Weddings
Booking
About the Harp
How do you dress for wedding ceremonies?
I usually wear formal black, but I can happily wear a specific color to fit in with the bridal party. Evening gowns are also an option, just ask!
Do you play cocktail hours and dinner receptions?
Yes, I often play at the cocktail hour and/or dinner reception following the ceremony. A blend of light classical music or classical with a few jazz standards works beautifully to add a hint of charm. This works best if your ceremony and cocktail hour/dinner reception take place in the same location, that way the events tie together nicely without interruption.
How many pieces should I choose for my wedding processional and recessional?
For most weddings, I suggest that you make three musical selections for your processional and one for your recessional. For the processional, please choose a song for the Seating of the Mothers, Bridal Party, and Bridal Entrance.
The recessional selection will last throughout the entire newlywed and wedding party exit. I will then segue into the postlude music for when the guests are exiting the venue.
What is prelude and postlude music?
Do I need it for my wedding?
Prelude and postlude music help set the tone and ambiance for the beginning and end of wedding ceremonies. I choose a light blend of classical music to play as the guests are entering (prelude) and exiting (postlude) the ceremony venue. Included in every wedding package is a 20 minute segment of prelude music and postlude music until the guests have exited. When I begin the prelude music, the mood in a room is completely transformed, providing a beautiful backdrop for your guests to mingle and feel welcomed as they arrive at your event. When I get a signal from the wedding coordinator, or see that the bridal party has lined up and is ready, I then seamlessly segue into the processional music!
How far in advance should I contact Andrea
for my event?
I generally accept bookings up to 12 months in advance. Due to my schedule with the Charlotte Symphony, it is difficult to guess my availability more than 12 months away. Most weddings are booked 4 to 6 months in advance. Since my calendar fills up quickly, I strongly recommend that you contact me as soon as your event date is set, especially for weddings. To check my availability, please fill out the form on the Contact page.
How far do you travel?
I am based in the South Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina and play for the entire Charlotte area as well as the surrounding areas within a 35 mile radius. I am able to travel outside of the 35 mile radius for an additional mileage fee.
Can I hear a sample of your music before hiring you?
Yes! I offer in-person or virtual complimentary consultations prior to official booking so you can hear the harp live! To hear sound clips of my playing, please visit the Listen page of this website.
Are you able to play outdoors?
Yes, I am able to play outdoor events, but with certain requirements. The harp needs a flat, dry surface on which to stand, preferably with a covering (gazebo, tent, etc.). Generally, the harp takes up an area about the size of 4’ X4’. At the first sign of inclement weather (ex. rain, extreme heat, extreme cold), I will have to move the harp indoors for the safety and protection of the instrument. It is highly recommended to plan an alternate location, in the event of rain or inclement weather. Due to the delicate nature of the instrument, I am unable to play outdoor events if the temperature is below 50ºF.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, but only with booking through GigSalad.com (which adds booking fees). I also accept payment from Venmo, Zelle, check or cash.
Can you play a specific piece for my event?
Yes! Do not be alarmed if you do not see your specific piece on the repertoire page. My repertoire list is constantly growing and changing. If you have a musical selection in mind, please contact me to see if it can be played on harp. All this may require is to supply me with the piano or harp sheet music! I can easily make an arrangement of your musical selection if given advanced notice. Please note that all musical selections must be finalized two weeks prior to the event date. After the complimentary first piece, I charge a small fee for arranging and playing pieces not found in my repertoire due to the time and skill required.
Can you play with other musicians?
Yes! I love playing chamber music! If you have a friend or family member that wants to be a part of your event, I am happy to work with them given adequate notice. If you are looking for a specific musical combination (harp with violin, voice, cello, flute, etc.), I am happy to provide another musician for your events for an additional fee.
How do I book Andrea for my event?
Once you have your date secured, please contact me and provide the date, time, and location information of the event. After discussing the details, I will then e-mail you a contract to sign and return to with the required deposit. Your date is only secure in my calendar once a deposit and a signed contract are received. Contracts and deposits can also be completed at the complementary consultation.
How loud is the harp? Do you need an amp?
The harp carries surprisingly well! For most occasions, the harp does not need amplification. The harp sound projects well and I can adjust my playing volume based on the venue space. If amplification is necessary, I can be plugged into an amp (using a 1/4" plug) or a standard microphone works as well. I can also play softly enough so that intimate gatherings are not over-powered by the sound of the harp.
Does Andrea play for the wedding rehearsal?
Over the years I have found that it is not necessary for me to be at the wedding rehearsal. If you would like to add harp to the wedding rehearsal for an additional fee, please contact to see pricing and availability.
Do you require any special equipment
at the venue?
I bring all my own equipment to events including a music stand and bench!
Does the duration of my wedding ceremony
affect the amount you charge?
A flat rate is usually charged for a ceremony. There is a significant amount of time that goes into musical preparation, arranging of special music selections, consultations, transporting the harp, set-up, and strike. For example, a twenty minute ceremony is at the very least, a least a two-hour day-of commitment for a harpist, not including consultations, communications, or music preparation time.
Do you need to know the exact length of the music needed in order to time each of the entrances?
With my years of experience, I am able to assess and tailor each musical selection to the exact length needed based upon length of aisle and number of people processing. I can gracefully end a piece at exactly the right moment and quickly move on to the next without disturbing the ambiance of the wedding. Although a cue from a wedding consultant is helpful to determine when to switch pieces, it is not necessary.
How heavy is the harp and how do you transport it?
The harp is roughly 80 pounds and stands 74” tall. Andrea has her own “harp car” (aka a minivan) and is fully self-sufficient when transporting her instrument. She also uses a harp cart/dolly to wheel around her instrument.
Do you take breaks during the event?
If so, how long?
For wedding ceremonies, including the prelude and postlude, I do not take breaks. For events lasting more than an hour, I take a 5-7 minute break every 50 minutes unless otherwise noted in the contract. I can coordinate my breaks to coincide with a toast, speech, or other event that requires no music.