Harpist | Corporate, Weddings & Events | Kathryn Lewis

Thank you so, so much for being so perfect, you really were exactly what we wanted and we are extremely grateful to you for your talent!

Jane & Ian
Thank you so much for playing at our wedding ceremony. Everyone appreciated it we will highly recommend you!

Rebecca & Craig
We can't thank you enough, the music was fabulous and it made our day so magical.

Geraldine & Stephanie
Thank you so much for being an amazing part of our wedding. The music was beautiful and perfect for the setting.

Emma & Kev
We would both like to thank you so much for adding to the lovely memories of our special day. It was a pleasure to work with you.

Louise & Julian
Thank you for adding a very special something to last night's event for the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Commerce and Manufactures. I hope you enjoyed playing as much as we appreciated your performance, it was perfect for the occasion.

Lorraine
Another big thank you for playing at Kate and Christian's wedding. We were all in awe of your talent and dedication to making this a special day for us.

Sue & Rob

First, catch your musician

Considering live music for your event? Brilliant! But how to choose ...

What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Do want your guests to get up and let go or sit back and relax? Bands are brilliant at getting people up on the dance floor; church services are made glorious by the sound of the organ; glossy black grand pianos are relentlessly sophisticated; but nothing is more elegant than the harp.
Professional or amateur? Music is a great hooby or weekend job for lots of people but for your special event you might prefer an experienced professional who knows how to bring your ideas to life.
Music is only part of being a professional musician. The most important part. But to bring our music to life, we need well-maintained, reliable instruments, good quality equipment, PAT certificates, public liability insurance, amplification, regular practise, constantly-updated repertoire. And fabulous outfits.

Recommendations are a great place to start, especially from other professionals. Venues often recommend artists they know will do a great job and will work well in that setting. Recommendations from friends will give you a good idea of how easy the artist is to deal with.
Experience is a great qualification but you don't get a certificate. Even the most precision-planned events can have little hiccups (they're fun!) but an experienced musician will know how to keep the atmosphere upbeat and flowing.

There is nothing like music to set a mood, create an atmosphere and layer on emotional intensity.

Classical music is so much more than relaxing! It has inspired revolutions, unified countries, commemorated the glorious dead, aided seduction and caused grown men to weep. Use it wisely . . .

Make the ceremony sparkle - by matching the excitement of the guests with upbeat, celebratory music. Chillout ambient pieces are great for the drinks but struggle in the ceremony - everyone is too excited!
There's always room for creativity and witty musical touches but familiar, appropriate music make everyone immediately feel as comfortable and included as possible.

If you've hired an instrumentalist (like a harpist) just bear in mind that they can only play instrumental versions of songs. Once you take the words away, lots of modern and chart songs lose a lot of their magic, so do check with your musician.
For civil ceremonies it's wise to steer clear of religious pieces (the recently relaxed rules are not consistent yet amongst registrars). Churches can have their own policies - I've played in one that insists every bride enters to Wagner's Lohengrin (Here Comes the Bride)!
If you've hired a musician, do get their input - we can help you to achieve the right atmosphere and express your ideas perfectly to your assembled guests.

It can be really tempting to fill the ceremony room to capacity but this is can be tricky!

Be realistic about guests' needs and remember to accomodate people that might need a bit of extra seating room / leg room or a place to park their pram or stash a walking stick.
No-one seems to offer training in how to 'drive' a wedding dress but those spectacular creations don't enjoy being squished. Leave good clearance in the aisle (for your dress and your escort) and especially around the register table - you'll need to be able to walk comfortably around it, sit without hindrance and get back up again.
Leave a prominent and visible space for people who will be doing the readings - it's their heartfelt tribute to you on the day and they deserve to be seen!
Check with your musicians about the room they'll need - for us it's all about being heard, having a good view of what's going on (so we don't miss cues) and safety, safety, safety!

The drinks reception is the breather after the ceremony / photoshoot for bride & groom. Make the most of the time ...

Remember to offer tea & coffee in amongst all that champagne and Pimms! Drinking in the middle of the day is an art and not everyone has perfected it. Older guests in particular will be grateful for a refreshing cuppa and if the weather is a bit sharp, a hot drink will get a thumbs up from guests.
Make sure there are enough seats! Older guests - and those of us who think flat shoes are for sissies - will need a place to park ourselves for 90 minutes.
Venues to encourage the guests to enjoy the grounds with their drinks but the joy of British living is our uncertain weather. Make sure the venue can offer a comfortable 'in case of rain' alternative.

The wedding breakfast is a highlight for everyone - a chance to replenish and enjoy the art of the chefs at your chosen venue.

Less is more - I've seen lots of beautiful (but precarious) table decorations put on the floor to make room for serving dishes and drinks.
You don't have to have speeches! More and more people are foregoing the worry of speeches for less formal arrangements, so if the thought of standing up in front of your family and friends is enough to put you off your dinner, try something different?
Weddings can be tough gigs for small (and not-so-small) children. There are some really great entertainers that can provide an alternative to the speeches and keep little ones busy while grown-ups enjoy dinner - result for everyone!