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Top 25 String Arrangements of Pop Songs Every Crowd Loves


With the whole wide world of music before you, choosing a playlist for your live string ensemble can be daunting. With our years of experience, we have some insight on what sounds best when covered on strings. Here are 25 of the best songs for string ensemble that always land with any audience.



Birds of a Feather for String Quartet – Billie Eilish 

Billie Eilish’s 2024 hit comes together so well on strings; something about the rhythm, harmonies, and texture elevate an already beautiful song. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: processionals, prelude, cocktail hour/reception





Until I Found You for String Duo – Stephen Sanchez

A modern classic with a throwback sound, this song was made TikTok-famous in recent years. Personally, I still haven’t gotten sick of it, even though we play it at almost every event! Arrangement: City Six Strings


Best for: processionals, prelude, cocktail hour/reception





I Will Always Love You for String Quartet  – Whitney Houston

A classic, made all the more soulful on strings. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: dramatic bridal processionals, prelude





Pink Pony Club for String Quartet – Chappell Roan

Regularly gets people singing along and dancing. Arrangement: quartetpad

Best for: cocktail hour/reception





Ordinary for String Quartet

2025’s song of the summer. Soaring melodies, a flowing accompaniment... this has got it all. Arrangement: quartetpad

Best for: processional, recessional, prelude, cocktail hour/reception





POV for Violin and Piano – Ariana Grande

Ariana’s luxurious vocal lines translate so well to the violin, and that shines through in this arrangement. 


Best for: processional, cocktail hour/reception





Passionfruit for String Duo – Drake

I'm always surprised how well this works for string duo, trio, or quartet. It's a unique texture and always a hit for cocktail hours. Arrangement: City Six Strings


Best for: prelude, cocktail hour/reception





Levitating for String Quartet – Dua Lipa

This has been in our setlist since we started back in 2020! I admittedly have a soft spot for this tune, but it is a certified hit on strings with a strong bass line and plenty of opportunity for the violins to show off.


Best for: cocktail hour/reception





Secrets for String Quartet – OneRepublic

A bit of nostalgia for the 2000s, when this was played everywhere. It sounds great on strings, since the original features a prominent cello solo. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: prelude, cocktail hour/reception





Halo for String Trio – Beyonce

Another one of the very first songs on our playlists back in 2020, and our first City Six Strings mashup (we usually perform it combined with Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1). Queen Bey is always relevant. Arrangement: City Six Strings


Best for: processional, recessional, prelude, cocktail hour/reception





Accidentally in Love for String Trio – Counting Crows


How can one forget the soundtrack to Shrek, a classic piece of cinema? There’s a reason this is one of our most-requested songs and a favorite on social media. Arrangement: Kate Ryan


Best for: recessional, cocktail hour/reception





Hallelujah for String Trio – Leonard Cohen

This is always a gorgeous choice for any part of the ceremony, and sure to please a crowd of mixed ages and tastes.


Best for: processional, prelude, mid-ceremony





Speechless for String Trio – Dan + Shay

This soulful, wedding-themed tune is great for country-influenced playlists or anyone looking to inject a little sweetness into their playlist. Arrangement: cellobat


Best for: processional, prelude





Texas Hold 'Em for String Quartet – Beyonce

Energetic, catchy, and Beyonce -- what's not to like? We love playing this at cocktail hours because it always brings the energy up. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: cocktail hour/reception





Mr. Brightside for String Trio – The Killers

A classic for any of us that grew up in the early 2000s, and another tune that gets everyone singing along at your cocktail hour or reception. This could also work well for a recessional, if you're coming out of your cage and feeling just fine. Arrangement: Kirsten Jenson


Best for: recessional, cocktail hour/reception





Amazed for String Quartet – Lonestar

This sweet, slow song translates well for quieter moments in your celebration. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: processional, prelude, mid-ceremony, first dance





Flowers for String Quartet – Miley Cyrus

A pop-y, disco-influenced tune that is such fun to play during cocktail hours and receptions! Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: cocktail hour/reception





At Last for String Trio – Etta James

One of our most-requested songs, and for good reason! This classic sounds even classier on strings.


Best for: prelude, recessional, cocktail hour/reception





September for String Quartet – Earth, Wind, and Fire

Another song that gets everyone singing and dancing along during cocktail hours and receptions. Bonus points if you're a September bride. Arrangement: Kathryn Griesinger


Best for: recessional, cocktail hour/reception





Dancing Queen for String Quartet – ABBA

I'm not gonna lie: this is one of my favorites on our rep list, and it has been for years. This infectious tune always gets a great response at cocktail hours and receptions. Who doesn't love ABBA? Arrangement: Alex Talanov


Best for: recessional, cocktail hour/reception





Can’t Help Falling in Love for String Trio – Elvis

The most classic of classics. This was, by the numbers, our third-most popular choice for processionals in 2025! Timeless and beautiful for strings.


Best for: processional, prelude





A Thousand Years – Cristina Perri

A modern staple of weddings everywhere, and needs no introduction.


Best for: processional, prelude





Wildest Dreams for String Trio – Taylor Swift

Made famous on strings by the hit show Bridgerton, this song and arrangement add a magical feeling to any event. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: processional, prelude, cocktail hour/reception





If I Ain’t Got You for String Quartet – Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys's vocals translate so well to the sound of the violin. We usually put this song toward the end of cocktail hours or during dinner as things are winding down. Arrangement: quartetpad


Best for: processional, recessional, prelude, cocktail hour/reception





Wake Me Up for String Duo – Avicii

Avicii, surprisingly, often works well on strings! Sure to bring up the energy of any cocktail hour or reception in a classy way.


Best for: cocktail hour/reception





These are just a few of our recommendations -- our repertoire list features hundreds of songs for you to peruse. Or, feel free to reach out at any time for recommendations or custom arrangements. We love making your playlist just the way you want it.


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