Piper Nathaniel Roberts
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
So, you're thinking about having bagpipe music at your wedding... Have you thought about exactly how or when? Here are some suggestions here on how to use a piper and what to expect.
AT THE SERVICE
-Outside the church or ceremony site as guests arrive;
-During the Processional for the bride and/or her party;
-A special selection at some point during the ceremony, often during
the signing of the documents;
-During the Recessional -as the couple march out together;
-During the receiving line and/or photographs after the ceremony;
-While the couple are entering their vehicle and departing.
AT THE RECEPTION
-Outside the reception party as guests arrive;
-Entertain During Cocktail Hour -often with Scottish Smallpipes;
-Pipe-in the couple or head table to the reception party;
-Play for the couple's first dance;
-Playing dance music and selections as requested by guests.
Before the Ceremony - This is actually a very good time to have the piper play. If the majority of the guests are expected to arrive within a short period of time, say 15-20 minutes before the ceremony starts, then a piper can be used quite effectively to greet them. Have the piper play a selection of waltzes and slow marches off to the side, perhaps wandering around the front steps if it happens to be at a church, or off in the garden or treed area for outdoor settings.
The Processional - Pipers are quite often asked to play all or a portion of the bridal processional, which can include playing for the parents, flower girl(s), ring-bearer and bridesmaids, as well as for the bride herself. It's nice to have several melodies in a row if this is the case, with a very grand and down-tempo piece to announce the bride's entry. If other music is available such as one might find in a church setting, the bagpiper's processional can be shared with, for example, that of an organist, pianist, or harpist. The pipes can even be played ensemble with a church's pipe-organ -this combination is quite outstanding actually. The piper can either lead the processional(s) by playing himself up the isle, where he will end up standing off to one side of the church or ceremonial site (most often to the far right of the groomsmen), or he can stand near the back of the isle (church entrance) while playing. Using the piper to march-in the groom and his attendants is quite effective if other bridal processional music is preferred.
Processional tune suggestions: Lohengrin's Wedding March (by Wagner), Mairi's Wedding, Road to the Isles, Those Endearing Young Charms.
During the Service -During the signing of the register is the perfect moment to play a contemplative melody or pastoral air. If you're thinking of commisioning a your very own unique piece just for your wedding, this would be an excellent moment to debut it.
In-service tune suggestions: Highland Cathedral, Mrs Joy Cairns, MacCrimmon's Sweetheart, Rose of Kelvingrove.
The Recessional -This is at the end of the ceremony when the piper will either lead the couple and attendants back down the isle, or play them down the isle from the back of the church or ceremonial site. The music at this time should be lively, brisk and happy sounding.
Recessional tune suggestions: Highland Wedding, Train Journey North, Clumsy Lover, Let's Have a Ceilidh.
After the Ceremony - The piper can continue to play outside of the church or ceremonial site as the guests are exiting. The playing can go on for approximately 15-20 minutes while waiting for the receiving line to complete, or while photos are being taken. Once the photos are completed and the rice is thrown, the bagpiper can now begin to play a fast and lively tune while the couple enters the limousine. If the reception is being held in a different location, the piper can play as the guests are leaving for the reception. If however, the piper is asked to play for the arrival of the guests at the reception, he will need to leave soon after the ceremony to arrive at the reception location prior to the guests.
Cocktail Hour - Cocktail hours, which are usually void of live entertainment, can be a perfect time for the bagpipes to be played. Note: The Scottish Small-Pipes are a good choice for smaller reception halls and intimate outdoor settings. A single piper can easily blend into the space and provide background music for your guests.
At the Reception - There are other prime moments during the reception for a bagpiper to play. The most common and appropriate use of a piper at the reception is to announce the arrival of the wedding party and pipe them all in. A quick musical flourish before the speeches, or just prior to the cake-cutting can also be a great attention getter. If the piper is sharing the entertainment with another band or a D.J., he can play for a few minutes just prior to the change-over. He can also play during the other band's or D.J.'s breaks (usually a customary 15 minutes). Unless there is a particular set of tunes requested, the piper should already have several sets of tunes that they know well and intend to play. But if you do have special tunes that you would like played, or would like the piper to be accompanied by another musician, such as an organist or harpist, it is best to discuss this well in advance of the event to make preparations.
The Couple's First Dance -One of the most dramatic and anticipated events of the wedding will be the couples first dance. Well tuned and great sounding bagpipes will make it an unforgettable moment. Again, if you're contemplating commissioning a special tune written just for your special occasion, this would be a stunning time to hear it for the first time, otherwise here are some favourites:
First Dance tune suggestions: Loch Lomand, Skye Boat Song, Iriskay Love Lilt, Mull of Kintyre, An Antaireachd Ard.
THE PIPER'S ATTIRE
Most weddings are formal affairs with the bride wearing a bridal gown and the groom a tuxedo or morning coat. In most cases the Black "Prince Charlie" jacket is appropriate. When booking a wedding, it is important to have an idea of how the wedding party is going to be dressed. This, in addition to the genre of music to be played, helps determine which of several outfits the piper should wear. If the bride and groom are wearing informal but dressy attire, a day-wear (informal) Scottish outfit is usually worn unless requested otherwise. Sometimes the wedding is totally casual (usually in a natural outdoor setting such as a beach). On such occasions (especially in hot weather), a simple muslin 'peasant-style' or short sleeve dress shirt with the kilt and daywear accessories suffices.
HELP FOR THE PIPER!
Often the piper's participation in the wedding ceremony is meant to be a surprise, if not for the bride & groom then perhaps some important guests. In such cases, the piper needs to be able to arrive unseen and to tune up unheard. It is helpful to provide a "runner" if possible - someone who knows the order of events, and can stay at the performance site to watch and/or listen for the piper's 'cues'. This enables the piper to fine-tune his instrument within a few minutes of the actual performance times. It's not essential, but most pipers appreciate this assistance, and has the added benefit of a better-sounding performance. On hot days it is essential that there be water or other liquid refreshment available. Shade on warm-to-hot sunny days, and shelter for inclement weather is a must for any performance lasting more than a few minutes. Extremes in temperature (hot or cold) may necessitate more 'breaks' and/or a much shorter performance. When in doubt about any of the above, or in the event of unforeseen conditions and/or situations, the client's sensitivity to the musician's comfort and needs will always ensure the best possible performance.
Happy Planning!
Happy Planning!
Now, we wouldn't suggest having pipe music at all these popular times, that might be too much of a good thing! You'll need to consider what kind of atmosphere you want and decide how best to deploy your very own piper.
