Weddings
Weddings are fun! Everyone is in good spirits as they celebrate the
beginning of a new life together for the newlyweds. And no instrument
proclaims “Celebration” like the bagpipes.
I have played for many weddings over the years. Settings have ranged
from the traditional church setting to country clubs. I’ve also played
for weddings held at the family’s home. Each setting presents its own
possibilities, though there is a large overlap among them. Here’s a
fairly comprehensive list:
- Bagpipe music can greet friends and family as they gather for the
wedding.
- Bagpipes can provide the music for the processional. There are
many different ways of doing this. For the wedding in which bagpipes
provide all the music for the processional, the piper can lead the
groomsmen out to their positions, then take up position in the front. A
more lively tune is often used for this part.. Then, playing a more
stately tune (or tunes), he plays as the bridesmaids process up the
aisle, until all are in position. At this point, a different tune is
used to play the bride up the aisle. Once everyone is in position, the
piper finishes the tune and discreetly retires from the scene. There
are many traditional tunes that are appropriate for the processional.
- If desired, the bagpiper can play during the post-communion
meditation, candle ceremony, and/or bouquet offering. Scottish
Smallpipes work especially well here if amplification is available, due
to their softer, prettier sound.
- Of course, bagpipes are the perfect accompaniment for the
recessional. Often the bagpiper plays from the back up to the front
while the bridal party gets into position, then turns and leads the
party out to a lively tune. Playing can continue only until the bridal
party is out, or bagpipes can provide music for all the guests as they
recess.
- If a picture-taking session is to take place, the bagpiper can
play for the guests as they wait (usually outdoors) for the bridal
party to make its Grand Exit.
Bagpipe music can be employed for the reception as well:
- Again, bagpipe music can greet friends and family as they gather
at the reception site
- The bagpiper can lead the bridal party into the reception area
and to the head table (or other suitable destination).
- If desired, the bagpiper can play at various points during the
reception. A good time for this is once the bridal party has been
seated at the head table. This is also a very good time to have a
dancer perform one of the tradition highland dances, accompanied by the
piper. Another good time to play and/or present a dance is just before
dinner is to begin.
These are just some ideas. Endless combinations and variations exist. I
would be pleased to work with you to integrate bagpipe music seamlessly
into your wedding celebration.