11 Terms That Should Be in Your Wedding Music Contract

Throughout the wedding planning process, you will be signing dozens of contracts. No matter what product or service they are providing, all of your vendors should provide a contract to outline expectations and responsibilities for both parties.

For wedding musicians, you want to be sure that they will arrive when you expect them to and perform the way you have envisioned. Your musicians need to know the details and logistics of your ceremony venue.

There are some items that should be in your contract with all of your wedding vendors, but there are some that are specific to musicians, and you should make sure that you are comfortable with the contract and read it thoroughly before you sign.

As professional harpists, we have had the pleasure of providing the music for over 400 weddings, and would love to work with you, too! Please contact us for a price quote or for more information on enhancing your wedding with live music.

Wedding Music Contracts

1. The date, time, and location of your wedding. This should be obvious, but if you contract your musicians, and then change the time or location, be sure to notify them! Ceremony musicians often play for more than one wedding per day, so they may not be able to accommodate a time or venue change. Be sure to check with them before you make any adjustments.

2. Deposit amount and terms. Be sure that your deposit is applicable to your total fee. Most deposits will be non-refundable, since your musicians are turning down other weddings, counting on your business. Often, there will be a due date for your deposit, and if it not received by that date, you will lose your spot on the musician's calendar. Be sure to send your contract and deposit back on time!

3. Final payment amount and terms. Depending upon the total fee, you may also choose to make intermediate payments. Check for any late fees that will be added for payments not received in time. Write due dates on your calendar a week in advance so you send your payments in before they are due.

4. Overtime. Know what overtime charges will be, and if you musicians are even available to stay for overtime. If your wedding is running late, they might not be able to remain if they have another even booked after yours. Be prepared to pay for any overtime needed on the day of your wedding with cash (most musicians can't take credit cards on site).

5. Weather provisions. If you are having an outdoor wedding, this is crucial! Know what conditions are acceptable for the musicians and their instruments, and what will require a move to your back-up location. Most musicians need a flat and level surface that is dry and out of direct sunlight. As acoustic instruments are made of wood, any rain will damage them, so make sure that you have adequate shelter for your musicians, or plan on moving inside.

6. Cancellation. If you need to cancel, what do the musicians require? Usually, all cancellations need to be in writing from the person who signed the contract. Depending upon how close you are to the date, you may still be liable for the full balance due. If your musicians have to cancel (this should be only in the case of a true emergency!), what will they do for you? At the very least, they should give you a full refund and assist you in locating another comparable performer.

7. Music selections. Check for a deadline when your music selections must be turned in. If you are requesting pieces outside of the published repertoire list of your musician, give them as much time as possible to prepare. You will usually not have to make music selections at the time of contracting, especially if you are booking several months in advance.

8. Extra fees. Will there be extra charges for early set-up or arrival? Parking? Meals? Mileage? Sheet music they need to purchase? Assistants? Accompanying a singer? Be sure that everything that may attract a charge is covered in your contract.

9. Who will be my musician? For large groups and booking agents, make sure you know exactly who will be playing for your wedding - and have his or her name listed on the contract. This isn't a problem when you are dealing with individual musicians!

10. Attire. If you have specific requests for your musicians, note them on the contract. You don't want Hawaiian shirts at a black tie reception! Most musicians will dress appropriately for the occasion (check pictures of past events), but add this in if it will make you more comfortable.

11. Contact information. Make sure that your contact information as printed on the contract is correct, and that you also have that of the musician. If there is a change in your phone number, address, or email during your engagement, be sure to notify all of your vendors.

Northern Indiana Wedding Music ~ Harpist in South Bend

What a beautiful afternoon for a wedding!  With all of the rain and heat we've had this summer, it was a pleasure to have an outdoor ceremony that could actually go ahead as planned!  I've played for several weddings at Blue Heron on the Blackthorn Golf Course.  New this time was the pergola on the lawn that is surrounded by flowers and provides a centralized backdrop for the couple's vows.

