A guide to wedding music from behind the strings
Music for your ceremony
There are many elements to consider in creating your perfect wedding day and music can be key.
Choosing the right music for the right moment will make the difference between special day and unforgettable day. With it being such a personal choice I will always endeavour to find the right music for you, whether its 'your song' from when you first met, a piece that always reminds you of them, or something that you both fell in love with together, your wedding ceremony is the perfect time to celebrate that.
With so much music to choose from it is easy to feel a bit over whelmed with what might be best suited or even possible to play on the harp so I have put together a brief outline of the proceedings and ideas of what kinds of pieces work best at certain moments. You can also peruse my repertoire page which has a slightly more comprehensive, but by no means exclusive, list of pieces.
The harp is a very versatile instrument and most styles can be accommodated, so if you have any specific pieces in mind and would like to know if they would be suitable please don't hesitate to get in touch.
A standard performance is 2 x 45 minute sets with a 15 minute break
During the drinks reception and the wedding breakfast I can provide a gentle musical backdrop. With an eclectic mix of pieces there will be something to appeal to all ages and tastes. If you are looking for something a bit more attention grabbing to provide entertainment during the drinks reception, I can also work with a loop station which opens the door for more energetic and modern sounding harp pieces.
Packages and Prices
Prices are based on weddings and events within a 50mile radius of Southport, for weddings further a field a small travel fee will be added. Prices - Celtic Harp/Pedal Harp
- Wedding Ceremony £230/280
- Drinks Reception £260/310
- Wedding Breakfast £260/310
- Wedding Ceremony and Drinks Reception or Wedding breakfast £330/380
- Full wedding day, inc. Ceremony, drinks and the Wedding Breakfast £430/480
Please feel free to get in touch any time to discuss your individual requirements and receive a tailored quote.
These prices are based on solo performances, I can also provide Duo/Trio with Violin and/or Clarinet if you are looking for something a bit different.
FAQ'S
Is the harp portable and can it be moved around the venue? can you play outside?
The celtic harp is much more compact which makes it easy to move around the venue, i.e. from the ceremony room to the drinks reception and even outside as long as it is not exposed to extreme weather.
Do you take a deposit and when does the rest of the balance need to be paid?
I ask for a £100.00 deposit to secure the date, with the rest of the balance to be paid any time up to or on the day of your event.
Do you have any requirements?
I ask that the venue are informed that I will be playing and that a space of roughly 2m square is available for me to set up in as well as a chair. I will also need access to a power supply.
If you have booked me to play for the ceremony and the drinks reception, I would ask for light refreshment to be provided.
Do you provide music during your breaks?
Yes, i use a small acoustic amp which i can put similar background music through whilst I have a break to avoid silences.
Are you insured?
Yes. Both public liability and PAT testing certificates can be provided upon request
What time will you arrive?
I aim to arrive 1 hour before I start playing inorder to set up and give the harp time to settle as they are sensitive to temperature changes.
Prelude
15-20 minutes of gentle background music as the guest arrive and take their seats.
At this point a general mix of classical and folk ballads work very well setting the scene.
Processional
A single piece accompanies arrival of the wedding party. Preferably something not too fast so you can take a deep breath, take your time and enjoy stepping into the ceremony.
- Pachelbel's Cannon in D
- Jesu Joy of Man's desiring
- A River Flows in You, Yiruma
- Bridal march 'here comes the bride' - Wagner
- Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Signing of the Register
During the signing there is often enough time for 2 pieces. The first piece is often a moment of quiet refection as the couple sign, then something with a little bit more movement to accompany the build in excitement as guests move around and take photos.
- For the love of a princess, Braveheart
- Kissing you, Des'ree, Romeo and Juliet
- Fields of gold, Sting
- Song bird, Eva Cassidy
- All of Me, John Legend
The Couple's Exit
Finally, something upbeat and celebratory for the exit of the happy couple. (always a great moment to sneak in a glissando!)
- Fireflies, Owlcity
- Thousand Years (chorus) - Christina Perri
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba
- Married life theme from 'Up'
- Bridal March, Mendlessohn
- Here comes the sun, Beatles