Stephanie West

1, Do you take requests?

I definitely take requests! One request per client per wedding ceremony is included, beyond that is a matter of negotiation. An mp3 or online video is very helpful for requests. If the pieces are particularly chromatic or jazzy then they may not work well on the lever harp, however, the majority of requests are fine, including some unexpected pieces.

​

​​

2, Can you play outside?

I love to play outside and I have battery powered audio equipment so I'm not tied to a power socket. However, the weather has to be perfect in order not to damage my harp (harps can be damaged by hot sun or any rain or hail, also wind blown objects). That perfect weather is now rare: in my recent experience, most UK weddings come with the chance of rain. I encourage all my clients to find an alternative indoor venue they are happy to use in case of bad weather.

​

Sometimes a venue will have an appropriate shelter that can protect me, my harp and my equipment from light rain. This can mean:

​​​

• An existing structure at a venue - a veranda, a porch, playing inside for guests outside, with the doors open

• A temporary structure i.e. a marquee or a gazebo

• N.B. Tree shade is great for sunny weather but not enough for rain

​​

This is great for working around light summer drizzle but our UK weather has now got so stormy in summer that sometimes even an outdoor shelter won't be enough. This brings us back to the value of having an alternative indoor venue that you're happy to use.

 

I am very happy to discuss this in advance with you. It is really important that we get the weather protection right, or I may be forced to make the very difficult decision to not play on the day. If you are totally committed to an outdoor event whatever the weather, then maybe hiring a harpist isn't a good fit for you.

​​

​​

 

3, What are your terms and conditions?

You can read my full terms and conditions here: https://www.stephanie-west.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

 

My summarised full terms and conditions are as follows below:

Please note there is a non-refundable deposit of 25% and cancellation fees apply (25% if less than four weeks, 50% within a week and 100% if less than 48 hours). If for any reason I am unable to play for you I will find you a suitable replacement for the same fee, or refund in full your booking fee.

​

If I am playing outside, then an alternative indoor venue and any potential outdoor shelters need to be confirmed in advance.

 

If you need to make any changes to this agreement please confirm them in writing.

If I am unable to accommodate your request then this counts as a cancellation and is treated accordingly. I will always try my best to assist you if something needs to change. 

 

​

4, What happens if you we booked you, but then you can't play at our wedding?

If I can no longer play at your wedding then I will do my best to find you a suitable replacement harpist. I have good colleagues that I trust to do a great job. If I am unable to find a suitable replacement, then your deposit will be refunded in full.

​​

​

5, Do you have public liability insurance?

I am a member of the MU and am covered by their public liability insurance. I can send you the document on request.

​​

​

6, Is your equipment PAT tested? 

As of Jan 2018, I am PAT testing all my equipment for events. If this is required for your venue please let me know.

​​

​

7, Do you need us to arrange anything for you for the day?

I bring a piano stool and battery-powered amp so don't need you to supply anything except solid level ground and appropriate shelter if outdoors. If I am playing for a ceremony, it is really helpful to be at the front and able to clearly see the registrar and bride and groom for timings. Sometimes if parking is tricky, clients reserve me a parking space. A cup of tea is really appreciated but not expected!

​​

​

11, How long do you need to set up?

Arriving at the venue for the first time, I need about an hour to set up, provided I can park relatively closely (within sixty secs). If the parking space is further away then I may need to allow one hour fifteen minutes and a secure space inside the venue in order to leave my instrument. 

​​

​

12, What happens if you move rooms inside the same venue?

If moving between rooms (including a garden) in the same venue, I need up to 15 mins to move and reset.

​​