String Quartets With a Twist.

Forget the Wedding March and Pachelbel’s Canon. If you're considering hiring a string quartet and want a modern but classy feel for your wedding, there's a cool new playlist you can pick from, inspired by a Regency-themed Netflix show.

String quartets have always brought a classy vibe to weddings, usually playing pieces by classical composers. But your guests will love the mix of different cultures in the music at your wedding if you choose the Bridgerton route.

This new classic pop style, featuring a unique combination of classical and contemporary music, gained popularity following the romantic drama's December 2020 premiere. You can now hear the Bridgerton effect at weddings, commitment ceremonies, and vow renewals everywhere (well, almost!).

Wearing black dresses, dinner jackets, and bow ties, many string quartets are now playing 21st-century hits by Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and others in a classical style.

Before the ceremony begins, many guests will see the performers in their elegant attire and think about the upcoming tunes. Some may be imagining strains of Mendelssohn and Wagner in their heads, and those who have heard Pachelbel's Canon in D countless times will prepare themselves for three minutes of the same eight-chord sequence repeated over and over again. Honestly, they're probably already having flashbacks to call centre hold music, supermarket background tunes, or being stuck in a lift!

But wait! You totally fooled them as your ceremony venue echoes with Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball, Swift’s Wildest Dreams, and Styles’ Sign of the Times. The guests were expecting to hear music that would evoke memories of tedious school music lessons. Instead, they get a striking contrast between their visual and auditory senses. It looks like a classical concert but sounds like their everyday playlist. Suddenly, the penny drops, and they realise that they are listening to a classic twist on their modern-day favourites.

The familiar yet soothing tones accompany the ceremony's entrances, exits, and, where relevant, the signing of the register, ensuring that the various sections flow seamlessly. The bowed and pizzicato soundscape of the violins, viola, and cello unifies the different elements of the proceedings into a cohesive whole. The outcome is a fusion rather than a clash of styles.

What your musicians have created is atmospheric. Some of your guests may have never experienced live music like this before, and they will relish the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exquisitely performed contemporary tunes. Think of it as your gift to them. Instrumental versions of modern songs can be incredibly relaxing, allowing your guests to enjoy those special wedding highlights as the beautiful music washes over them. On the other hand, the lyrics and storyline of the original vocal versions might have distracted your guests from the present moment.

It's worth noting that almost no contemporary pop star is immune to the Bridgerton quartet treatment, which often features artists such as Rihanna, Robyn, Pink, Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish.

Most string quartets engaged for your wedding will have a repertoire list, but don’t hesitate to request something more unusual. These talented, classically trained musicians will relish the opportunity to showcase their arranging skills and turn your musical dream into reality. It's a win-win, as they will benefit from adding a new piece to their repertoire. In a previous life, I was a wedding pianist and enjoyed playing a piano ballad arrangement of Oasis’ "Wonderwall" as one of my couples made their exit. I was happy to give them exactly what they wanted, remembering that I was there to serve them.

So, if your budget allows, consider hiring a string quartet to elevate the atmosphere of your ceremony. You’ll be bang on trend and provide your friends and family with unique musical memories and a splendid unifying sonic backdrop for your special day. Roll over, Beethoven and, erm, Bach and Brahms; it’s time for Beyoncé, Britney, and Bublé!