Proprietor
Matt Willis
Serving DFW &
North Texas
since 2001
Matt Willis
Serving DFW &
North Texas
since 2001
It has been asked when the most appropriate time is for a piper play at a wedding. The correct answer is, of course, whenever you want them to play! It is your day, so have fun with it! Matt can provide music on either the highland bagpipe, or the quieter Irish uilleann pipe. With that being said, here are a few ideas of when a piper could play.
Before the ceremony: Matt can play during the guests arrival and seating.
Processional: This can be done in two ways. Traditionally, the piper plays the selected tune and heel-toe marches with the bride a few paces behind. Some feel this may take something away from the bride, especially if the pipes were not played during guests arrival. The other way is to have the piper march to the altar by himself playing one tune. When Matt arrives at the altar (or if he has already reached the altar, when he turns towards the audience), he starts into the selected tune for the bride. This allows the bride to have the full attention of the audience. Also, should the uilleann pipes be chosen, they are played in a seated position, so Matt would not be marching.
Processional pieces (Click on the tune name for an MP3 sample):
The Skye Boat Song (highland pipes)
Lord Lovat's Lament (highland pipes)
Come by the Hills (uilleann pipes)
Recessional: Immediately after the presentation of the newly wedded couple, Matt strikes up and follows the newly married couple out of the church or hall. If the pipes are to only play once during the ceremony, this is the place. Again, should the uilleann pipes be chosen, Matt would not be marching.
Recessional pieces (Click on the tune name for an MP3 sample):
Scotland the Brave (highland pipes)
Gary Owen (highland pipes)
Garret Barry's Jig (uilleann pipes)
After the ceremony: Matt may play the pipes to entertain the guests while the newly wedded couple has their pictures taken, or to lead the group to the reception hall (if the hall is at the same location).
Other suggestions: If possible, have a room set aside for Matt to warm up and tune the pipes. It will take the pipes at least ten minutes of playing to settle before the final tuning. The room should be the same temperature and humidity as the main hall. If the piper was to warm up outside and then enter the church or hall and start playing, the change in climate would likely cause the pipes the quickly go out of tune.
For a free consultation via phone or email, contact Matt Willis at:
Phone: 972-657-0318
Click here to email Matt Willis
Copyright © 2001-2008 Mattpiper Bagpiping
Phone: 972-657-0318
Click here to email Matt Willis
Copyright © 2001-2008 Mattpiper Bagpiping