FAQs for my harp at your wedding!
First of all, congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials! Here are a few FAQs but of course, I am happy to chat with you further about any queries or ideas you may have.
Why is a harp so wonderful at a wedding?
Live music with the harp, immediately adds a luxurious element to your wedding and reflects the love that you share as a couple. Imagine celebrating your first kiss as a married couple to the golden sound of the harp glissando. ( listen below). Alternatively, I can improvise a completely original piece in response to your wedding kiss as you walk back down the aisle! ( or a combination of both..)
What is your approach? How will this make my wedding bespoke/unique?
I love to hear the story of a couple’s romance : your story and what you envisage for the wedding. From there, we can chat about which harp, which pieces and especially how we will make your event unique – to really reflect the two of you. All of this added together, creates an atmosphere that further enhances the unique style – and if need be, you can leave most of the decisions to me if that is helpful!
Playing at a ceremony is so special - it is like no other event.
The harp has a golden tone that rings out and unites everyone present at your special day and also has a positive and calming effect. I play with ‘intention’ to create space and keep everyone listening out in combined anticipation of the nuptials about to take place.
When would the harp play at my wedding?
I usually play when the guests are arriving, the all important arrival and aisle walk of the bride and in set parts of the ceremony ( suggested glissando on the kiss ), when the legal documents are being signed and for the cocktail hour ( or similar). There are many other options, including the reception, that we can discuss further. Suggested are :
The Prelude – setting the vibe for arriving guests
The Processional – setting the stage for your wedding party
The Bridal Walk – your unforgettable cinematic moment
The Recessional - a joyous celebration ( glissando and then following on )
Cocktail hour - positive golden sounds throughout.
Are there different harps?
Yes, you have the choice of three Lever Harps : Sophia acoustic lever harp ( can be amplified if required), Serena ( semi acoustic lever harp, that I play standing) or Bella ( Celtic/Medieval lever harp suited to a specific theme or smaller space – though her sound is sweet and fills a room). You will find more details on the next page : Your Harpist and the Harps Usually couples choose one of the harps however, occasionally two are booked for different spaces * conditions apply
Which pieces would be played?
On the opening page of this site, I have recordings of a few pieces that can sound fantastic at a wedding. After hearing your ‘romance story’ and which pieces you are thinking of, we can then have a chat around ideas, which of these pieces would sound great on the harp and other pieces I can suggest. This is so important to give your wedding that unique ‘you’ quality as a couple.
What do you wear? I love hearing about the wedding plans and happy to fit in with a ‘theme’ but I also have set outfits to compliment the feature of the harp ( see the Gallery page). I’m excited to hear about your concept.
Can the harp feature in our couple photos at the wedding? Certainly, couples can pose beside or around the harp and of course, the harp will be in your wedding photos.
What requirements do you have for the harp space and conditions?
The harp is an amazing instrument but is also very delicate. Most inside spaces are fine with reasonable access. We love playing outside as well - considerations have to be made for stable flat ground, protection from rain, wind and strong sunlight. We need access to the venue at least one hour prior to the start time. More details in the contract requirements. It’s good to be aware of these elements, however, of course we want to make your special day fantastic and so memorable!
How far ahead do I need to book the harpist?
Please book in your date, venue and likely celebrant/minister as soon as you can. Some dates book out really quickly. We can work out the music a few months ahead, but having the date booked is the most important element. From time to time, I have dates available at shorter notice.
Can you help me with the pieces? Make suggestions for what would sound best in my venue?
You will read more about the pieces a few questions further up! Being familiar with many venues around Melbourne and the Yarra Valley, I can assist you with this. If time allows, I am happy to meet you at your venue/rehearsal to check the best space for the harp to play.
Can you play outside?
Yes! The harp can play outside and sounds wonderful. For larger spaces, we can amplify the harp. Details in the contract for weather considerations - likely the same that would be considered by you for a successful day.
Do you have a contract?
Yes, please contact me for the detailed contract.
What is the deposit?
The deposit is 10% on booking, a further 40% six weeks before your wedding date ( when we finalise your pieces) and the balance due at the start of your special day. On average the overall cost is $700.00 for the two hour booking across the ceremony and cocktail hour ( or similar).
Why is the harp good value at a wedding event?
Apart from the golden sound of that the harp brings to your wedding, the harp has such a range of sounds from stunning solo melodies with gentle accompaniment, to complex arpeggios, the stunning ‘glissandos’ to fuller deep sounds that replicates an ensemble group of performers.
What do you offer that is different?
Apart from total commitment to your event to work with other vendors to make your day ‘the best’ – you have a choice of harp, I’m themed to your wedding, the (optional) glissando roll for the kiss – I also offer an (optional) improvised original piece following on from the kiss as you walk back down the aisle and I will send you a recording file of your main piece after the event.
As I play with ‘intention’ to bring everyone together, a suggestion is that known pieces are great and appropriate, but there is also a place for lesser known pieces with reflect and support the emotions in the space. This is very different from ‘background music’. Ceremony music can control the emotion of the entire ceremony. Different songs/pieces build intentional transitions to build anticipation. Don’t underestimate the power of the spaces between the notes sounding, creating an effortless and joyful feel to the afternoon.
I can help you choose songs that feel like you ( which can be Pachelbel’s Canon in D, but doesn’t have to be!) All songs are tailored to your timing and extended/ shortened as needed for the perfect entrance/exit etc. I don’t have a ‘set wedding list.’
I also offer Harp Soundbaths for the wedding eve. See the Events page for further details.
The harp is the musical backdrop to your love story
I look forward to hearing from you and happy to chat on the phone, via email or messenger.
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My best Wedding Tip : Have a Wedding Mantra –(something like..) ‘ I don’t need to rush through the day – a day that I have spent so long planning and visualising - find ( and plan) moments to truly enjoy and savour the atmosphere.’
And finally, the harp is a timeless instrument that will never seem outdated in your wedding videos, be they when you share them with friends, reveal them to your children or visit them again in times to come..