The bridesmaids, all wearing short azalea-colored dresses and carrying blue & purple bouquets, entered to "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.  The bride's processional was the traditional "Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)."  They went with pop music for the recessional - the Beatles' song "All My Loving."

In South Bend and throughout Northern Indiana, I love playing the harp for weddings!  Visit my website, South Bend Wedding Music, for more information on including a harpist in your wedding plans.

Northwest Indiana Wedding Music ~ Harpist in LaPorte, IN

"Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata" - Translated from Italian is supposed to mean, "rain on the day you get married brings good luck."  If that is the case, then Janice and Brett are two of the luckiest people!  Fortunately, luck would have it that they were inside on one of the rainiest Saturdays I've experienced this summer.  

The wedding music selected by the bride went more down the traditional and Irish path.  For the wedding party, Janice had selected Fanny Power by the Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan.  Janice entered to Canon in D, which is always a favorite of mine.  During the ceremony, the couple had a unity sand ceremony.  The song selected for the unity sand time was Aria from Rinaldo.  Finally, the Bride and Groom exited to O Perfect Love.  

If you would like to learn more about the harp music we can provide for your wedding, visit our website, LaPorte Wedding Music.

Wedding Harpist in Fort Wayne ~ Baker Street Station Ceremony

If you've never had the chance to visit the Baker Street Station in Fort Wayne, go!  It is a beautifully restored train depot that not only houses offices, but also opens up the grand lobby for weddings and other private events.  I was the harpist for a wedding there last Sunday, and it is stunning!

I was booked for this wedding only a couple of weeks in advance, but the mother of the bride and I were able to get all of the wedding music planned quickly by email.  Although prime Saturdays fill up six months to a year in advance, I occasionally have availability for last-minute bookings on Fridays, Sundays, and throughout the week.  It's never too late to contact me about providing your wedding music!

The room was decorated for the reception with teal and purple, and most of the guests sat at the dining tables for the ceremony.  Special chairs were reserved up close for the families.  The two bridesmaids entered to Fields of Gold, followed by the bride's entrance to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.  As the couple lit the unity candle, the hymn O Perfect Love played.  The recessional concluding the ceremony and sending the guests to the cocktail hour was Trumpet Tune.

As a Fort Wayne harpist, I've played for weddings and other events throughout the city, including at Foster Park's Bridal Glen, Lakeside Rose Garden, the Allen County Courthouse, and the Embassy Theatre.  Call 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website, Fort Wayne Wedding Harpist, for information on having a harpist for your special day!

Battle Creek Wedding Music ~ Harpist for an Outdoor Ceremony

This summer has had some crazy weather on the weekends!  It seems as if it has either been extremely hot, or raining.  Last Saturday, we had rain in Michigan.  The ceremony was scheduled to take place on the lawn outside the Historic Sullivan Barn in downtown Battle Creek, MI.

When I arrived about an hour and a half before the ceremony starting time, the rain had just started to come down.  Running inside, I met with the groom and the friend of the bride who was coordinating.

We all huddled around the radar, and watched the storm move through.  Going over back-up plans, we discussed moving the ceremony inside the barn, to the reception hall, or to the pastor's church.  Fortunately, the longer we watched the radar, the faster the rain passed!

The wedding was supposed to start at 4:00, and that's exactly when the rain stopped.  The bride's family and friends rushed to take down the canopy and dry off the chairs.  I set up in the lobby and played prelude music from there for awhile.  When it was time to get everyone moved outside, I was able to get the harp out there quickly (thank goodness for my ultra-portable BlevinSong harp!).

The bridal party entered to Canon in D.  The flower girl needed a little encouragement to make it down the aisle, but she did it!  The bride's entrance music was the the traditional Wagner Bridal Chorus (also known as Here Comes the Bride).  For the pouring of the unity sand, the couple requested the Enya song Only Time, and the recessional was My Heart Will Go On from Titanic.

In Battle Creek and throughout central Michigan, my husband Jeff and I play the harp for wedding ceremonies and reception.  If you are interested in hiring one (or both!) of us a your wedding harpist, visit our website for more information:

Michigan Wedding Harpist

or call 1-877-HARP-578.

