Nothing says ‘Scottish wedding' quite like the sound of bagpipes, so if you want to embrace your heritage with the help of a piper, we've got everything you need to know about the tradition
Photo: Glen's Bagpiping
Why are bagpipes played at weddings?
Having a piper play at a wedding is a custom that’s been going strong for hundreds of years, as our ancestors believed that if a bagpiper met with the bride first, she was guaranteed a happy marriage.
And, as the Scots are not a nation to argue with superstition, piping is still a priority in 2024.
How to choose the right piper
Finding yourself a talented and dedicated piper is stage one of keeping the heritage alive. And, as you’ll frequently find in the planning process, word of mouth is the single most reliable method of landing the right person for the job.
If you’re struggling to gather tips from your social circle, you can book through an institute such as the National Piping Centre or have a look at reviews online and ask for a Grade One piper when it comes time to book.
What music can they play?
As with all of your wedding day, the music played by the bagpiper is customisable to suit you as a couple. Talk to your piper about what kind of music you'd like to hear from them on the day. Depending on which aspects of the day they are playing during might change what songs you'd like.
They can play traditional Scottish songs which we're used to hearing on the bagpipes, but they can also play a favourite song or something meaningful if you let them know ahead of time.
Keep in mind that the piper will know best, and with the bagpipes only being able to play eight notes, there might be some songs that don't quite come across as you'd hope.
(Photo: Alison White Photography)
What does a bagpiper do at a wedding?
Once you have a piper on board, deciding what to do with them is the next question. Talk to your piper about what they offer and think about which parts of your wedding would be made better with bagpipes. Agree ahead of time exactly where and when the bagpiper will need to be.
For the ceremony, the bagpiper could play as guests arrive at the ceremony, pipe the bride in, play during the signing of the marriage schedule, and play a few songs as the crowd is leaving.
Afterwards, the piper can welcome the newlyweds into the reception and announce the cutting of the cake, but they will typically not stay for too much of the reception.
Find the right bagpiper for your wedding on our directory
Can bagpipes be played in any weather?
Bagpipes can be played in all weather, but if its stifling or freezing keep this in mind and don't expect your piper to play for too long. If it's raining this will limit the amount of time the bagpipes can be played for as the drones will eventually stop working.
(Photo: Francis J. Smith Photography)
The piper's toast
Part of a bagpiper's service on the wedding day often includes being the first to publicly wish the newlyweds well and congratulate them with a toast.
It typically happens after they have piped you into the reception and you reach your table, at which point one of the newlyweds will offer the piper a dram which they will use to give the toast. The other half of the couple will then toast the piper before they leave as a thank you for their services.
