Questions to Ask Your Wedding Musician Before You Book

Choosing your wedding musician is about more than loving the sound. It is about knowing that the person you book is experienced, prepared and easy to work with. These are the questions I always encourage couples to ask, because they lead to calm planning and a smooth wedding day.

Peter Oliver Photography

Can you play outside?

Outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions are very popular, but not all instruments or musicians are suited to them. Weather, ground conditions and space all matter.
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I will absolutely play outdoors but will always advise honestly on what is suitable for your location. The harp works beautifully outside in dry, calm conditions, and I will guide you on positioning, shelter and timing so that everything works musically and practically. Due to the precious nature of my harp, I don’t perform outside between October & March.

Do you need power?

Some musicians rely heavily on amplification, which can affect where they can set up. As a harpist, I can perform acoustically, and in many spaces the natural sound of the harp is more than sufficient.

Peter Oliver Photography

Are you insured?

This is essential and something venues will often require. I am fully insured with public liability cover, and I am happy to provide certificates to your venue or planner when needed.

​Do you take more than one wedding per day?
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This affects how flexible and present your musician can be. I only take one wedding per day. This means I am never rushing from one event to another, I arrive in good time, and your wedding has my full focus and attention.

Peter Oliver Photography

What do you need from us as a couple?

This tells you how organised and thorough your musician is.
I will ask about your ceremony structure, timings, access, and your musical preferences. I also like to understand the feel you want for the day. Clear communication means nothing is left to chance. On the day I require a chair (always provided easily by the venue!), parking and soft drinks. Some couples take this as charging a soft drink to their bill, others let me help myself to the soft drinks for the drinks reception.


Can we choose our own music?
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Personalisation is important, but it needs to be handled properly.
When booking me as your wedding harpist, you are very welcome to choose your own music, and I will guide you on what works well on the harp and within your ceremony. If a piece needs arranging, I will do this in advance so it sounds natural and polished.

Peter Oliver Photography

What happens if something changes on the day?

Weddings rarely run exactly to time, and your musician needs to adapt.
I am used to working flexibly with registrars, celebrants and coordinators. If timings shift, entrances change or the order of events moves, I adjust in the moment so the music continues to support the flow of the day.
How early will you arrive?

This gives you an insight into professionalism and preparation.
I always arrive with plenty of time to set up, check the space, and be ready well before guests arrive. There is no last-minute rushing - that is not conducive to a strong performance!
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Have you worked at our venue before?

​Familiarity with a venue can make a big difference, especially when it comes to logistics.
If I have played there before, I will already understand the acoustics, layout and practicalities. If it is new to me, I will research it thoroughly and liaise with the venue so everything runs smoothly.

Peter Oliver Photography

Asking these questions helps you understand not just how your wedding musician sounds, but how they work. The right answers should give you confidence that your music, and the moments it accompanies, are in safe and experienced hands.

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Image Credits
Venue - Crown Hall Farm, Lincolnshire
Photographer - Peter Oiver Photography