Bagpiper Questions & Advice
Real questions I'm asked by couples and clients, with honest, first-hand answers. Have a browse, and if your question isn't here just get in touch and I'll happily help.
Wedding costs, booking and logistics
How much does it cost to hire a bagpiper for a wedding?
It depends on your exact requirements and location. Wedding bagpiper prices typically range from £250 to £500, depending on factors such as travel distance, the amount of playing required, the number of locations, and whether you would like additional performances during the reception. Once I know a little more about your plans, I'm happy to provide a fixed quote with no obligation.
When does a bagpiper usually play at a wedding?
There are lots of opportunities to include bagpipes throughout your wedding day. Popular options include welcoming guests as they arrive; piping the bride or wedding party into the ceremony; piping the newly married couple out; playing during confetti or photographs; entertaining guests during the drinks reception; announcing and leading guests into the wedding breakfast; and performing later at the reception. Every wedding is different, so the performance can be tailored to your plans.
Weather, venues and practicalities
Can a bagpiper play outside if it's raining?
Yes. After all, bagpipes come from Scotland, where rain is part of everyday life! Light rain is usually no problem. In heavy rain or storms, it's better to move under cover: the guests are unlikely to want to stand outside in a downpour either. I adapt to the conditions on the day.
Do you have to be Scottish to have a bagpiper at your wedding?
Not at all. Many of the weddings I play have no Scottish connection whatsoever. I'm not Scottish myself, although I often joke that I am on my father-in-law's side, which is actually true! Bagpipes add a real sense of occasion, and I often receive thank-you messages saying that guests were still talking about the pipes afterwards.
Are bagpipes too loud for a wedding?
This is one of the questions I'm asked most often. In a large venue such as a church, the pipes sound amazing and are not too loud for most people. In a smaller space I'm mindful of the volume and, if there's concern, I can give a quick demonstration. So far, everyone who has asked has been reassured after hearing them in the venue.
Can bagpipes be played indoors?
Yes. Burns Night performances, for example, are generally indoors. I've played through the corridors and stairs of stately homes, hotels and registry offices. My biggest practical concerns are having someone open doors when I'm moving while playing and spotting low door frames! Churches are a favourite because of their tall doors, large roof spaces and acoustics, although there can still be steps to watch.
Music and repertoire
Can you play any tune on the bagpipes?
Not every tune will work, and occasionally I have to say no to a request. Highland bagpipes have a range of just nine notes, so some pieces extend beyond the range or require a sharp or flat note the pipes cannot produce. There are often ways to adapt a melody or work around missing notes. Ask me and I'll try it at home first, then give you an honest answer.
Booking lead times
How far in advance should I book a bagpiper?
As early as you can. Weddings are commonly booked around a year in advance and sometimes two years ahead. Burns Night is especially difficult because pipers often have recurring bookings year after year, although Burns celebrations can be held in the weeks before or after 25 January. Funerals are different by their nature and are normally arranged only a week or two beforehand.
Is it too late to book a bagpiper if my wedding is only a few weeks away?
Not at all. You may be lucky and find that I still have your date available. If I'm already booked, I know other pipers and may be able to pass your request on to someone who is available.
Playing and ceremony arrangements
How long can a bagpiper play continuously?
I can comfortably play for half an hour continuously. I also regularly perform over periods of two or three hours, with a few minutes' break between each set of tunes.
How does a bagpiper pipe the bride down the aisle?
It's your choice. I've both led and followed brides and wedding parties down the aisle. If I'm leading, I'll normally reach the front, move to one side and turn to finish the tune, then quietly leave or move to the back if I'm needed again. I secretly enjoy staying for the service because I get to sing along with the hymns! For the exit, I can start at the back where the couple comes to meet me before I turn and lead them out, or I can approach the altar first.
Do we need to tell our wedding venue that we've booked a bagpiper?
Yes. It's a good idea to tell the venue I'm coming and give them a rough schedule. When I arrive I always introduce myself to the relevant person and walk through the finer details, but everything is easier if they're expecting me.
What happens if our wedding is running late?
Weddings often run late and I'm quite flexible. I'm prepared to adapt to the situation, and reasonable flexibility is already reflected in my quote. With permission, I also like to get a photograph with the happy couple once the main photographs are complete, and exactly when that stage happens can be difficult to predict.
Choosing wedding music
Do we need to choose which tunes the bagpiper plays?
Not at all. I have a list of favourites on my wedding page and you may particularly like one for a key moment. For everything else you're welcome to say 'piper's choice' and relax while I choose suitable music. Guests also regularly ask me for requests, which I warmly welcome, and I'm happy to chat and answer questions about the pipes.
Can we choose which tunes you play - and which tunes you don't play?
Absolutely. I've even had a wedding where a particular tune was put on the 'do not play' list. You can select as much music as you like, although choosing 50 or more tunes for a long performance can become quite a task. Most couples choose music for the important moments and leave the rest to me. I'm also happy to learn one or two new tunes if my repertoire doesn't already cover them.
Does it cost extra if you need to learn a new tune for our wedding?
No extra cost. I will need a few weeks to arrange, learn and memorise it, depending on the complexity. I'll also first check that the tune works on the bagpipes.
Photography, preparation and surprises
Can you play while we're having our wedding photographs taken?
Yes. I'm sensitive to moments when the photographer or someone else needs to be heard. Outdoors, if I wander perhaps 100 yards away, guests can still enjoy the pipes without making it difficult for the photographer to give instructions.
Do you need somewhere to get changed or prepare before playing?
No. I always arrive already dressed in full Highland dress. I need a few moments to warm up and tune the pipes. If I'm appearing as a surprise, I can stop a few miles away and do that beforehand so I arrive ready to play immediately.
Can I book a bagpiper as a surprise?
Yes. I've done this often. If you give me detailed instructions about where to wait, where to walk to and a clear signal for when to start playing, the surprise can be maintained very effectively. I can warm up and tune away from the venue first.
Contingencies, travel and arrival
What happens if you're ill and can't attend our wedding?
It's rare, but it can happen. I know a number of other pipers and we cover each other's engagements whenever possible. If something prevented me attending, I would do everything reasonably possible to find a suitable replacement, although availability at very short notice can never be guaranteed.
Can you play at both our ceremony and reception if they're at different venues?
Yes. I can move between venues depending on the distance and timings. Please make this known early in your enquiry because the additional travel and time will be reflected in my quote.
How early do you arrive before you're due to start playing?
I aim to arrive around 30 minutes before I'm needed. That allows time for traffic problems, meeting the venue staff, checking arrangements, warming up and tuning the pipes. If you're not early, you're late!
Sound and procession
Do bagpipes need a microphone or PA system?
No - you can hear them across a battlefield! For a normal wedding, funeral or event I don't need a microphone, amplifier or PA system. The pipes carry extremely well outdoors and fill large indoor spaces easily.
Can a bagpiper play while walking a long distance?
Yes. I can walk a long distance while piping and manage steps. I've marched and played in carnivals for a whole hour, so leading a wedding party from one nearby location to another is normally no problem. Let me know about the route beforehand if there are hills, difficult surfaces, gates or lots of steps.