Mud mud mud

Did it rain at your ceremony site recently? No problem!

I have a great plywood board that I can bring with me to protect the harp and equipment from the damp ground. It can also help with leveling out an uneven surface...but one thing some people don't think about is the pathway the harp must often travel to get to the ceremony site. In one of my weddings yesterday, I had to wheel the harp about 100 yards in the thick mud. The ceremony site was wonderful but because of the mud they wouldn't let cars close and there was nothing I could do. This was not only taxing on me, but took a very long time. Not to mention what it did to my shoes. There is no one to blame for this however, it would help that your vendors know they may have some walking to do so they can prepare. Had I known that the ceremony cite was so far away from parking, I would have been more prepared. Sometimes I can bring old carpet pieces or car mats to help in the transportation.

But all of my couples had great weather yesterday (maybe a little humid). But nothing close to the rain that we were expecting! So congrats to James and Misti and Mike and Carrie.

Elizabeth

Here comes Santa Claus

Yes, while the stores are setting up for Halloween and Thanksgiving, the musicians are dusting off their holiday music. Holiday events start to book very early because of demand and planners that like all the details taken care of ahead of time. Surprisingly, many holiday parties are now being held prior to Thanksgiving or in January. This really extends the time we can play those holiday favorites. I love it! No reason for some of those songs to be limited to 30 days a year.

An example is a recent booking of a holiday lunch to be held in early November. The coordinator was quite surprised to hear that I would support her Christmas theme so early. If the facility and caterer will do so, then why wouldn't I?

Last year I was quite busy with daytime and evening events. Harp music really adds an extra special touch to your open house or dinner event. It expresses gratitude to employees or long standing customers. Being a great backdrop for table conversation, the playlist does not need to be limited to just holiday music but should include some old favorites, classical, and more contemporary music....depending on your event and guest list.

Some of my long standing clients have already been calling about booking but are quick to say they haven't solved their budget issues yet. I love how many of them are coming up with creative ways to save money but still show their guests the same great time they have in the past.

For one event, I am only playing during the cocktail hour instead of continuing through dinner. Usually this company makes use of just one room for cocktails and dinner, but they actually save money but using two rooms and just me for the cocktail hour. Once their guests enter the room for dinner, the facility can provide music overhead and the guests won't notice I have left.

Another event is going to Sunday night....this also got them a discount on my services!

Yes, I discount Sundays (and Fridays!). I would say that almost 1/2 of my 2007 business was on a Friday or Sunday. I think 2008 will shape up to be the same.

So Happy Halloween....Happy Thanksgiving, and for all my fellow musicians, Strike the Harp and Join the Chorus! Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Elizabeth

Here we go!

Many clients have said how much they would gain from a realistic blog about wedding music. Not a website selling CD's or suggesting the same ten songs, but information about what works, what choices couple can and should make, and how to find a musician that works for them.

So that is what we will do. Share ideas, visit old ideas, and hopefully, help some couples plan the music that will enhance their wedding.

Elizabeth