The presence of a Piper at your wedding can be as prominent or as discreet as you like. Sometimes the adage “less is more” holds true, sometimes the entire ceremony is infused with highland heritage and pride. The possibilities include:

Before the ceremony:

• Playing while the guests arrive before the start of the service.
• During the ceremony:
• As the bride makes her entrance.
• Leading the bride or groom down the aisle (or remaining at the back while they proceed).
• A slow air played during a mid-service candle lighting or flower presentation.
• A special piece piped during part of the communion service.

After the ceremony:

• The Piper saved as a “surprise” for the recessional, leading the newlyweds out in celebration.
• Playing as the wedding party and guests leave the service.
• Various festive tunes played outside as guests make their way through a receiving line.
• Leading guests from one area to another is another great use of a bagpiper
• Piping outside as guests arrive at the reception hall.
• Making a grand entrance for the newlyweds as they enter the reception hall.

Choosing a Piper:

Before hiring a bagpiper for your wedding ask these questions:

• How many years they have they been piping?
• Experience; How many weddings have they piped for?
• Do they belong to a pipe band that practices and competes regularly?
• At least a grade 4 or better piper?
• Price between $175 and $250? You can find a very good piper for around $200
• Charge extra for longer driving distances?
• Is the piper willing to do what you want or just what the piper wants to do? Flexible and easy to work with?
• Suggestions for tunes?
• Deposit?

Pipers do not usually attend the dress rehearsal, or if they do they will charge you extra for this.

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Authored by Kim Johnson “Michigan Bagpiper for All Occasions“.

I have been piping professionally in southeastern Michigan for 12 years at 100’s of weddings; each one is unique and special and I try to enhance this very special occasion and not take attention away from the bride and groom. I have 25 years of piping experience as a grade 4-3 competition piper with the pipe band Michigan Scottish Pipes and Drums. I am more than willing to work with a couple or family to make their wedding memorable and exciting; a wedding is about honoring and showcasing a couple, not about the piper. I charge around $200 for a wedding.