brucecampbell.co.uk pipingworld@hotmail.co.uk 077 5984 5201

PIPING AT WEDDINGS
This is perhaps the classic job for today’s professional piper; it is high profile, demands exact precision and an ability to produce a well-tuned bagpipe on demand, sometimes under very difficult circumstances. In the last few years I have played at weddings in Scotland and England including ceremonies at Edinburgh Castle where an unusual condition to overcome was the thousands of tourists who rushed to hear the sound of the pipes and blocked up the road and many access points.

I have also had the pleasure of playing at several army weddings for fellow pipers and drummers and consider that to be a great compliment.

Choice of music is very important although I would generally advise that after a discussion with your piper that you leave the choice to him.

I would generally wear either Prince Charlie evening dress or a Regulation doublet as these make the occasion more ‘photographic’.

Playing at a wedding involves me arriving 45 minutes before scheduled playing in order to ‘recce the ground’ and also to pre-tune and have the opportunity to discuss last-minute arrangements with the best man.

Variations on wedding ceremonies (I don’t think I have ever played two the same) include;
* Playing for guests to arrive - it certainly adds to the occasion as they also get ‘piped out of the car’;
* Playing for the Groom;
* Playing for the Bridal Party;
* Playing for the Bride (‘Mairi’s Wedding’ goes down well as it is instantly recognisable by everyone and the Bride fells it is ‘her’ tune for the day;
* Playing outside the church or registry office;
* Playing down the aisle (‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘Highland Cathedral’ are popular choices here);
* Playing while photographs are being taken;
* Playing the guests into the reception;
* Playing the ‘top table’ into the reception;
* Playing for the Bridal Waltz.

I have also played at many Wedding Receptions either as a solo piper, with other pipers, or even with Highland or Irish dancing.

COSTINGS: a wedding is usually a long day for a piper although sometimes it is just at the service, play a few tunes and away. Regardless of what the day entails there is a lot of preparation, For that reason fees can vary between £150 and £250 for a piper and more if a Highland dancing team is involved - which makes great reception entertainment. My advice - don’t pay over the odds, and make sure you get good value for money BUT you won’t get a professional piper for fifty quid!