Mollie Marcuson, Harpist

Frequently asked questions about:

Weddings and Events | Harp Lessons

Frequently asked questions about weddings and events.

What does it cost for a wedding ceremony or an event?
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
Will you play for my wedding or event if it is outdoors?
How does a client secure your services and reserve the wedding date?
Does the client need to provide anything such as a chair or stand?
Do you play continuously for the entire event?
How far will you travel for events?
What will you do should something (i.e. an emergency) prevent you from performing for a event?

What does it cost for a wedding ceremony or an event?

My price for wedding ceremonies and events varies due to many factors such as location, travel distances required, and the length of the ceremony or event. Please contact me with information about your event (including the date, location, etc.) and I'll be happy to discuss my availability and give you a specific price quote. For a general idea about cost, please see my rates page for ceremony and hourly rates.

Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?

I usually do not attend the wedding rehearsal, since the rehearsal is usually on a different day than the ceremony. However, for an additional fee and if schedules allow, I can make arrangements to attend the rehearsal if the client desires my presence - especially in the case of elaborate weddings with lots of music and musicians where rehearsal is necessary.

Will you play for my wedding or event if it is outdoors?

Playing the harp outdoors rapidly adds to the wear and tear on the instrument. Extreme temperatures and humidity levels are not great conditions for stringed instruments, and in some cases the weather can adversely affect the quality of the performance. Some harpists will not perform outdoors under any circumstances, and I do not usually perform outdoors in the winter months (November through February). My rates for outdoor events include an additional fee, and I have a few special provisions for outdoor events including a large level surface to position the harp on, out of direct sunlight, and preferably under some type of shelter. Under no circumstances will I perform outdoors in inclement weather. For example, if it starts to rain you will see me immediately cover up my harp and move my instrument into the nearest shelter, no matter what else is going on at the time. I require all of my outdoor events to provide an alternate inclement weather site prior to my accepting the event.

How does a client secure your services and reserve the wedding date?

Serious inquiries are handled on a first come, first serve basis. The date is reserved in my calendar only once I receive payment of the deposit. The date and my services are legally reserved only once I receive payment of the deposit and a returned signed contract. The deposit is due at the time of the consultation. I do not require payment of the deposit before a wedding consultation, though in some cases it is good idea to pay the deposit earlier. Should a second inquiry for the same date occur prior to my having a wedding consultation with or receiving a deposit from the first client, the second client may choose to be put on a waiting list pending the outcome of the first client's decision about my services. All parties involved will be notified of the situation.

Does the client need to provide anything such as a chair or stand?

I bring my harp, harp bench, music stand, and music to every solo event. Other equipment (such as a stand light for dim lighting situations or amplification) needs to be discussed in advance as I do not always bring that equipment to every event.

Do you play continuously for the entire event?

For events lasting up to two hours, I require one 10-15 minute break. For events lasting up to three hours, I require 30 minutes of break time either in two intervals of 15 minutes or three intervals of 10 minutes. Breaks are not an issue during wedding ceremonies as there are periods of rest for musicians throughout the ceremony. Playing the harp (or indeed almost any instrument) continuously is actually quite physically demanding. I do my best to take breaks at appropriate times, such as just prior to (and during) speeches or presentations. With a little coordination and planning between myself and the client, breaks can become a seamless part of the overall atmosphere of the event.

How far will you travel for events?

I regularly travel to locations and venues throughout Texas for events. The cost of travel is included in my usual fees for locations in Travis, Hays, Williamson, and Bastrop counties. Travel to locations in counties other than those previously listed will involve an additional mileage fee.

What will you do should something (i.e. an emergency) prevent you from performing for a event?

I sincerely hope that nothing prevents me from performing at your wedding or event. In unlikely event that an extremely urgent situation (such as an accident, death in the family, extreme sickness, etc.) prevents me from performing, I will arrange for a suitable and similar instrumentation replacement based on availability. I know many other professional harpists in the Austin and throughout Texas, as well as numerous other professional musicians. I will do everything I can to find another harpist or professional musician to replace me. Should no other musicians be available on extreme short notice (i.e. car trouble en route), I will of course refund your money.