Bagpipes for Your Wedding
For generations, bagpipes have played a special role in weddings. Bagpipes are a flexible instrument that can make your celebration unforgettable for all attendees, whether greeting guests as they arrive, leading the processional, or playing out the newlyweds in the recessional.
Because wedding planning can be a time-consuming process, we want to make hiring a bagpiper as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on enjoying the day.
Don’t hesitate to contact Matthew for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore ideas for the ceremony/reception and address any queries you may have.
*Matthew is LGBTQ+ friendly and WILL NOT discriminate services to anyone.
At the Reception
It’s typical to have the bagpiper assist with the transition from the wedding ceremony to the reception once the ceremony is over. On many occasions, newlyweds will be “piped in” to the reception or dining hall by a bagpiper as part of their big entrance. The DJ or live band can then provide entertainment for the remainder of the evening once all of the guests have arrived.
Tune List for Weddings
The wedding music repertoire ranges from slow, regal-sounding compositions to exuberant, quick-march numbers. The speed of the processional bagpipes tunes corresponds to the slow walk to the altar, whereas the recessional and celebration tunes are vibrant and joyous, and announce the newlyweds with fanfare. Several elements, such as the wedding venue or the desired mood, can impact the song choices. Here are some examples of tunes played at wedding ceremonies:
Processional
-Highland Cathedral
-Here Comes the Bride
-Mari’s Wedding
-Murdo’s Wedding
-Flower of Scotland
Recessional
-Scotland the Brave
-Green Hills of Tyrol
Other tunes may be available if suitable to the instrument and given enough time.
What Will It Cost?
The standard fee for weddings is $400 for venues within 30 miles of Melbourne, FL. This includes up to 5 hours of time and encompasses the processional, recessional, “piping in” of the couple at the reception. Attendance at a rehearsal will be an extra $50 for up to 2 hours of time.
For locations more than 30 miles outside of Melbourne the fee will start at $500. Venues more than 3 hours away may require an overnight stay (lodging costs added to fee). A $100 non-refundable deposit at time of booking is required for all bookings which goes towards the total balance.
Please note that I will play in nearly ANY weather conditions, unlike some musicians!
Weather exception – outside during active lightning.
Forms of Payment
Matthew accepts cash, check, money orders, Apple Pay, Venmo, and Paypal.
Deposit due at time of booking. Balance due at time of service.
What Will the Piper Wear?
For weddings, pipers will generally wear traditional formal Highland dress. For Matthew, this will include his Wallace family tartan, Black argyle jacket, vest and bow-tie, dress sporran, white drone chords or ribbons, white socks, and Glengarry hat. For playing in inclement weather outside, he may chose to add an Inverness cape.
Ready to Book Your Event?
Click the button to send a booking request or ask a question and Matthew will get back to you shortly.