Ohio Harpist ~ Wedding Music at Romer's in Celina

Friday was perfect for an outdoor wedding!  Joni & Kyle had their ceremony take place on the patio at Romer's Catering in Celina, Ohio.  Just a block away from Grand Lake, it was a peaceful and secluded setting.

The harp music began as guests started to arrive around 7:00 pm, and the ceremony began promptly at 7:30.  For the entrance of the bridal party, I played Andiam mio tesoro (an anonymous Italian composition from the 16th century).  The bride's entrance music was the traditional Wagner Bridal Chorus.  Joni also liked the piece Canon in D, so that was played a little faster than usual as a part of the postlude music.

Several of their guests commented on how much they enjoyed the harp music, including a grandmother who was looking forward to the day when she'll play a duet with King David!  One of the guests sitting nearby was a pianist, so he had lots of questions about how the harp works.  I'm always happy to show the instrument to your guests.  It's not often that people get to see a harp up close!

Throughout Ohio, my husband Jeff and I are available to provide harp music for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Visit our website for more information:

Ohio Wedding Harpist

or call 1-877-HARP-578.  Happy planning!

Northern Wisconsin Harpist ~ Wedding Music in Hayward, WI

Elyse & Eric were married at her parents' lake house in Northern Wisconsin.  I was thrilled to be playing harp for their ceremony, and was joined by jazz violinist Randy Sabien from Hayward.  The ceremony took place on their back deck overlooking Whitefish Lake, near the small town of Stone Lake, WI.  The rain held off, and they were able to have the outdoor ceremony as planned!

Photo:  Stonehouse Photo

The bride requested mostly popular and contemporary music for the prelude, including:

• Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King
• Can't Help Falling in Love 
• Edelweiss from The Sound of Music
• Schubert's Ave Maria
• What a Wonderful World
• Keeper of the Stars
• When You Say Nothing at All

She chose Somewhere Over the Rainbow for the seating of families, and Fields of Gold for the bridal party processional.  Her entrance music was more traditional - Canon in D by Pachelbel.

The ceremony was officiated by the bride's godmother, which made it very personal for the couple.  For the recessional, she wanted something "uplifting," and chose All You Need is Love by the Beatles for the exit from the ceremony.

A brief cocktail hour at the lake house followed the ceremony before everyone left (by school bus!) for the reception in Hayward.  The bride's only request for post-ceremony music was When a Man Loves a Woman.  We filled in the remaining time with other popular pieces, such as You Raise Me Up, Embraceable You, Happy Together, I Love How You Love Me, and Somewhere in Time.

As a professional harpist, I frequently travel throughout the Midwest and beyond for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  To find out more about having me play the harp for your special day, visit my website:  Wisconsin Harpist.  

Studio Chamber Music Recital

Each summer, I have my students expand their studies to include not only solo literature, but also collaborating with other musicians to play in duets and ensembles.  On August 14th, we hosted our third Studio Chamber Music Recital, and it took place at Merriman's Playhouse in South Bend, Indiana.

Students worked hard all summer to prepare their pieces, because I kept telling them that when you play with another musician, you have to know your part better than you've ever known your solos!  Performing with another person is a unique challenge, and something that I believe is a fundamental skill for all musicians to possess.

I created duets, trios, and quartets from students in my studio, their families, and friends.  The program included:

• Marching in the Snow (Anna B., student/teacher piano duet)
• Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair (Ginny M. & Alyson D., harps)

• Robot Dance (Rylie W., student/teacher piano duet)

• Prairie Song (Mark B. & Anna B., brother/sister piano duet)

• Wildwood Flower (Yarden K. & Emma H., student piano duet)

• The Dreamland Tree (Megan B., student/teacher piano duet)
• Stormy Sea (Alyse C. & Mark B., student piano duet)

• Celtic Charm (Claire C. & Joseph D., student piano duet)

