When to Book a Duo, Trio, or String Quartet
Couples always want to know, “Should we book a Duo, Trio, or String Quartet??”
It’s time to ask the experts and you’ve come to the right place!
When considering which ensemble is best for your wedding, a trio or quartet provides the richest, most dynamic sound, perfect for creating a cinematic and emotional experience.
With more players, you'll hear harmonies, countermelodies, and fuller textures — just like in the original versions of your favorite songs! A duo is ideal for more intimate settings or smaller venues, but larger ensembles will bring your music to life in a bigger way.
Now, let’s take a look at the more intricate differences between each ensemble… and listen to examples!
String Duo
A duo can consist of any two string instruments. We suggest Violin and Cello or Violin and Viola! Duos are *perfect* for the wedding catering to a smaller guest count, which is about anywhere from 50 people or less.
There’s no need to amplify string instruments in a smaller wedding because string players DEFINITELY know how to project. Trust us, we can drown out an entire choir if need be!
Swifties, check our our String Duo version of “Wildest Dreams” here!
String Trio
Want the full sound of a String Quartet, but you want to avoid the stress of going over budget? A String Trio is your answer!
You’ll get the richness of the high (violin), middle (viola), and low end (cello) for a well rounded sound to cater to the ambiance you desire. Trios are our most popular selection for wedding ensembles and are a fabulous addition to weddings with around 100-150 guests.
And by the way, don’t be afraid of finding music for String Trios. All of our repertoire can be performed for all of our performing
Take a listen to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars performed by a Southern Strings Trio!
String Quartet
Ah, the classic String Quartet. Many brides dream of having a Quartet serenade their guests + bring the right mood to their wedding. We totally get it — we love String Quartets, too!
Traditional brides often ask specifically for String Quartets, but there are so many modern pieces transcribed for this ensemble that, really, ANY kind of wedding is appropriate. We especially recommend Quartets to cater to a guest count of 150+ friends and family.
This ensemble is also beneficial for weddings being held at large venues, especially when your ceremony or cocktail hour will be outdoors. Getting the rich, full sound of a String Quartet will cost more, but we fully believe the increase in price is worth it for the right wedding!
Click here to listen to a Southern Strings Quartet perform “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and listen to the beautiful harmonies all 4 players provide!
TLDR
To recap, we recommend a String Duo for 25-50 guests, and a String Trio for a headcount of 50-100. For weddings with over 100 in attendance, a String Quartet is the best option, as it is the only ensemble that can be heard over the guests, especially during a Cocktail Hour.
It’s also important to consider that if the Ceremony is outdoors, there is more of a chance of the wind carrying the music or the open space not causing the sound to resonate, so a Trio or Quartet would be a better option for you. Acoustics are an important aspect of music making and your enjoyment, so be sure to consider this in your ensemble selection process!
Want to hear
examples of Duos,
Trios,
or Quartets?
Our Youtube Channel features videos of all 3 ensembles to help you decide on the perfect group for your wedding!
There are SO many things to think about when planning a wedding, let us help take the music off your plate! Southern Strings can help you decide on your dream ensemble + curate a list of music specifically for your big day. There’s nothing we love more than helping couples dreams come true. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions. Happy wedding planning! 💖
