The 5 reasons why brides can’t get enough of the harp for their wedding day.

The 5 reasons why brides can’t get enough of the harp for their wedding day.

 

Harp at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire.jpg www.redeventweddingfayres.com


The harp is a beautiful and curious instrument. Dating back at least as early as 3000 BC, it’s one of the oldest instruments in the world.

The harp appears as an important symbol in several cultures, possibly due to its powerful effect on the body and the senses. Many mythical creatures have been depicted playing harps, including angels, mermaids, sirens and gods.

Since the thirteenth century, the harp has been Ireland’s national symbol, and has even been adopted by the popular beer, Guinness, which features a harp in its logo.

The harp was once adored by royalty and harpists were required to evoke three emotions from the audience: tears, laughter, and sleep.


Why are harps so popular?

Famous harpists, such as Elias Parish-Alvars–who is considered one of the best harpists of all time–helped to increase the popularity of the instrument in the early 20th century. More recently, popular artists, such as Florence and The Machine, have brought the harp back into the mainstream. 

It’s no surprise then, that the harp is the instrument of choice for countless couples to walk down the aisle to. 

Oona Linnett, an accomplished harpist with over 20 years' experience playing for weddings shares the 5 reasons why brides keep harping on about having a harpist for their wedding day!

1)  Enjoy a sound like no other

With its rich, romantic sound and dramatic visual impact (not to mention how fantastic it looks,) a harp lends a sophisticated and elegant backdrop to your day.

Oona Harpist Samlesbury Hall, Lancashire.jpg www.redeventweddingfayres.com

 

2)  Dial the stress levels down

The harp is inherently soothing and relaxing. This is especially helpful on a day which can be hectic and stressful. A groom recently wrote to thank me, saying he felt quite tense before the ceremony waiting for the bride to arrive, but the harp music really helped him to relax.

 

3)  Metallica meets Bollywood?

It’s versatile! Don’t just think of whooshy sounds, angels and ball gowns. Yes, a good harpist can play traditional wedding classics, but if you’d like a bit of Metallica or the theme from Harry Potter, some Bollywood or your favourite song played on the harp, why not? The harp is infinitely adaptable and has the knack of making any piece of music or song sound like it was written for it!

Royal Nawaab Manchester.jpg

 

4)  No entourage needed

A harp is self-contained. You get the melody and harmony all in one instrument! No need for backing tracks or another musician to provide accompaniment. Also, a good wedding harpist will provide their own amplification if needed.

 

5)  Your day, your rules

A harp can go anywhere (almost!) It can easily be moved from room to room if needed and can follow the guests wherever they are throughout the day. I can even provide a smaller harp if space is tight, and can also play outside if the weather allows. I provide everything I need to do so, including a battery-powered amp.

Abbeywood, Cheshire.jpg

 

Who is Oona?

Oona is an accomplished harpist with over 20 years' experience playing for weddings and functions throughout North West England and North Wales. She provides music for the ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast, and has recently been highly commended in the 'Best Wedding Ceremony Act' (North England) category at the Event Entertainment Awards 2019. 

To explore how Oona’s music can enhance your day, view her repertoire, listen to sound clips and much more, visit her website now! https://www.oonalinnett.com/

Oona Harp blog Isla Gladstone, Liverpool.jpg www.redeventweddingfayres.com

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Looking for that Perfect Wedding Invitation? Read up about Cards by Samantha's top tips for the latest wedding invitation trends!

Looking for that Perfect Wedding Invitation?

If you have started the journey to finding your perfect wedding invitation, you will know the choice is endless. Style? Colour? Pocket fold? Printed? Handmade? If you’re looking for some inspiration or just a place to start, why not begin by having a look at the top tips for invitation latest trends? Here is Cards by Samantha’s top tips when choosing the perfect wedding invitation!

Green in nature inspired wedding invitation

Green:

Inspired by the Royal Wedding, which was full of beautiful green and white shades, this colour is tipped to be big this year. It is such a versatile colour and as it is found in nature in abundance, it can also be teamed with lots of different trends, which are also going to be popular – rustic wood, flowers and leaves, sparkle, various shades of metallics. Green also goes well with the ever-popular blush colour.

Purple Inspired wedding Invitation!

Purple:

Very popular a few years ago, this colour is making a comeback! From the rich and exotic deep purple, through magentas, lilacs and mauves, all shades look beautiful on wedding stationery. Colour can be included in a number of ways – ribbons, dried lavender flowers (which also give the recipient of your invitation an amazing aroma!) or a simple mauve mount – purple always add a touch of luxury.

Navy Inspired Wedding Invitations

Navy :

Navy is the new black! Navy is stunning – teamed with blush, golds, silver or paler blues. It is very versatile and warmer than black, but still as dramatic. Bridesmaid dresses also look fabulous in this colour and it suits most skin-tones.

Metallic Inspired Wedding Invitation

Metallics:

Metallics are not just gold or silver! Metallics are set to be everywhere and they are so easy to incorporate into your venue and table decorations. Why not combine two coloured metallics – silver AND gold go well together. Also think about copper (which has been a big home decor trend this year) and rose gold – which has also been popular this year. Metallics look lovely teamed with blush, clean white and navy and lend themselves to the geometric paper trend in invitations.

Pink & Floral inspired Wedding Invites

Floral and Nature:

Floral and Nature whether choosing printed florals or paper flowers and leaves to decorate your invitations, flowers are usually a big part of any wedding day and it starts with your invitation. The trend for garland decorated invitations also incorporates the floral theme, as does the green colour trend. I like using florals as the elements can be taken and used to great effect on all your co-ordinating day stationery.

I hope this has given you some ideas and inspiration! For more inspiration on your perfect wedding invitation visit www.cardsbysamantha.co.uk, visit my Facebook page or visit me in person either from my small garden studio in Cheshire or at the Formby Hall Wedding Show on Sunday 21st October, where all my range can be viewed and your ideas can be brought to life!