Providing background music for the guests

Bagpipes at Weddings

If you are looking for a bagpiper for a wedding, you are in the right place. My name is John Virag and I enjoy providing bagpipe music for weddings and other events in the Ottawa area, including western Quebec. You may ask, should I have bagpipes at my wedding? In my experience, they fit very well. Of course, a Wedding is an important personal experience and you have many options on how to set up the program of events. Here are a few ideas of where bagpipes fit nicely in the ceremony.

Welcoming the guests – Greet your guests as they arrive for the ceremony at the church or other venue, and possibly at the reception, with a selection of light, cheerful tunes. Bagpipes at the wedding start will let them know something special is happening

The Procession – many brides have been piped down the aisle to the sound of bagpipes. Some popular tunes for this moment are Highland Cathedral, Ode to Joy, Rose of Kelvingrove, Here comes the Bride, or even a mix of one or more of these. Slow marches and airs are best for this, since they give the bride more time to make a proper entrance. If you have a favourite tune that you want to use, just let me know.

Signing the Register – during the break in the ceremony while the newlyweds sign the register, the pipes provide background music to keep the atmosphere light and happy

Ready to pipe in the bridal party

The Recession – when the newlyweds head back down the aisle to leave the ceremony, a lively march is great accompaniment. Mairi’s Wedding is a favourite.

Congratulating the new Couple – In a receiving line or an informal grouping, the guests often enjoy the opportunity to congratulate the new couple after the ceremony. The pipes provide background music while people mingle.

At the Reception – When the celebrants arrive at their reception, how better to announce their arrival to the guests than to have them escorted in to the skirl of the bagpipes?

In all of the examples above, if you have a particular tune or theme that you’d like to follow, we can discuss it and I will do my best to meet your expectations.