Hiring a wedding piper is a special part of many Scottish weddings and it is completely natural to have questions before booking. As a professional wedding piper based in Glasgow I regularly perform at weddings across Scotland and have answered these questions many times. Below you will find some of the most common questions couples ask when looking to hire a Scottish wedding piper.
When is the best time to book a wedding piper?
For summer weddings in Scotland most couples tend to book between six and eighteen months in advance. Some couples are very organised and I regularly receive enquiries up to two years ahead of time. Popular wedding dates fill quickly especially during peak wedding season so I always recommend getting in touch as early as possible to secure your date.
How long does a wedding piper usually play for?
A typical wedding booking usually involves thirty minutes to an hour of continuous playing. Bagpipes take around fifteen minutes to warm up and this time is usually included within the overall booking. After a playing session a short break of around fifteen to thirty minutes is considered standard.
For full day Scottish weddings the playing is spread across key moments. This often includes piping for guests arriving before the ceremony piping the bride and bridal party into the ceremony a short session as guests exit and then piping the newlyweds and top table into the wedding reception. These natural breaks suit both the flow of the day and the instrument itself.
What parts of the wedding can a piper be involved in?
It is your wedding day and I am always happy to accommodate requests where possible. The most common moments couples choose for wedding piping are guest arrivals at the ceremony the entrance of the bridal party piping the bride down the aisle playing during the signing of the certificate piping guests out of the ceremony and piping the newlyweds and top table into the reception.
I have even been asked to deliver a traditional piper’s toast to the happy couple and I have a quaich specifically for this which adds a lovely Scottish touch.
Can you help us choose suitable tunes for our wedding?
Yes absolutely. I have a set wedding tune list which I can send over when you make an enquiry. This includes popular Scottish wedding tunes and traditional favourites. I am also happy to learn specific tunes if you give me enough notice. I can send recordings in advance so you can hear how everything sounds before the big day.
There may be an additional cost for learning new tunes so it is always best to get in touch early if you have something special in mind.
Do you need access to power or any special setup?
No special setup is required. The bagpipes are loud enough on their own and can be played both indoors and outdoors. I bring everything I need to provide traditional Scottish wedding piping wherever your ceremony or reception takes place.
What do you wear when piping at a wedding?
I always wear a kilt when playing the bagpipes. I currently have two kilt and jacket combinations available and I am in the process of obtaining full Number One dress. I am happy to wear a kilt and jacket or waistcoat combination that best suits the style of your Scottish wedding.
Can you play indoors as well as outdoors?
Yes I can play both indoors and outdoors. During the winter months I do prefer to keep feeling in my fingers and toes but that never stops me performing for weddings and events across Scotland.
How far do you travel for weddings?
I am based in Glasgow and regularly travel across Scotland for weddings. Travel costs may be added depending on the distance and this will always be confirmed clearly at the time of booking.
What happens if it rains on the wedding day?
I am very used to playing the bagpipes in the rain. I carry a waterproof cape to keep myself and the pipes protected. As I often say though there is a difference between waterproof and Scotland proof.
How much does it cost to hire a wedding piper in Scotland?
Wedding piping prices can vary depending on what you are looking for. You can view my current pricing options on the website with packages starting from one hundred and sixty pounds for piping as guests arrive. For full day weddings I may be playing for around one and a half to two hours in total but spread across several hours. Pricing reflects both time on site and travel to your wedding venue.
Do you perform for different types of wedding ceremonies?
Yes I provide wedding piping for civil ceremonies church weddings humanist ceremonies and I have even piped for elopements across Scotland.
How early do you arrive on the wedding day?
I usually arrive around fifteen minutes before I am due to start playing. For most weddings this means arriving around one hour and fifteen minutes before the ceremony begins. I hate being late and I always make sure I know exactly where the venue is before setting off.
Can guests request tunes on the day?
If a request is for a traditional Scottish tune I am usually able to play it on the spot. Popular wedding requests include Scotland the Brave Highland Cathedral Flower of Scotland Highland Laddie and The Black Bear. These are all staples of a bagpiper’s repertoire and having played the pipes for over twenty years I can usually accommodate most on the day requests.
Do you work with wedding venues and coordinators?
Yes I regularly work alongside wedding venues and coordinators and have shared my details with many across Scotland. I also frequently play before Scotland football matches at The Ark in Glasgow so if Scotland are playing you know where to find me.
How do we secure the booking and make payment?
The first step is to contact me to check availability for your wedding date. Most couples prefer to pay in cash on the day although I am also happy to accept payment in advance.