String Quartet Ideas for Weddings, Dinners and Corporate Events

How can a quartet make your ceremony special?

A string quartet is a classic ceremony choice. Pick a walk-in piece that means something to you, whether classical, a film theme or a string version of a pop song.

Guests often love hearing a modern song on strings as you exit, which lifts the mood straight into the celebrations.

For a winter wedding, film themes and seasonal classics on strings create a warm, cosy feel as guests arrive out of the cold.

For a civil ceremony, check the registrar's rules on religious music during the legal part. A quartet will have plenty of non-religious pieces that suit the moment just as well.

• Classical piece for guest arrivals
• Pop song on strings for the entrance
• Upbeat exit piece

• String quartets

What works for drinks and dinner?

During drinks, a mix of pop covers and light classical keeps guests relaxed and talking. During dinner, the quartet can play slightly softer pieces so conversation flows.

Ask the quartet to include a few surprise covers of songs your friends will recognise.

At a dinner, the quartet can also play a special piece as the cake is brought out, or as the couple move between tables.

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How do you use a quartet at a corporate event?

Quartets are ideal for gala dinners, awards evenings, product launches and client receptions. They create a polished first impression during arrivals and a calm backdrop during networking.

For an awards night opener, a quartet playing a well-known anthem or film theme sets the tone before the host takes the stage.

At client receptions, a quartet playing modern arrangements of well-known songs gives guests an easy talking point and makes the brand feel considered.

At an awards night, the quartet can also play short stings as each category is announced, which adds a sense of ceremony to the evening.

• Arrivals and drinks at a gala dinner
• Awards night opener
• Background music at a client reception

• Corporate entertainment

Which acts pair well with a string quartet?

A quartet is at its best for the daytime and dinner. For a full day, pair it with other acts.

If you want the evening to feel continuous, ask the quartet to play one last piece that the DJ then picks up as the first track of the party.

In our experience, a quartet during the day and a DJ with a live sax player at night is one of the easiest ways to give a wedding two distinct moods without overcomplicating the plan.

• A DJ for the evening party
• A jazz band or sax player for a relaxed late evening
• A harpist for a very intimate ceremony
• A magician or caricature artist during drinks

• Jazz band
• Magicians
• Caricature artists

Can a quartet play at a South Asian wedding?

Yes. Many quartets play classical and pop pieces that work beautifully at a nikkah, walima or reception drinks. If you want Bollywood songs on strings, book a Bollywood string quartet, which specialises in those arrangements.

For mixed-culture weddings, a quartet can blend Western and Bollywood pieces across the day.

• Bollywood string quartet

How do you plan timings with a quartet?

Keep sets close together and share your running order early. Confirm cues for the entrance and exit with the quartet and your registrar or celebrant.

We coordinate the quartet with your other suppliers, so you have one point of contact on the day.

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