String Trio vs Quartet?

What's the makeup of the trio? Violin, viola, cello? If it's that (or two violins and a cello), you probably won't notice a difference between 3 or 4 players. If it's two violins and a viola, add the cello - that's the lowest instrument of the group and will add depth and a much fuller sound. If you want the Pachelbel Canon in D for any part of the ceremony, you'll need a quartet as there are four very distinct parts in that!

I’m a musician, a trio will sound almost as full as a quartet. Really it just depends on if you think the $200 is worth it for that one more part (which will be extra gorgeous) or if you’d spend it on something else. I chose to do fake flowers for my tables and real ones for my bouquets, whereas someone else might hate that and only want real. I think it’s just a personal choice youll to have to make.

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Exactly this. It really depends on what the fourth would be. If you're getting a true 4 part group (violin, viola, cello, bass) then yes, totally worth it to me. But if you're working with some other configuration (2 violins, viola, cello; 2 violins, 2 violas, whatever) to me that wouldn't be worth the extra spend (unless your trio doesn't have a cello to begin with - then as said above, add the cello!)

And I agree as well about the Canon in D thing. Although, as a cellist I will freely admit that there is no piece a cellist is more tired of playing than canon in D lol.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! Really just trying to gauge how much of a “noticeable” difference it would be!

View Quoted Comment Very helpful! Great to hear from a musicians point of view. Trio is cello, violin and viola and the quartet would add another violin. And we fully plan to avoid Canon in D

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Glad to help! If it were me, I'd skip the second violin (nice as they may be, it's only a minor difference!) and spend the extra money on something a little more for you