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Bagpipes can make a pleasant addition to your special day. Bagpipers have been entertaining guests at weddings, banquets and parties for centuries for the purpose of expressing the appropriate feelings of the occasion and continue to do so at to the enjoyment of all. Your guests will be quite surprised when they hear a bagpiper processing the bride and groom or marching into the reception hall. The best time to have a bagpiper play is really a personal choice, but following are several suggestions from past performances.
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
Before the Ceremony
Perhaps one of the most requested service is playing for ambiance before the wedding. If the majority of the guests are arriving at the same time then a piper can be used quite effectively to announce the wedding as they arrive. Typically, the piper exercises his repertoire for about twenty to thirty minutes near the entrance of the church. Please be sure this will not interfere with other musician's performances that generally take place before the service.
Processional
Perhaps one of the most attractive uses of the bagpiper is leading the bride and groom down the aisle. Many tunes are appropriate for this from "The Bridal Chorus from Lohengren" ("Here Comes the Bride") to "Scotland the Brave". Please be sure that the church or wedding chapel permits the playing of bagpipes.
During the Service
Playing during the ceremony can be very effective. However, keep in mind the piper must attend the rehearsal and must be well informed about his part in the service. As well, the piper must have a visual cue to play, preferably from the director. Typically, "Amazing Grace" or a similar hymn is pleasant following the Vows or the lighting of the Unity candle. Again, please be sure that the church or wedding chapel permits the playing of bagpipes.
Recessional
As well, this can be a very effective use of the bagpiper, as it announces the the exit of the bride and groom, as well as the wedding party. Typically, bright marching tunes are best for the recessional such as "Mairi's Wedding" and "Murdo's Wedding".
At the Receiving Line
As an alternative to the Recessional, the bagpiper can play outside the church as the guests are exiting the church or wedding chapel. The bagpiper should play for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes while waiting for the receiving line to complete. As well, the bagpiper can play a fast and lively tune while the couple enters the limo.
THE RECEPTION
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hours, which are usually void of live entertainment, can be a perfect place for bagpipes to be played. A single piper can easily blend in the room and provide background music for your guests.
At the Reception
This is the most popular time for bagpipers to play other than immediately after the wedding ceremony, either as the guests are arriving or as the musical entertainment. Don't be surprised to see your guests clapping and dancing to the pipe music. Commonly, the piper plays for about twenty to thirty minutes as guests are arriving. Please be sure this will not interfere with other musician's performances that generally take place during the reception. As well, a waltz played by the bagpiper while the bride and groom dance is a popular choice. A perfect tune for this dance is "Those Endearing Young Charms".
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Musical Preferences
Your bagpiper has an extensive repertoire that he can customize to accommodate any venue and any occasion. Though there is a great deal of music that bagpipers will know, ask if you have a special request.
Attire
Your bagpiper will wear full formal Scottish regalia including kilt in the Morrison tartan, sporran, and evening jacket.
Wedding Photographs
Your bagpiper can be available for pictures upon request. Please do not hesitate as they are always happy to participate. If you are in need of a photographer for your wedding in the local Birmingham area, I have a list at your request.
TO REQUEST A PIPER FOR YOUR WEDDING, CLICK HERE!
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