• Cuckoo Waltz (Emma H. & Yarden K., student piano duet)
• Berceuse (Mary Kathleen A. & Camille A., sisters piano & cello duet)

• Fire Dance (Megan B., student/teacher piano duet)
• Mountain Wildflowers (Joseph D. & Alyson D., brother/sister harp & piano duet)

• Lazy Afternoon in Dallas (Camille A. & Hadas K., student piano duet)
• Trio in F Major, Op. 159, No. 3 (Megan B., violin; Gabby M., cello; Jacy S., piano)

• 3-Point Play (Mark B. & Alyse C., student piano duet)
• Flower Duet from Lakme (Jacy S., student/teacher piano duet)
• Balloon Pop Polka (Hadas K., Yarden K., Emma H., Camille A., piano quartet)

After the recital was over, everyone enjoyed made-to-order ice cream sundaes!

I offer piano & harp lessons to students of all ages and levels in my home studio in South Bend.  Visit the lesson pages of my website for more details:

Piano Lessons in South Bend

Harp Lessons in South Bend

Rockford Harpist ~ Music for a farmhouse wedding in Lena, IL

I am always amazed with how beautiful farm and farmhouse weddings can be.  The harp is a perfect addition to a ceremony in this type of setting as it can provide great flexibility in terms of ceremony music selections.

My most recent farmhouse wedding was this past Saturday.  The bride's family did a fantastic job of making sure that their guests (and their harpist) would be protected from the elements as several major storms had passed through the area.

The music selection for the ceremony included Fields of Gold for the entrance of the groom and his mother.  The bridesmaids processed to Hymne, while the Bride came in to All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera.  For the recessional, the couple exited to the Beatles' hit, All You Need is Love.  The bride requested that I play different Beatles songs throughout the postlude and prelude as well.

If you would like to know more about how we can provide harp music for your ceremony, visit our website:  Rockford Wedding Harpist.

Northwest Indiana Harpist ~ Hammond Wedding Musician

My wedding on August 6th was a special event as I got to play a violin and harp duet with the bride's 13 year old nephew.  At the beginning of the performance he was a bit nervous, but he did a great job and provided a wonderful touch to the wedding day. 

The music selected by the bride was of the classical genre.  For part of the prelude music the Bride had requested that I play Prelude in C, Great Day, and Arioso.  I played King William's March for the seating of the families and groom's entrance.  For the rest of the wedding party, I played a part of Canon in D as the Bride wanted to enter to Canon In D as well.  The recessional was one of my favorites, Trumpet Tune. 

If you would like to find out more about having the harp for your wedding or a harp and violent duet, please visit our website, Hammond Wedding Harpist.

Michigan Harpist ~ Willow Harbor Vineyard Wedding Ceremony Music

Willow Harbor Vineyards in Southwest Michigan is one of our favorite wedding venues.  We play for ceremonies there several times each summer, and I was back for Jenni & Kyle's beautiful outdoor wedding in the Chardonnay Vineyard.

The three bridesmaids entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D, and the bride's processional was Wagner's Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride).  For the recessional, they went with a more contemporary selection, Fields of Gold.

After the ceremony, I often have guests stop by and tell me how much they enjoyed the harp music.  At this one, one of those guests is also a professional musician - with the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra!

The BlevinSong harp used for this ceremony is the perfect choice for outdoor ceremonies, as it is very portable.  Unlike my other harps, this instrument is strung with nylon strings, so the tuning is more stable when the weather and humidity are not!

From vineyards to the beach, harp music is the perfect addition to your Southwest Michigan wedding!  Visit our website, Southwest Michigan Wedding Music, for more information.

Chicago Harp Music ~ Birthday Party Harpist

I spend most of my summers playing the harp for weddings, so different types of events are an enjoyable change of pace!  This party was for two women who had been friends since childhood, and they were celebrating their 90th birthdays together. 

