Updated: Jan 11
Editor's Note: Updated January 11, 2026
One of the biggest questions engaged couples ask when planning their wedding music is, "Which group should I choose: the string quartet or string trio?"
Hi, I’m Ariana.I’m a professional violinist and the founder of Ariana Strings, a boutique wedding music company trusted by couples who care deeply about sound, style, and experience. I’ve performed at more than 800 weddings and private events, and our work has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, Destination I Do, Love Inc., Bespoke Bride, and beyond.
Now, back to your question:
The honest answer? Both ensembles are elegant, expressive, and wildly romantic. But since you only get to choose one, this guide is here to help you decide with confidence.
Consider this your insider’s look: real performances, professional perspective, and exactly how each ensemble shapes the atmosphere of your day. True expert guidance to help you find your perfect sound.
First, let's take a closer look at each group:
String Quartet
What is it?
A 4-piece ensemble (a.k.a. group), comprised of 2 violins, 1 viola, & 1 cello
What's it like? The fullest sound of all, the quartet is our most popular and versatile group as it has the ability to play pretty much anything under the sun. This group plays 4 even parts (melody, harmony, rhythm and beat), so this is, traditionally, the most balanced sound of the acoustic ensembles. (Balanced = Your ears understand it quickly, which our brains like!)
What does that mean?
The first violin plays the melody - that's the thing you hum that makes you instantly recognize a song. For pop songs, that's the lyrics. The cello sets the foundation with rhythm and bass with a low, warm sound. For pop songs, that's often a catchy hook or the "groove". In between those two voices (high and low, respectively), we have two instruments: the second violin and viola. This is where the magic happens. These two parts add harmony, texture, and give you that lush string orchestra sound. The viola is the one that looks like a large violin, but it can hit low notes lie the cello. It adds a rich, deep sound that fills in the middle for a totally balanced sound.
Most music, involves 8-80 instruments to perform/record, but it can usually be reduced down to those 4 recognizable parts (melody, harmony, rhythm, and bass). Since the string quartet has the ability to play these 4 parts that our ears and brains love so much, it's the natural choice to cover pop songs and classical music alike.
When the quartet plays, the 4 performers create a really beautiful sound that's warm and emotional.
Depending on the song they're playing, it can sound gentle and soft, or it can get really intense and exciting. It's like listening to a really animated conversation between the instruments, where they take turns talking and supporting each other (with interruptions, just like my family!). Overall, it's just a really beautiful and versatile sound that people can enjoy whether they're into classical music or not.
Is a String Quartet Loud Enough?
The short answer? It depends on the musicians, the venue, and the sound design.
With Ariana Strings, volume is never accidental. Our ensembles are trained to project naturally and to play with nuance, allowing us to shape the sound to fit the space. Whether you’re hosting an intimate indoor ceremony or an expansive outdoor celebration, we focus on balance, clarity, and warmth.
What truly sets the experience apart is professional sound design. Amplification and sound design are not one and the same - and that distinction matters. Properly amplifying strings requires specialized equipment and an expert production team who understands how these unique instruments behave in different environments. It’s not just plug and play. It’s crafting a soundscape.
Our dedicated sound engineers work alongside our musicians to ensure every note is present, polished, and perfectly blended. This is how we maintain a concert-level experience while preserving the elegance of live strings.
In short: your music will be heard beautifully, intentionally, and exactly as it should be.
What can the quartet play?
With Ariana Strings, the quartet easily plays many music genres in a clear way that is a true cover to the original song and artist, including:
Top 100/Bridgerton Style
Classic Rock
Romantic wedding pop
Soul/Funk
R&B
Disco
Motown
Pop/punk rock
Soft rock/Folk pop
Disney/ TV / Movies
Broadway
Classical (Waltzes, Tangos, Polkas, Symphony, Opera, Baroque, Romantic, Royal Wedding, Ballet)
Christmas/Holiday
Number of Songs in Library: 550+
String Trio
What is it?
