When planning your wedding, if you want to add a level of elegance and sophistication to your big day you should absolutely consider hiring string musicians! From solo violinists to string quartets, you have a plethora of options at your fingertips. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know when hiring string musicians for your wedding in London and further afield, including ensemble options, approximate pricing, and tips for choosing the perfect wedding string music.

Why Hire String Musicians for Your Wedding?

Musicians have the ability to enhance any wedding – the sounds of strings can really tug at a listener’s heartstrings! Whether you’re planning a grand ceremony in a historic London church, a villa on the French Riviera or an intimate gathering in a rustic venue, string ensembles create a romantic and refined vibe. You can choose the Classics, Bollywood, or Bridgerton favourites – our wedding string music can be tailored to suit any theme!

Choosing the Right Ensemble for Your Wedding

When you hire string musicians for your wedding you’ll first need to decide which ensemble best suits you. Here are the most popular options:

1. Solo Violinist or Cellist

A solo string musician – violinist or cellist – is perfect for smaller weddings, and for clients on a tighter budget. A soloist is ideal for ceremonies, offering bespoke music during your entrance, signing, and exit. The solo violinist or cellist can also set the mood before the ceremony, as guests take their seats.

2. String Duo

A string duo, typically consisting of a violin and cello, is a very popular choice, deservedly so! The duo provides a fuller sound than a soloist and covers both the melodic and bass line, with a lot of musical freedom and impact. A string duo is perfect for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours, and it’s a popular choice for couples looking to hire string musicians without breaking the bank.

3. String Trio

A string trio (violin, viola, and cello) offers a more layered sound that’s fantastic for larger venues. With a trio, the sound is richer than the previous two options, without the complexity of a quartet. Price-wise it’s a middle ground between duo and string quartet.

4. String Quartet

A string quartet (two violins, viola, and cello) is traditionally the most popular choice for couples seeking a luxurious atmosphere. Whether you hire the string quartet for the ceremony, reception, or both, you’ll love the harmonic richness and sonority the string quartet offers. Visually, a quartet makes quite a statement too! If you’re searching for the best string musicians in London to create a musical experience that resonates with your vision, get in touch with us and we’ll chat about what ensemble best suits you!

How Much Does it Cost to Hire String Musicians for Your Wedding in London?

The price of hiring string musicians for a wedding in London can vary based on ensemble size, performance duration, and location. Below is a rough estimate of costs for professional musicians. These costs are an average and don’t reflect our current pricing or that of other ensembles – you’ll have to get in touch for a quote.

• Soloist: £300 – £600 for 1-2 hours of performance
• String Duo: £400 – £650 for 1-2 hours of performance
• String Trio: £500 – £850 for 1-2 hours of performance
• String Quartet: £600 – £1,200 for 1-2 hours of performance

While these are general price ranges, please bear in mind that wedding string ensembles in London and surrounds can vary depending on level of expertise, demand, the time of year, and your venue’s location.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding String Music

You’re most welcome to choose the music for your wedding ceremony! If you’re a bit daunted by this, here at String Musicians London we can choose the music for you or offer suggestions. We know what couples and guests love to hear! We also offer a free request that isn’t on our repertoire list.

1. Classical Music

If you want traditional wedding music, classical pieces like “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”, or “The Wedding March” by Mendelssohn are popular and timeless choices. Check out my blog post on Classical faves here.

2. Modern Music for Weddings

Many couples now choose modern music played by string musicians, adding a contemporary twist to their ceremony or reception. Think: Bridgerton! Songs like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, “All of Me” by John Legend, or “Marry Me” by Train are great choices. We’ve got a tonne of pop arrangements at String Musicians London! Also check our my blog post on recommended pop music here.

3. Personalized Music

Work with us to personalize the setlist. We always ask couples to choose their favourite music, something that’s special or meaningful to them. This really does make your day extra special and all about you! We offer one song or piece that isn’t on our list for free, and we are always adding more music to our repertoire!

How to Book String Musicians London for Your Wedding

Now that you’ve decided on the type of ensemble and music, it’s time to book! Here’s how it works!

1. Send Us an Email, Message or Call Us

Let us know the details of your wedding (date, time, location). If you’re not 100% sure on these yet, it’s ok! We can adjust the detail up until 28 days before your wedding.

2. Check Availability

Reach out as early as possible to ensure availability. We take last minute bookings, too.

3. Discuss Your Wedding Music Details

Talk to us about what music you’d like to hear. If you need any equipment too, like microphones or a PA system we may be able to provide that for you too.

If your ceremony or reception is outdoors, all musicians require a gazebo or large umbrella to play under, to protect the instruments from damage.

4. We Will Send You a Contract

Finally, have a read through our contract. We’ll email you this along with a 25% deposit invoice that outlines all your booking details. For bookings made less than 28 days before the wedding, the full fee will be required up front. The contract will protect both you and us, ensuring there are no misunderstandings. The booking is confirmed once the deposit has been received via Bacs or card payment.

Conclusion: Make Your Wedding Unforgettable with String Musicians London

Hiring String Musicians London will make your special day even more magical. Whether you hire a solo violinist, string duo, trio, or string quartet, we will help to create the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony, reception, or both. By following this guide and planning ahead, you can ensure that the music for your wedding day is exactly how you envisioned it.

Are you ready to hire the best string musicians for your wedding? Let’s talk today!