Having bagpipes at your wedding

A player from Pipers of Distinction can participate in any or all of the following at your wedding service: 

• Piping whilst the guests are arriving - using a piper here becomes a focus point for your guest. They automatically are given the impression that this is a grand event, as well as the piper being used as a central meeting point for event. Bagpipes (or Great Highland War Pipes) are not a quiet instrument.  Your guest will know exactly where they are meant to be!
• Having a piper play and greet your guests for 15 - 20 minutes before your arrival is usually about the normal length of time people can endure the volume of the bagpipe for and the piper can physically play.
• Play the Bridal car up the drive to the Church Door - this can add pomp and pageantry to the bride’s arrival.
• Piping the Bridal Party down the isle can give the affair a very regal feel - Normally we play the bridesmaids down the isle to one tune such as “Highland Cathedral” and keep the traditional “Here Comes The Bride” for the grand entrance of the bride. This tune however does not have to be played and we are always pleased to discuss any other option you may have in mind. The piper can either lead the bridesmaid and bride down the isle, or just the bride, or stay in the doorway / alcove of the church whilst the bridal party make their way to the alter.  There is no right and wrong and again, we are only too happy to work in with your wishes. Using the piper to herald in the groom and his attendants can also be effective if the more traditional organ or other instruments for the bridal processional is preferred.
• Playing whilst the register is being signed - this can either be done with the Great Highland Bagpipe or a much quieter instrument like a Highland Musette if more a background style effect is required.
• Piping the Bride and Groom out of church  - The Recessional comes at the end of the ceremony when the piper will lead the newly wedded couple and the remainder of the bridal party back down the isle and from the church. Once outside, the piper will continue to play lively jigs and reels announcing to the world a great union has just taken place for approximately 10 minutes while the newly wedded couple are being congratulated and photos of the bridal party are being taken.

OR…

• Playing whilst the guests are arriving at the reception centre - Pre Dinner Drinks (approximately 20 minutes)- This can be the perfect time to use a piper as there is generally very little other entertainment provided whilst guests are arriving. Again, this helps attract the attention of your guests.
• Piping the Bride and Groom into the reception  - nothing adds pomp and pageantry to such an auspicious occasion as to have the bride and groom piped into the wedding breakfast. A very effective use of your bagpipe player from Pipers of Distinction.

Everyone has different concept as to what will make his or her special day something grand. We are only too happy to discuss with you how a performer from Pipers of Distinction can assist in making your day a musically memorable one.