Bagpiper instead of music for walking the aisle

That was my plan. It it turns out there is a huge festival here for pipers the same day as my wedding so I am out of luck.

Stephanie-- I'm sorry to read about the festival ruining your plan-- I really liked the idea!

That is a great idea! I think it would be cool for them to lead the bridal party down, but I dont think there is really a "right" answer.

I had a piper pipe outside our venue while guests were arriving and he piped both DH and I down the isle. DH and the MOH and BM were piped in to the same song and I was piped in to the March.

It was amazing!!!

He also piped us back down the isle after we were married!!

I was at a wedding a few years ago and they did this. They stood in the back of the church and played. I thought it was beautiful!! I was in the last row tho and it was definitely super loud but I never saw that before. I still loved it!

It reminds me of a funeral

I like bagpipes! Definitely different, but do what you want.

You crack me up; 'bagpipes instead of music', lol! I had a bagpiper do our processional, and it was great. Go for it!

Celia: I meant to come across as "traditional wedding music" LOL.

I know, i jut thought it was hilarious....there are many people who would only loosely classify bagpipes as music, but I love it! One of my couples actually had and entire BAND, with drums, pipes and that guy in the big fuzzy hat. Everyone loved it.

Do it!!!! I don't know where you're located, but I have a great piper in NJ, and I bet he knows others in other areas.

If it means something to you- go for it! We had the piper pipe as guests were arriving, he piped us into the ceremony, out of the ceremony, and into the reception. We were outside as well. He stood to a side and stood in the same location during the entrance. He moved during the ceremony and was at the end of the aisle for the end of the ceremony, and he walked us out piping. He played a couple songs for the wedding party to walk into, then stopped, paused for a few moments and started a new song for my Dad and I to walk into.

Here are the songs that we used:

Welcoming songs as guests are arriving: Scotland the Brave, Mairi's wedding, Handle's Water Music and Athall Highlanders

Wedding Party Processional: Flora Macdonald or Skye Boat Song

Brides Processional: Highland Cathedral (fairly typical, but I love it!)

Signing: Callin Mo Ruin-sa

Processional OUT: Heilan Laddie

Enter reception: Cock O the North

One thing to consider: the pipes can be really emotional for some people, how do you react? My sister was piped in too and she was totally cool as a cucumber, ready to walk down the aisle, and when the piper started... she lost it. If you have an emotional reaction you may want to consider that.

I've tried to attach a few photos to show the piper and where he was in relation to the ceremony.

TIP- If you can have your piper come to the rehearsal and figure out the best places to stand at that time it is ideal.

I've officiated at least 3 weddings with a bagpiper and I loved it!!!

At one, a sea fog had rolled in. He went to the edge of the property and then came towards us out of the mist playing the bagpipe! I still get goosebumps thinking about it!!!

We are having a bagpiper during our outdoor ceremony too! He is just going to stand in one spot the whole time. He also has several kilts that I can choose from.