Written by Managing Editor and Curator Michelle Cox-Vergara

Are you considering a wedding day harpist? Do you have questions about the process or about hiring professional musicians? I had the pleasure of connecting with Dawn Bishop, a professional musician based in the Chicagoland area. I interviewed Dawn and asked her to spill the tea on hiring a harpist, the artistic process and helping couple’s decide if this is something they would like to include on their big day. Enjoy this super informational interview and head over to Dawn’s website to learn (and hear) more!

Photography by Grace Rios

Tell us about you

My name is Dawn Bishop and I have been working as a professional musician for twenty-five years. I debuted professionally as a premiere harpist for the Drake Hotel’s Afternoon Tea, entertaining world-famous guests during a ten-year steady engagement. During this time my freelance career as a solo and ensemble musician was also launched. In addition to specializing in wedding performances, I cultivate an exquisite ambiance for corporate, holiday, and celebratory occasions. I was raised in a family of professional harpists and have been immersed in the music world since I was a young child.

Where should a couple start if they are interested in having a harpist at their wedding?

Besides searching via the internet and social media, harpists can be found through wedding and special event planners, wedding officiants, entertainment agencies, and music schools. Another great source is wedding professionals who can provide insight if a musician was particularly memorable from a wedding they collaborated on together. Many venues have a preferred vendor list, which is an excellent strategy to find musicians who have proven they provide quality services. In addition, harpists are usually eager to refer their colleagues if they are unavailable to perform for an event themselves.

Where can a couple use a harpist on their wedding day?

Because the harp can stand alone as a solo instrument, harpists are typically hired to perform for the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner reception (or any combination of these). The harp is a unique instrument in that it creates aesthetic value both through beautiful music and as a stunning visual piece. Guests are often intrigued as it is a rare experience to be serenaded by live harp music.

The intimacy of a wedding ceremony is an ideal setting to feature the harp because guests are sitting quietly and can really take in the music. Some couples find it fitting to create a refined ambiance through harp music for the wedding ceremony, then liven up the reception with a band or DJ. Others prefer to have harp music for the reception as well with the benefit that guests don’t have to struggle to dialogue over the music.

While this is more of a rarity, one of my favorite contributions to the wedding day is to play in the bridal suite to calm and ground the wedding party prior to the ceremony.

Some of my clients have chosen to use harp music as a continuity in celebrating their important life events: engagement proposal, bridal shower, wedding, then eventually the baby shower and even the parents’ anniversary celebration. It truly makes my work meaningful when I feel like an adopted member of the family after years of commemorating milestone occasions together.

How is music selected?

Music has a tremendous impact in setting the tone for a wedding. While music should be customized to reflect the couple’s personality, it is also a thoughtful gesture to include selections that will engage the various generations in attendance. An experienced musician can recommend songs that have the most crowd appeal.

Some clients have a very specific idea of the music they want; others are overwhelmed just by the thought of having to make these decisions. Selecting wedding music should be fun and doesn’t need to be stressful! I aim to simplify planning by providing clients with an online Wedding Music Guide. It includes a convenient planning outline with instructions for organizing the ceremony timeline, as well as samples of traditional and modern wedding selections. It is helpful for clients to hear how their music selections translate through the romantic sounds of the harp.

During the wedding music consultation, I ask couples clarifying questions to determine the desired feel they want music to convey for their ceremony. The styles range from dreamy and elegant to lighthearted and quirky. Some prefer a vintage vibe while others love modern. The most important pieces to select are the processionals. Some brides have waited their entire lives to walk down the aisle to the traditional Here Comes the Bride, and others select a unique song that has personal meaning to them. With a broad range of repertoire in my fingertips, I can make appropriate suggestions based on the couple’s individualized preference. Once the processionals have set precedent it is easy to fill in the other musical elements of the ceremony.

It is important to mention any specific music requests to a potential musician prior to hiring them. I have had clients who requested all of their wedding music from their favorite band or genre (Beatles, Fall Out Boy, Celtic, Anime themes, etc.). I enjoy expanding my repertoire and love that it is a reflection of my clients’ taste in music from over the years. However, some requests can require hours of additional practice time, so you will want to confirm that a musician is willing to learn them prior to signing the contract. Adding the vibrant texture of ensemble instruments (violin, cello, guitar, or flute) can also enhance certain music styles.

Does the environment affect the harpist (indoor/outdoor, etc)?

Because of the delicate nature of the instrument, harpists tend to be particular about where their harp is set up for events. Not only is it an expensive instrument to replace; the tuning is also very sensitive to environmental conditions.

Some general guidelines for indoor settings are to place the instrument away from high traffic areas and doors/windows with drafts or intense sunlight streaming through. Outdoor settings require a dry, shaded and flat surface (it is very difficult to balance the harp on a decline!). Many harpists are unwilling to take their instrument into weather conditions of extreme heat or cold, strong wind, and impending rain. Often an additional fee is charged for outside events.

Amplification is usually required for outside performances and events with large attendance. I provide a battery operated amp to these events to ensure that the harp can be heard and enjoyed by guests. An alternative is to use the house or DJ system. Selecting a harp ensemble is also an excellent approach to increase the musical presence at a wedding or special event.

Is there a good/easy way to find quality musicians on your wedding day?

This is an area where you usually get what you pay for. If possible, it is very helpful to view a live performance or video of a musician’s playing. Ideally you will want to find a performer whose style encompasses the “entire package,” as entertaining an audience is an art form and requires many skills. A musician who exudes passion when they perform will have much more impact than one who is just trying to play the correct notes on a page. Having charisma and warmly interacting with guests during a performance, dressing in a fashion that elevates the ambiance, and performing repertoire that is relevant and entertaining are all factors that will enhance your event with a musician’s presence. Selecting an experienced musician is especially important when choosing a harpist for your wedding ceremony. Because it is necessary to time the music with the actions of the wedding party, a ceremony musician must always be prepared to react to unplanned circumstances. Sometimes weddings start late or nervous speakers do things out of order. Occasionally the wedding party or bride will be delayed after the processional music has begun, or even more challenging, may begin processing to the wrong song. The flower girls and ring bearers may refuse to walk down the aisle as directed. A seasoned musician will have the essential skills to accommodate timing and make in-the-moment decisions, creating a seamless flow for the wedding ceremony.

A huge thank you to Dawn for this amazing interview! Again, check out Dawn’s website for more information and to see recorded performances via her YouTube channel.

Considering a Wedding Day Harpist?