Why Live Strings Are Worth Every Penny

Keisher Downie
Nov 25, 2025
4 min read

Before we talk about saving money, let’s quickly address why live strings are worth adding to your event in the first place.

Instant Atmosphere: Whether you’re walking down the aisle or hosting a drinks reception, strings set a tone that’s both sophisticated and emotional.
Versatility: Our ensembles don’t just play classical – we cover R&B, Afro beats, soul, pop, and even reggae for couples and companies who want something different.
Visual Impact: A live string group doesn’t just sound amazing – they look incredible, creating a stunning focal point for your event.

The beauty of strings is that they work for almost any setting – a garden wedding, a corporate dinner, a luxury birthday party – and they create an experience that your guests will talk about for years.

Tip 1: Book a Smaller Ensemble – Trio or Duo Instead of Quartet

While a classic string quartet is the traditional choice, you can still achieve a gorgeous, full sound with a string trio or even a duo.

Trio – Often made up of two violins and a cello, or violin, viola, and cello. Rich sound, slightly more affordable than a quartet.
Duo – A violin and cello duo can be perfect for smaller, intimate events where you still want a touch of elegance.

You’re not losing the magic – you’re just adjusting the arrangement to suit your budget.

Tip 2: Book for a Shorter Time Slot

Not every event requires a three-hour booking. Consider:

Ceremony Only – Strings playing for guest arrival, your aisle walk, signing of the register, and exit song.
Drinks Reception Only – A beautiful soundtrack for mingling without committing to an all-day package.

By reducing the playing time, you keep costs lower while still getting that wow factor.

Tip 3: Combine Your String Ensemble with a Playlist

If you’d love live music for your ceremony or welcome drinks but can’t stretch to cover the full evening, you can blend live strings with a curated playlist for later in the day.

We’ve worked with couples who had us perform for the ceremony and first part of the reception, then switched to their DJ for the evening party. It keeps the atmosphere high while balancing the budget.

Tip 4: Choose Off-Peak Dates & Times

If your wedding or event isn’t tied to a Saturday in summer, you can take advantage of off-peak discounts. Many musicians offer lower rates for:

Weekday events
Winter weddings
Morning or afternoon ceremonies

By shifting your schedule slightly, you can enjoy the same world-class performance for less.

Tip 5: Opt for Unique Repertoire That Doubles as Entertainment

A huge part of the charm with She Music Global’s strings is our repertoire – we can perform everything from Luther Vandross’ “So Amazing” to a reggae-infused Bob Marley “One Love” and Afro beats favourites.

This means your guests get a two-in-one experience: the elegance of strings plus the joy of recognising beloved songs. You’re not just hiring background music – you’re hiring an act that’s a talking point in itself, making the investment feel even more worthwhile.

Tip 6: Share the Cost (for Corporate Events)

For corporate gatherings or networking events, consider splitting the cost between multiple departments or partnering brands.

For example:

A product launch where the marketing team and events team both contribute.
A joint networking event with another company where you share entertainment costs.

It’s a smart way to deliver high-end entertainment without stretching one budget line too far.

Tip 7: Go Local to Reduce Travel Fees

Live musicians may charge travel expenses if they’re coming from far away. Booking a high-quality ensemble that’s based near your venue can save you hundreds in travel and accommodation costs.

She Music Global works with incredible, diverse female musicians based in multiple UK locations – so we can often match you with a local team without compromising on talent.

Tip 8: Book Early to Lock in Rates

Like most wedding and event services, musician fees can increase over time due to demand and inflation. Booking your ensemble a year or more in advance often allows you to secure today’s rate for next year’s event.

Tip 9: Make It Multi-Purpose

If you’re booking for a wedding, why not have the strings:

Play for the ceremony
Stay for the drinks reception
Provide a backdrop during dinner

By combining multiple parts of the day into one package, you can get more value from your booking without paying for multiple acts.

Tip 10: Be Honest About Your Budget

This one might surprise you, but telling musicians your actual budget can help them tailor a package for you. At She Music Global, we’d rather work with you to create something achievable than have you rule out live music altogether.

We can suggest smaller ensembles, shorter sets, or creative ways to maximize your money – all without compromising on quality.

Why Our Strings Are Different

She Music Global’s string ensemble isn’t just about music – it’s about representation, inclusivity, and style. Our musicians are female and from ethnically diverse backgrounds, offering a fresh take in an industry that often feels traditional and same-same.

We don’t just blend in – we stand out. And your event deserves to stand out too.

A Few Song Suggestions We Love

These work beautifully for weddings, private parties, and corporate events – and they’re a great example of how strings can cross genres:

“So Amazing” – Luther Vandross (romantic, soulful, and timeless)
“One Love” – Bob Marley (joyful reggae vibes, surprisingly gorgeous on strings)
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran (modern romantic favourite)
“Halo” – Beyoncé (powerful yet delicate)
“A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri (a wedding aisle classic)

Final Thoughts – Luxury Without the Price Tag

Live strings have the power to transform an event – to make it feel grand, emotional, and unforgettable. But that doesn’t mean they’re only for people with sky-high budgets. With the right planning, flexibility, and creative thinking, you can enjoy the sophistication of live strings without breaking the bank.

At She Music Global, we believe everyone should be able to experience the magic of live music. If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration, let’s talk about how we can make it happen for you – beautifully, affordably, and memorably.

📧 Contact us at info@shemusicglobal.com to find out more about our packages. #LiveStrings #WeddingMusicIdeas #EventEntertainment#LuxuryEventPlanning #StringQuartet