Wedding Ceremony Music Trends for String Quartets in 2025
- queencityquartet
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
by Queen City Quartet, Cincinnati’s Premier Wedding Ensemble
At Queen City Quartet, we’ve been honored to provide the soundtrack to countless weddings across Cincinnati and the surrounding region. As a string quartet specializing in ceremony and cocktail hour music, we’re always tuned in (literally and figuratively) to the evolving trends couples are embracing. Whether you're planning a timeless celebration or something more modern, the music you choose sets the emotional tone for your day. And in 2025, we're seeing some exciting shifts in how couples are using string quartet music to make their ceremonies unique.
Here are the top wedding ceremony music trends we’re seeing this year:
1. Pop Songs with a Classical Twist
Modern couples love the elegance of a string quartet—but they also want to infuse their ceremony with personality. That’s why we’re seeing more requests for contemporary pop songs arranged for strings. Imagine walking down the aisle to Taylor Swift’s “Lover”, Coldplay’s “Yellow”, or even Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”, reimagined with rich harmonies and warm string tones. These choices blend sentimentality with sophistication, offering a beautiful twist on tradition.
2. Cinematic Soundtracks Are Stealing the Show
Movie and TV themes have taken center stage in 2025. Couples are leaning into their favorite fandoms, choosing instrumental arrangements from films like Titanic, Bridgerton, The Lord of the Rings, and La La Land. These selections feel romantic, familiar, and deeply personal—plus they sound absolutely magical when performed live by a quartet like ours.
3. Customization Is Key
Gone are the days of cookie-cutter ceremony playlists. Today’s couples want every note to reflect their story. We’ve been performing everything from indie rock ballads to personal family favorites to make sure each couple's musical vision comes to life. At Queen City Quartet, we ensure your walk down the aisle feels truly one-of-a-kind.
4. Prelude and Postlude Songs Are Getting More Attention
Couples are putting more thought into the music that plays as guests arrive and exit. The prelude is a perfect time to showcase your musical taste and set the atmosphere, while the postlude keeps the celebration alive as guests transition to cocktail hour. We’re curating unique prelude sets featuring artists like The Beatles, Lana Del Rey, and The Lumineers—bridging generations and genres effortlessly.
5. String Quartets for Cocktail Hour? Absolutely.
While ceremony music remains a top priority, many couples are opting to keep the quartet going for cocktail hour, too. We tailor this part of the day with a more upbeat, lively playlist—think jazz standards like Fly Me to the Moon, oldies like Ain't No Mountain High Enough, modern pop hits like Levitating by Dua Lipa and even a few classic rock tunes like Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen and I'm a Believer by The Monkees. It’s a great way to keep the elegance flowing while guests mingle and enjoy their drinks.
Your Cincinnati Wedding, Your Soundtrack
Whether you're getting married in a cathedral in downtown Cincinnati, on a vineyard in Northern Kentucky, or in a garden at Ault Park, Queen City Quartet is here to help make your musical vision a reality. From traditional wedding marches to modern love songs, our curated and customizable setlists ensure every moment of your day feels meaningful.
Ready to start planning your wedding music? Let’s create something beautiful together.
🎻 Visit our website to explore our song list and booking options
📧 Or reach out directly at queencityquartet@gmail.com
Queen City Quartet is a professional string quartet based in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering elegant live music for weddings, cocktail hours, private events, and more.
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