How Does the Harpist Fit into My Wedding Timeline?

One of the top questions I receive from couples and their event planners is: When will you arrive to set up for my wedding? 

The short answer to that is: at least an hour before my play time. But are you wondering what is involved in my setup (and how I move my giant instrument)? I'm going to walk you through it below, so read on!

How I Move the Harp

At over 6 feet tall, the harp is much taller than I am! It's also quite awkward, with much of its weight at the bottom. I could never carry it more than a couple inches at a time! So I use a dolly especially designed for the harp to easily wheel the harp from point A to point B.

The blue covers you see in this picture, taken outside of my condo on the way to a wedding, are waterproof and slightly padded. The three wheels on each side of the dolly rotate as I navigate stairs.

​I have a station wagon that I use to transport my harp to weddings and events. (The harp would also fit into an SUV or minivan.) Check out the pics for how perfectly the harp and accessories fit into my car! I have lots of practice ​​😎

I wear pants as I head out, so that I don't trip over my dress or get it wrinkled or dirty while moving and setting up the harp.

I shoot to arrive at the venue a minimum of an hour before I expect to begin playing. This may vary slightly depending on how far the venue is from my home and how difficult I anticipate load-in being. Some venues, like Emerald at Queensridge and Lakeside Weddings, are a short walk from my parking spot to where I will perform. But at many venues on the Strip, it can take 15-30 minutes or even longer to make the trek!

At the Venue

Once I've arrived at the venue and unloaded, I change from pants into my gown. The down time gives the harp a chance to acclimate to the temperature and humidity at the venue. Then I tune the harp so it will sound pretty for your wedding.

Did you know that the harp has 47 strings and that I tune each and every string every time I play for a wedding or event? Even a slight change in temperature or humidity throws off the tuning of the harp, so it's best to tune the harp on location and just a few minutes before play time.

I'm pretty quick at tuning after *many* years of practice, so it only takes about 5 minutes. Here's a picture of me tuning for an event at the new Illuminarium Las Vegas:

Tuning before an event

After tuning, I usually have some downtime before I begin playing the prelude music before the ceremony.

• I set up amplification, if needed.
  
• I take a few pictures and double check that my setlist is organized on my iPad.
  
• I check in with the officiant and wedding planner/coordinator to make sure I know any special cues for the wedding. For example, I check with the coordinator for their cue to begin the processional. And I always ask the officiant what their last words will be before I should begin playing the recessional.
  
• Also, it's not unusual for family members of the couple to come and say hi--they're excited for the big day and are often curious about the harp, as not every wedding has a harpist!

A little note: My favorite weddings always have a professional wedding planner and/or day-of coordinator! These lovely wedding pros ensure that all the elements of the wedding flow smoothly and seamlessly.

I am ready to play the prelude 30 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time. I begin playing at that time or whenever guests begin arriving. I suggest choosing about 5 songs for the prelude music. Depending on your venue, I will play 10-30 minutes of prelude music as your guests arrive. Prelude music may be classical, pop, or anything else you choose. I have a sampling of songs on my Wedding Songs page, or you may choose any song you like!

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Are you wondering whether I'm available to play for your wedding date? Text me at 702-575-2793 or use the Contact Form to check my availability. I will be thrilled to hear from you!

Contact Kristie