What more romantic instrument is there than the harp? Its supremely elegant harmonic curves and delicate romantic sound lend a sophistication difficult to match.

In the generous acoustic of a church the harp can fill the air with music. For a civil ceremony, in a hotel perhaps, the harp can transport you beyond the mundane surroundings and make a real sense of occasion, setting the mood, at first of solemnity before the ceremony, imposing for the entry of the bride, then romantic when the register is being signed and finally joyful as the new couple leave.

At the drinks reception the gentle sound of the harp both permits and provokes conversation and entertains the tongue-tied guests who know no-one but the happy couple. Granny loves the old songs, the mechanically minded are intrigued by all the moving pedals and discs and children are fascinated by the sound.

At the wedding breakfast the harp again allows conversation to flow uninterrupted but also allows guests to eat without worrying about keeping the conversation going.

It would probably be too much to have harp music at all three stages. If the drinks are to be served in the garden it might be better to have the harp music during the meal as the sound of the harp dies quickly outside.

Jenny has played at more than a hundred weddings, sometimes for the ceremony and sometimes for the reception or both, at all sorts of venues including Blenheim Palace, Hever Castle, Ascot Royal Enclosure, Stansted House, Avington Park, Wentworth Golf Club, The Vineyard, Stockcross, Combe Manor, Hotel du Vin, Winchester, Walpole House, Strawberry Hill, and on board the New Orleans, but also at the bride’s farmhouse home!

Background music is chosen from a range of different styles including light classical Spanish, French and English music, favourite songs from the shows and opera, classic favourites, transcriptions from lute and guitar repertoire.

• John Thomas  Watching the Wheat