Does a string quartet need a microphone?
Most of the time, no. Here is when acoustic strings are plenty, and what to do when they aren't.
Usually not. Dream City Strings plays acoustic, and in most ceremony spaces and rooms that is all you need. For a very large room, a long open hall or a big outdoor space, we can play into your DJ's microphone or add a sound engineer as an add-on.
When acoustic is enough
Violins, viola and cello are acoustic instruments, and in a typical ceremony space or reception room guests hear the real instruments rather than a speaker. One bride told us a guest assumed the music was a string track from the DJ, and couldn't believe it when she learned it was live.
So by default we arrive with instruments only, set up our chairs and play. There is nothing to plug in and no speakers to place.
When to add sound, and how
- Borrow the DJ's microphone. The simplest fix for a big or noisy space. For one Pfister Hotel wedding, cocktail hour was in a long open hall, so the DJ offered a stand mic and we asked the hotel to set the players' chairs around it. If your DJ is already there, this is usually all it takes.
- Add a sound engineer. For a large outdoor ceremony, you can add a sound engineer, who brings a sound system for the ceremony. That setup can also cover the officiant, usually with one lapel mic and one handheld.
Good questions for your DJ: will they be set up where the ceremony or cocktail hour happens, and do they have a stand mic the strings can share? For a wide lawn or a windy site, ask early.
Plan any amplification around one main spot. Miking the strings in two separate locations takes a much more involved setup, so tell us early if you want that. If you don't add a sound engineer, sort out the officiant's microphone with your DJ or venue.
Playing outside? Shade and weather matter more than volume. Read outdoor weddings with strings.
How live strings sounded to guests
★★★★★“I had a guest say to me she thought we had a string track playing from the DJ and when she learned that it was a live ensemble she couldn't believe it.”
★★★★★“Booking this ensemble made all the difference, adding an elegance to the ceremony that could not be achieved with recorded music.”
Sound questions
Do you bring your own speakers?
Not by default. We play acoustic. A sound engineer with a sound system is available as an add-on.
Can you use our DJ's microphone?
Yes. For a big room or long hall, playing into the DJ's microphone is often the easiest way to carry the sound.
Can you provide a microphone for our officiant?
With the sound engineer add-on, yes, usually one lapel mic and one handheld. Otherwise, plan the officiant's mic with your DJ or venue.