Their families and friends gathered for a luncheon at a home in Burr Ridge, Illinois, and listened to a variety of harp music.  Most of the songs I played were popular pieces from the 1930's through the 1950's, but I also added in some more contemporary ones for the grandkids and a few classical pieces as well.  Even the family dog sat by my feet to listen! 

When you are planning your next family get-together, consider adding live harp music to make it an even more memorable event.  Visit my website, Chicago Harpist, for details!

Upper Peninsula Wedding Music - Harpist in Houghton, Michigan

What a beautiful setting for a wedding!  The day was perfect and the rain held off so that the ceremony could go off without a hitch.  What makes this story more special is that the bride's great grandmother got married on this same family farm many years ago.

The farm is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, right outside the town of Lake Linden.  The wedding coordinator had created a rustic farm theme with the decorations and by providing strawberries in baskets for the guests as they arrived.

The bride and the bridesmaids all arrived to the wedding ceremony in a stretch limousine.  As they got out of the limo, I performed Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring for the bridesmaids' processional.  For the bride, the song she chose for her entrance was Canon in D.  The couple had a unity sand ceremony, which was accompanied by the popular song Unchained Melody.  As the couple exited the ceremony, I played King William's March.

Planning a wedding at your home?  The harp is a perfect addition to the intimate setting of an at-home wedding.  If you would like to find out more about having a harp at your ceremony or reception, visit our website, Upper Peninsula Wedding Harpist. 

Chicago Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony at Grace Lutheran, River Forest

When I received the music list from Morgan, I knew this was going to be an amazing wedding!  Not only that, but instead of just having the harp as a solo instrument, she opted to create a trio of harp, flute & cello.  We also coordinated with the church's organist for an even more majestic sound.

The ceremony was held at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest (near Concordia University).  The grandfather of the groom had served the congregation as pastor for many years, and came out of retirement to perform the ceremony.  Weddings are always more meaningful when the officiant really knows the couple!

Of course, the acoustics in the sanctuary were stunning.  The prelude included a couple of special requests that I had to arrange for our trio.  One was Concerning Hobbits from Lord of the Rings - which the flautist played on a penny whistle to make it match the soundtrack more accurately.  Following this, we played Air on G by Bach, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Live to Love by pianist Paul Cardall, and Sheep May Safely Graze (also Bach).

The bridal party entrance music was the traditional Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel.  Once the bridesmaids, flower girl, and junior bridesmaid had entered, we switched to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (harp, flute, cello & organ!) for the bride's processional. 

For the lighting of the unity candle, the bride selected Carol Ann by Michael W. Smith.  The organist played Trumpet Voluntary as the recessional and we picked back up for the postlude with the bride's choices:

• Andante from String Quartet in A Minor (Schubert)
• Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart)
• Air from Water Music (Handel)
• March in D Major (Bach)

Although most of the weddings I play are for harp alone, it is always such a pleasure to work with other professional musicians!  Other than the trio chosen for this ceremony (harp, flute & cello), some other popular options include a harp & violin duet, harp & flute duet, two-harp duet, and harp with string quartet.

Throughout Chicago and the suburbs, I am available to provide harp music and ensembles for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners.  More information is available on my website:  Chicago Harpist.  Please contact me about your event!

Southwest Michigan Wedding Music - Fernwood Botanical Garden Harpist

Whether you have to have your wedding inside due to rain (which almost happened) or the weather breaks and you are able to have a beautiful garden wedding, the harp is a perfect fit for weddings at Fernwood Botanical Gardens!

For Danielle and Will, the outdoor wedding was almost moved inside because of some rather threatening storms that were moving through the area.  With the help of the Fernwood staff and family members, the reception room was turned into a beautiful place to hold a wedding ceremony.

 

Fortunately for the couple, the storms broke and the weather cleared up!  The couple was able to move their ceremony into the gardens as they originally planned.  

 

For the ceremony I played All My Loving for the bridesmaid and flower girl.  Danielle entered the garden to Here Comes the Bride.  The couple left the ceremony to Only Time.  

To learn more about how we can provide wedding music in the gardens of Fernwood, visit our website Niles Wedding Harpist.