Bagpipes are becoming increasingly popular as a choice for wedding music. No longer thought of as simply “Irish or Scottish”, the pipes today are enjoyed by people of many different nationalities, cultures and ethnic groups.
The pipes can be an excellent choice for a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception dinner – any or all of the above! Here are some typical ways in which the pipes can be used in a wedding:
(See also Irish Whistle for additional celtic music options for your wedding.)
The Ceremony [For music suggestions, see FAQ’s.]
Before the ceremony - Pipes play outside for 20-30 minutes as guests arrive. (See also Irish Whistle below.)
Processional - Pipes play in the beginning of the ceremony, as the bridal party walks up the aisle, and/or as the bride walks up. Usually, a different tune will be played for each. (See Tune List). The pipes can also be played as the groomsmen enter, and/or as the mothers enter.
During the ceremony (See Irish Whistle below.)
Recessional - Pipes play at the end of the ceremony, as the couple walks back down the aisle. One fun option is to have the piper march up from the back playing, then turn and lead the couple back down the aisle.
After the ceremony - Pipes play for the receiving line, and as the couple makes their formal exit from the church.
The Cocktail Hour
There are several ways the pipes can be used for the cocktail hour:
Leading guests from the ceremony area to the cocktail hour, if the two are close.
Greeting guests as they arrive at the cocktail.
Playing throughout the cocktail - One option here is to alternate between the bagpipes and the Irish whistle (flute) – The whistle is a nice contrast to the loud pipes, and can be played among the guests – which is fun for them! Also, the whistle can play many songs that do not “fit” on the pipes.
The Reception Dinner
Here, the pipes typically enter at a pre-arranged time, and play for 5-10 minutes (although they can be played for a shorter or longer period). This is typically done as a “surprise” for the bride, groom, one of the family members, or for the guests. It’s always a great effect and lots of fun for all!
The Irish Whistle (aka “penny whistle” or “tin whistle”)
(NOTE: There is no additional charge for including the whistle.)
The Irish whistle is a small, sweet flute which can play either slow, gentle melodies or quick, joyful dance tunes. (See Videos and Audio samples.) It is used to play both Irish and Scottish tunes. Here are a few ways it can be incorporated into a wedding:
Before the ceremony, as guests arrive: The whistle is a sweet, gentle way to greet guests. This can be especially nice for an outdoor ceremony, where the pipes might be loud and obtrusive if played for 30 minutes close to the guests. And for an indoor ceremony, the whistle is soft enough to play inside, close to the guests as they are gathering.
During the ceremony - The whistle can add a lovely touch here, especially during a quiet section such as a candle-lighting, reading, communion, etc…
The whistle can also be played during the cocktail hour (see above), as well as the reception dinner.
Jewish Weddings
The bagpipes are now being used more and more frequently at Jewish weddings. There are many ways to incorporate the pipes here…and Hava Nagila sounds great on the pipes! Please contact for more information.
Hindu Weddings
The bagpipes are not an uncommon addition to Hindu weddings, and offer many options. Please contact for more information.
Sikh Weddings
The pipes are also being used more frequently now at Sikh weddings. A wonderful effect as the groom appears on the horse! Please contact for more information.
