Piping Hot Romance: 10 Magical Ways Bagpipes Elevate Your Wedding Day
Wedding Bagpipes are one of the hottest trends for couples looking to add an extra sprinkle of magic to their celebrations. Here at Forth Pipers, we have been ahead of the trend for years, providing our piping services for happy couples across Scotland. Read on to find out our 10 Magical Ways Bagpipes Elevate Your Wedding.
1. Wedding Bagpipe Music
Did you know that bagpipes have been serenading newlyweds for centuries? This ancient instrument carries with it a rich history of Scottish tradition, adding depth and meaning to your ceremony.
We regularly get asked to play at weddings where the majority of guests are not from Scotland and the impact of having a piper playing as they arrive at your wedding venue can make the day feel even more special.
Music selection is something we can help with! Having been hired to pipe at countless weddings over our 30+ years of experience, we know a thing or two about wedding bagpipe music. The below list is just some of the more regular tunes we get asked for, however ‘Thunderstruck” definitely gets the nod for most unique!
Popular Bagpipe songs
- Highland Cathedral (a timeless classic)
- Caledonia
- Highland Wedding
- Mhairi’s Wedding
- Thunderstruck. by AC/DC
We’re happy to learn any tunes that you might want us to perform, the likelihood is we’ve already played it elsewhere, however, we love it when it’s a new tune for a challenge to play.
2. Bagpipes Make Your Wedding Unique
A survey by The Knot found that 73% of couples are looking for unique ways to personalise their big day. Enter a Forth Pipers bagpiper! Nothing says “unforgettable” quite like the sight and sound of a kilted musician at your ceremony or reception.
Also, you can ask us to perform at different spots throughout the day (more on this in the next section) which can make your wedding even more unique.
3. Bagpiping Versatility that Surprises
As you will see from the below list, there is a great deal of versatility in piping locations we can perform at during your wedding day. Depending on the size and location of your wedding we can provide a bespoke service for you, please get in touch to discuss options and we can build a package up to suit.
Incidentally, the smallest wedding party we’ve played for was around 5 people. The largest: 250!
- Pre-ceremony – guests arrival at the Church or ceremony venue
- As Bride and Bridesmaids arrive at the venue (helps to announce their arrival to gusts inside the venue)
- Pipe the bride down the aisle – we’ve done this in many outdoor venues, a farmhouse living room and even piped a bride on a canal boat!
- Signing of the register
- Post-ceremony celebration – as guests leave the wedding venue.
- Drinks reception background music
- Bagpipe guests to the wedding breakfast
- Piping the bride and groom to the top table (usually followed by a toast to the couple from the piper)
- Cake cutting
4. The Pipes are Perfect for Any Theme
Whether you’re planning a traditional Scottish affair or a modern fusion wedding, bagpipes fit seamlessly into any theme. They add a touch of class to beach weddings, an air of mystery to woodland ceremonies, and a dash of drama to city celebrations. The possibilities are endless!
5. Bagpipes are A Photographer’s Dream
Happy wedding couples love looking back on the timeless memory of their wedding photographs. Hiring a piper from Forth Pipers will help ensure your wedding photos are Pinterest and Instagram-worthy by hiring a bagpiper in full traditional dress.
Many of the weddings we play at have us posing for selfies with guests, which can add a fun additional element to your wedding party.
6. Pipers Helping to Create Emotional Connections
Music has the power to stir emotions like nothing else. The musicality of our experienced bagpipers will make an unforgettable day even more special. As musicians, we’re always touched and honoured when people tell us that they shed a tear hearing the sound of the pipes, something which we’ll never get tired of hearing.
7. Pipes Have a Surprising Musical Range
Think bagpipes are limited to “Amazing Grace” or “Scotland the Brave”? You’re in for a delightful surprise! Forth Pipers wedding bagpipers can play everything from traditional Scottish tunes to pop hits. Imagine your guests’ faces when the piper breaks into a bagpipe rendition of “The Slosh” or “Thunderstruck”.
Bagpipes seem to be surging in popularity on social media right now. Pipers from all over the globe are trying to incorporate traditional bagpipes with modern pop and rock songs. Here at Forth Pipers we’re constantly looking for ways to add something extra to Weddings and events.
Please let us know if you’d like us to try out some of your favourite songs on the pipes.
8. Bagpipes: A Talking Point for Years to Come
Want your wedding to be the one that guests rave about for years? A bagpiper provides that unique element that people will remember and talk about long after the last dance. It’s the kind of detail that can help elevate your Wedding day.
9. Seamless Integration with Other Music
Worried about how bagpipes will fit with your other wedding music? Don’t be! Our professional wedding bagpipers are skilled at coordinating with DJs, bands, and other musicians to ensure a smooth and harmonious musical journey throughout your day.
10. More Affordable Than You Might Think
Here’s a pleasant surprise – hiring a wedding bagpiper might be more budget-friendly than you imagine. With packages starting from as little as £190 for a short performance, it’s an affordable way to add a huge impact to your celebration.
All of our packages are bespoke depending on the timing of the wedding, how long you’d like us to perform and where your wedding venue is. Our pipers cover all over Scotland and Northern England so please get in touch to get a more accurate price for your event.
FAQs About Wedding Bagpipers:
Q: How long does a typical bagpipe performance last?
A: We’re very flexible and can work around your timings on the day, ranging from a brief 15-minute ceremony performance to several hours of entertainment throughout the day.
Q: Can bagpipers play indoors?
A: Absolutely! While bagpipes are famously loud, they’re not any louder than amplified music that a band or DJ might have.
Q: What should I consider when hiring a wedding bagpiper?
A: Look for experience, a diverse repertoire, and good reviews. Don’t forget to discuss attire – our pipers have options ranging from full Highland dress to more subdued outfits.
Q: How far in advance should I book a wedding bagpiper?
A: This varies and the short answer is – as soon as you have a date and you’ve decided you want to hire a piper. The longer answer is, as we have multiple bagpipers with very flexible schedules we regularly get short-notice bookings and rarely have trouble pairing you up with one of our pipers – get in touch and we can check our calendar.
Q: Can bagpipers play modern songs?
A: Yes! Many wedding bagpipers have an extensive repertoire that includes contemporary hits alongside traditional tunes.
Conclusion:
As we’ve discovered, a wedding bagpiper is so much more than just a musician – they’re a memory-maker, an atmosphere-creator, and a unique addition that will set your celebration apart. From adding a touch of timeless tradition to providing unexpected musical versatility, bagpipes have the power to elevate your wedding day from special to spectacular.
If you’re ready to make your wedding unforgettable, please speak to us today. Why settle for ordinary when you can have the extraordinary sound of bagpipes echoing through your venue, Elevating your Wedding Day. Don’t wait – please give us a call or a message today, and get ready to give your guests (and yourself) an experience they’ll never forget. After all, your love story is unique – shouldn’t your wedding music be too?
