3. Songs That Sparkle With Strings

There are songs that were just meant to be played on strings. Their melodies, harmonies and depth of feeling spring to life when played in a concert by talented musicians. Sure, the original recording may be part of a DJ’s playlist, but it frequently doesn’t capture the intimacy and warmth that a string quartet can provide.

These are some of the songs that are magic when played live by a string quartet:

One Thousand Years” – Christina Perri

-A wedding favourite, the ballad is even more romantic and poignant when the strings are heard live.

Can’t Help Falling in Love -Elvis Presley (also Kina Grannis’ version)

-A classic for ages that has brought many a reception guest to tears when played live for ceremonies of for a couple’s first dance.

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

-Already a popular song at Australian weddings, the rich string version brings an even more stirring moment.

The Best of Bittersweet Symphony – Verve

-This song, as performed on its original orchestral setting, is a natural fit to be performed acoustically with a live string quartet and can up the drama at your next track meet.

“Viva La Vida” – Coldplay

-With the string-centric hook that it is, this is an anthem that jumps even more when it’s played on actual stringed instruments, giving corporate events and private parties an added boost.

“Clair de Lune,” by Claude Debussy

-A classic favourite that provides ambience, elegance, and tranquillity – ideal for stylish evening events.

These are the songs where a live version not only equals the original, it exceeds it. Your guests will feel it in the air and remember it for years to come.

4. Visual Appeal and Elegance

Let’s be real, no offense, but there’s something about live musicians that you don’t get from a DJ behind a laptop and a bunch of speakers. When your guests arrive at your event and encounter a string quartet tuning up whilst looking beautifully dressed, it sets a tone straight away of sophistication and consideration.

Live string musicians sound good, but they look good, too. They have a professional, polished quality that helps to elevate the visual appeal of your event design, providing instagrammable moments your guests will love! This is particularly useful for weddings, anniversaries and high level corporate events where you get judged as much by presentation as by having a great show.

5. Stronger Emotional Connection

One of the most forgotten aspects when choosing between live music vs DJ is the emotional connection to the moment when you hear live music. Live music creates a shared moment between the musicians and the audience. It’s interactive and real-time and profoundly human. Whether it’s the gentle hands of a cellist or the upward flourish of a violinist, these visual and auditory cues connect with guests on a deeper level in a way that a DJ might not.

This emotional tug is what makes live music especially powerful on momentous occasions, whether it be the first dance at a wedding, a tribute at a memorial or a surprise birthday performance.  A live rendition of a meaningful song often carries more weight and significance than a studio track played through speakers.

When is a DJ the Better Choice?

Although we’re diehard fans of live music, we’re okay with admitting sometimes, a DJ is just better suited. If your event is late-night and dance-heavy, or you have budget or space constraints, a DJ might provide the ease and energy you seek. 

When it comes to reading a crowd and appealing to the masses on the dance floor, a DJ has access to an endless library of music in all genres.

But in the case of daytime events, upscale evening events, guests who appreciate artistry and ambience, string musicians playing live are likely to make a deeper and more lasting impression.