| Wedding Pipers We are often asked about getting a piper for weddings, funerals,
social functions and other special occasions. Here is some information you may find
helpful. If you want to know more please email us.
Why have a piper?
A glamour and romance of the pipes can add flair an excitement to a special event. The
haunting sound of the pipes can add dignity and gravitas to solemn occasions like
funerals. Throughout history, and not just in Scottish culture, the bagpipes have featured
in important events in people's lives.
When to play
What, where and how long you want the piper to play will depend on the event. The pipes
often work best at the beginning or end of an event, or where the piper has a clear role
to play. The most common roles for pipers are:
Weddings
- Piping the bride into the church.
- Playing the wedding party out of the church (which can be a
nice "upbeat" end to ceremony, and the piper can keep playing tunes outside
while people leave the church and congratulate the happy couple).
- Piping the happy couple into the reception venue (leading
into the toast).
Funerals
- Piping the casket from the church (or playing outside while
the casket leaves the church).
- Playing a lament during the service.
- Playing a lament at the graveside for the interment.
Formal functions / Social events
- Playing outside the function venue, or in the foyer, as
guests arrive (especially for night-time or black-tie events).
- Playing for dancing (reels, jigs, Scottish country dancing).
- Performing a musical item during an event (usually better
with more than one piper, or even the whole band).
"Leave them wanting more" is as true of the
bagpipes as any instrument. So choose an appropriate time and place for the piper to play,
and don't overdo things. Less really is more.
What tunes?
If you have a particular request, let the piper know several weeks in advance in case he
has to find the music and learn the tune. Not all tunes can be played on the pipes, so it
is best to stick to the regular Scottish pipe tunes. All pipers have their favourites, in
addition to the popular standards. The piper will be able to suggest appropriate tunes,
and you should discuss the "main" tune to be played, if it is for a wedding
march or particular purpose.
Other than that, a selection of the popular, tuneful songs
and melodies is usually appropriate, since most people know some of these. Showy tunes
have their place, but the old favourites and the toe-tappers are always good choices. One
final thought: Amazing Grace is often requested for funerals, but is probably not as
suitable for a wedding given the sentiment of the song.
Getting organised
The piper will need to get ready in good time for the event, find parking,
tune the instrument (which can be done off-site, but not too long before performing), and
will need clear instructions on when, where and what to play. It often helps if a person
is delegated to meet the piper at the venue, or if the piper can scope out the venue
before the big day.
When planning the event, it pays to follow the K.I.S.S. principle ("keep it
simple, stupid") to help things go smoothly on the day. Remember, the pipes are quite
loud so playing indoors in a very small room could be a bit overpowering. Any church,
event venue or hall should be fine though. On the positive side, pipes don't mind the
rain...
Uniform
A piper should always wear the kilt, but other than that there are various levels of dress
from shirt-sleeves through to full military dress. In most situations, it is probably
better to err on the more formal side since that it usually what people want to see and
have come to expect on a special occasion.
Finding a piper
If you live the Auckland region, you can contact us
for assistance. If you live elsewhere, try contacting your local pipe band. A list of pipe
bands and contact details (including websites for those that have them) can be found on
the "NZ Bands" section of the Royal New
Zealand Pipe Band Association website.
Our warmest regards for the big day!
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