A Typical Wedding Day - In The Life Of A Harpist
-By Nelda
February 12th 2009
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The Wedding Day…
It’s Saturday afternoon and I bring my harp to the wedding venue early so that I can start tuning. I pop my head into the changing room to say hello to the bride who is primping before the reception. As I congratulate her on her big day, I remember the first time I met her and her groom…
Four Months Earlier…
“We are so excited to be hiring a harpist for our wedding but have a few questions for you,” the bride and groom told me.
“Go for it!” I responded.
Why is harp the best option?
The music played while you walk down the aisle and at your reception is one of the most important details of the day and I want it to be a beautiful and lasting memory.
A harp is a beautiful thing because it is the perfect solo instrument. It overwhelms your heart and soul but leaves your ears free to hear the person next to you—without shouting.
Also, did you know that hiring a harpist is an affordable music solution? Multiple musicians or DJs can cost a fortune and not having live music can be a damper on the magical effect of your wedding. In short, the harp is beautiful, elegant and classy without overpowering the event.
What are some ways we can use the harp at our wedding?
If you want a harp for your actual ring ceremony (which couples of all faiths enjoy doing so that all family members may participate) the rundown usually goes as follows:
Prelude - Played while the guests are being seated. It sets the mood (as much as the flowers and decorations do) and is usually soft background music anywhere between 15-30 minutes before the ceremony.
Processional – Played while the wedding party and bride walk down the aisle. Sometimes it is preferred that a different song is played for the parents, bridesmaids and the bride. Some typical wedding processional songs include:
- Canon in D by Pachelbel which can easily be tailored to any length necessary
- Either of the traditional wedding marches by Wagner or Mendelssohn which add a certain amount of majesty to the event
- Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.
Solos - Played during the ceremony. You may wish for something religious such as Ave Maria or something romantic such as a Phantom of the Opera Song.
Recessional – Played as the wedding party walks away from the aisle once the “I do’s” have been said. The music here is usually celebratory and can include:
- The Wedding March
- Trumpet Tune
- Trumpet Voluntary
Postlude - This music is played while the guests exit the chapel.
What about reception music?
I have an extensive harp library. If, for example, you prefer Andrea Bocelli music over showtunes or classical music I can play more of those. I would love to play songs for you that have special meaning to you and your groom. Here are some popular reception songs:
Classical
- Air on the G String
- Arioso
- Sheep May Safely Graze
- Canon in D by Pachelbel
- Selections from The Four Seasons
- Ode to Joy
- The Swan
- Ave Maria
- Traumerei
- Claire de Lune
Popular/Showtunes
- Can’t Help Falling in Love with You
- From This Moment On
- Time To Say Goodbye
- The Prayer
- Theme from Somewhere in Time
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow
- Think of Me
- All I ask of You
- Some Enchanted Evening
- The Way You Look Tonight
Folk Songs
- Danny Boy
- Greensleves
- Scarborough Fair
- The Ash Grove
- Simple Gifts
- La Paloma
Religious Songs
- You’ll Never Walk Alone
- Prayer of Thanksgiving
- The Lord’s Prayer
- My Cup Runneth Over
- Whither Thou Goest
- Love At Home
- Panis Angelicus
“What do you think dear??” the bride asks the groom after I played some of these songs from them.
“Well, I sure hope you have time to play at our wedding because we’d love to have you there,” he replied.
Back To The Wedding…
I start tuning my harp. A little girl shyly comes up to me and asks if she can pluck a string. Of course, I say. I was once that little girl and it is the reason I play the harp. I distinctly remember attending a wedding when I was only five and hearing the glissandos of the harp the minute I entered. As I stood there mesmerized by the harp music I told myself I would do that one day. And here I am. But enough for the stories right now, I’ve got to start playing, it’s showtime, or I should say wedding time!
For more questions about music at your wedding, feel free to visit my website at www.neldasanker.com or call me at 801-657-1932. I would like to create the perfect atmosphere for your special day.
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