How are bagpipers used in Weddings & Receptions?
AT THE CHURCH: We have found that most Roman Catholic Parishes do not allow a bagpiper inside of the Church, so we usually have a single piper play a safe distance from the main entrance. For most events, the bagpiper will perform immediately following the ceremony, as the Bride & Groom greet their guests leaving the church. This is a nice touch as it provides background music as everyone patiently awaits the last person to exit the Church. Believe it or not, this can take up to 30 minutes. AT THE RECEPTION: The most difficult decision about having us play at the reception is timing. We can play during the cocktail hour or during the reception. What we have found is that the cocktail hour works best. Having us play in the beginning of the cocktail hour allows the bride and groom to remain the focus of the festivities as the night goes on and provides a rousing and robust start to the celebrations for the evening.
