World on a String Quartet in Edmond, Oklahoma
World On A String Quartet offers solo violin services as well as string duos, trios and quartet services. Violin/guitar duets and violin/piano duets can also be arranged. It's also worth noting that the company plays all sorts of genres, including classical, pop, rock, jazz and western. World on a String Quartet also prides itself on offering a vast music library complete with top hits. The team works with each couple to create a customized playlist, too.
Star String Quartet in Macomb, Michigan
Star String Quartet was founded by professional violinist Hektor Qyteti in 2000. Today, Qyteti still helms the quartet, which consists of two violins, one viola and one cello. He's also available to meet with couples—and perform a selection of pieces—to help them decide what type of music and genres they're looking to play on their big day. Not only can the group be booked as a duet or trio. Other instruments—more specifically, harps, piano, organ and trumpet—can be incorporated into the versatile ensemble. The performers have experience playing various genres, from classics to more contemporary tunes from artists like Lady Gaga and Coldplay.