Want to make your wedding more sophisticated? Hire a harpist! A harp is often associated with polish and luxury and will impact your ceremony. However, with such an expensive image, how much does a harpist cost? How do you calculate the budget for a harpist to play at certain ceremony moments?
Everything will be answered in this guide.
Basic Cost to Hire a Harpist
On average, a professional harpist for hire usually charges around $200 to $300 as a base price, which covers consultation, transportation, and the first hour of the play.
If you ask a harpist to play for over an hour, they will start charging for additional time after the first hour is covered. An additional charge is usually around $100 to $150 per hour.
Outside the standard base and additional cost, you should provide refreshments such as coffee, tea, water, and snacks. If a player is booked for over three hours or in the evening (after 6 PM), politely suggest a meal from your wedding catering.
Note that many professional harpists for hire set up websites. To know exactly how much does a harpist cost, contact these harpists to inquire about their price calculations.
When Does a Harpist Play at Wedding?
To calculate the hours of play, consider the moments a harpist plays during the wedding.
Unless you have specific details, a harpist’s routine at a wedding usually consists of the following:
Pre-ceremony Play
A harpist usually starts around 20 to 30 minutes before the couple is present. It signals the guests that the main moment is about to start.
Professional Entrance
A harpist will play a specific song to signal the professional entrance, beginning with the entrance of the ringbearers or bridesmaids and culminating in the main bridal entrance.
Declaration/Signing the Register
Depending on the type of ceremony, a harpist may play right after the priest or wedding deputy declares the couple married. They will also play if the couple signs the register and take photos.
Bridal Exit
A harpist will end the ceremony by playing during the bridal exit.
Can you hire the harpist to also play during the reception? Yes, but usually no more than additional two hours (considering other entertainment like a wedding DJ or band). For more practical calculations, you can inquire about the all-in-one package price.
Harpist Preparations at the Wedding
What to expect when a harpist comes to your wedding? Typical preparations a harpist will do usually consist of these:
Space and Transfer Method
A harpist will need adequate space to sit and play an instrument comfortably. A modern harp for weddings usually stands around 75 cm tall. Depending on the form of the space or stage, a harpist may need a specific transfer method to carry their instrument safely to the designated spot.
If you hire a harpist who plays a large, pedaled harp, note that this instrument requires a large, flat, and shaded space.
Prep Time
A harpist usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes to prepare their session. However, it is wise to give them at least one hour. You can approach them and discuss or confirm the play arrangement during the wedding.
Equipment
A professional harpist usually comes with equipment such as a stool and an electro-acoustic instrument: an electric harp that can be plugged into a speaker. However, it is wise to inquire first to the harpist about what they possibly need. You should also be ready with a stool, amplifier, speaker, and microphone in the venues where they play.
Weather Considerations
A harpist who plays outdoors usually has a carbon-fiber harp that can withstand elements like heat, cold, and rain. You should always inquire a harpist whether they can play outdoors if the event requires it.
Songs to Request
A harpist usually comes with a popular playlist. If you have a specific request, discuss it with the harpist during the negation because they may need to practice first.
A harp is a versatile instrument that can play classic and contemporary songs. Here are some of the most popular song requests a harpist may play to create a romantic atmosphere.
Classical Pieces
- Wedding March by Mendelssohn
- Fur Elise by Beethoven
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Tchaikovsky
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel
- Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy
- Harp Concerto by Handel
Oldies Songs
- How Deep is Your Love by Bee Gees
- At Last by Etta James
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
- All You Need is Love by The Beatles
- Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
- Moon River by Audrey Hepburn
Contemporary Songs
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
- All of Me by John Legend
- Afterglow by Ed Sheeran
- Halo by Beyonce
- Marry You by Bruno Mars
- Love Me As You Do by Ellie Golding
Once you know how much does a harpist cost and their preparations, you can make your wedding more memorable. Create a romantic, elegant atmosphere you like with a professional harpist on your special day.