A 3-piece ensemble comprised of either:
2 violins + cello
Violin, viola + cello
Flute, violin, + cello
What's it like?
This popular ensemble has a lighter sound compared to the quartet, but our custom song arrangements make our trio's sound incredibly full. The first violinist (or, sometimes, flute) carries the melody and the cello lays down that low rhythm and bass foundation. In between is either violin 2 or the viola, who pull double-duty (compared to the quartet), alternating between supporting the first player's melody with harmony or joining the cello to provide richness in those bottom notes.
What does that mean?
Compared to the quartet, it's a simpler sound. Most music (be it classical or pop), involves 8-80 instruments to perform/record, but it can usually be reduced down to those 4 recognizable parts (melody, harmony, rhythm, and bass). Since the string trio only has the ability to play 3 of those parts, your ear has to do a little more filling in with the imagination, comparatively.
Depending on the song the trio is playing, it can still sound like a really animated conversation between the instruments, where they take turns talking and supporting each other, but there'll be fewer interruptions. (Perhaps, it's a more harmonious family!)
Will a trio feel "less than" a quartet?
At the end of the day, artistry outweighs numbers.
A professionally curated trio delivers a more intentional, polished experience than a larger ensemble assembled without the same level of expertise.
Is it loud enough?
That depends on the musicians, the venue, and the sound design.
With Ariana Strings, the trio has a beautifully present sound. A trio is especially well-suited for smaller guest counts, cocktail hours, and settings where you want the music to enhance conversation rather than compete with it.
And of course, if your space or vision calls for more coverage, our professional sound design team can tailor the setup to ensure the sound is perfect.
What can the trio play?
With Ariana Strings, the trio easily plays the below music genres in a clear way that is a true cover to the original song and artist.
Top 100/Bridgerton Style
Classic Rock
Romantic wedding pop
Soul/Funk
R&B
Motown
Soft rock/Folk pop
Disney / TV / Movies
Broadway
Jazz/Standards
Classical/Traditional Wedding (Waltzes, Baroque, Romantic, Royal Wedding) Number of Songs in Library: 400+
Here are the top 3 questions I ask to help guide my couples to answer, "Which group should I choose: the string quartet or trio?"
Question #1: Are you having us play for your ceremony only or your wedding ceremony and cocktail hour?
Wedding Ceremony Only
If wedding ceremony only, you can most likely choose either size ensemble without worry. Your guests will have no trouble hearing us outdoors as our instruments carry beautifully.
However, if you're getting married in a public noisy park, near a road, or indoors (with high guest count), the quartet will be more appreciated.
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
If you're having more than 100 guests, we usually recommend the quartet. Cocktail hour is when the party begins and you want to be sure our music is heard well and mixing with the many celebrating voices.
We can always add on our concert sound design to either ensemble.
Question #2: What kind of music do you like?
Both of our groups have an incredible library filled with classical music, Top 100, Disney, classic rock, you name it! There is a bit of crossover, but both are actually very different. Ultimately, the string quartet is more popular because it can make more authentic pop music covers and has a larger library. Plus, when you book the quartet, we can easily play any song from the trio library, so there's that added flexibility.
If you love classical, you can't go wrong with the trio or the quartet. If you love modern pop (a la Bridgerton), you'll have more options with the quartet, but the trio still is fun!
Question #3: What's your budget?
Simply put, a string quartet is only more expensive than a trio because it's one more musician performing with the ensemble.
Compare the sound of the string quartet and trio:
Below are videos of our top requested songs. Which ensemble do you connect with?
String Quartet: Can't Help Falling in Love
String Trio: At Last
String Quartet + Piano: Pachelbel's Canon in D
String Trio with Flute: Pachelbel's Canon in D
String Quartet: Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift
Which group will you choose? We are booking for 2026-27 now, so click here to inquire about having Ariana Strings perform for your wedding day.
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