The sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe can make a fantastic addition to a wedding.
Whether you have Scottish family connections, love Scottish music or simply want something memorable and different, hiring a Highland Piper for your wedding can add a strong sense of occasion to the day. But when should the piper play? What music should you choose? And how does wedding piping actually work?
As a professional Highland Piper based in Hereford, I perform at weddings throughout Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the West Midlands and South Wales.
When can a Highland Piper play at a wedding?
There are many different ways to incorporate a piper into your wedding day.
Welcoming guests
A piper can perform outside the church, wedding venue or reception venue as guests arrive.
This creates an immediate sense of occasion and gives your guests something memorable to experience before the ceremony begins.
Piping the bride into the ceremony
One of the most traditional uses for a wedding piper is to accompany the entrance of the bride or wedding party. The pipes can provide a spectacular musical entrance and work particularly well outside churches, historic buildings and country wedding venues.
During the signing of the register
Depending on the venue and ceremony arrangements, a piper can provide music during the signing of the register. This is an opportunity to use something more relaxed or reflective.
Piping the newlyweds out
The newly married couple can be piped out of the ceremony together. This is often a lively and celebratory moment and provides an excellent opportunity for photographs.
Piping guests into the wedding breakfast
A piper can also welcome guests into the wedding breakfast or reception. This can be particularly effective at a country house, hotel or outdoor wedding where there is plenty of space for the sound of the pipes to carry.
What music should you choose?
There is no requirement to choose only Scottish tunes. Of course, traditional favourites such as Scotland the Brave, Highland Laddie and The Black Bear can create a lively atmosphere, but there are many other possibilities.
The choice of music can reflect:
- Your Scottish or family heritage
- A favourite tune
- The character of your wedding
- The location of the ceremony
- Whether you want something formal or celebratory
A good wedding piper should be able to advise you rather than simply hand you a list of tunes and leave you to decide.
Do you need Scottish ancestry to hire a piper?
Absolutely not. You don't need to have Scottish ancestry to have a Highland Piper at your wedding. Many couples simply love the sound and visual impact of the pipes and want something distinctive for their wedding day. I regularly perform at weddings in England and South Wales where the couple's connection with Scotland is through family, travel, music or simply an appreciation of Scottish tradition.