What is the best way to incorporate bagpipes at my wedding?

I can’t tell you how many times someone approached me while playing at an event and said to me “we had a piper at our wedding”. I almost always ask, “did the piper play the Bridal March for the bride’s entrance or was it a grand entrance into the reception? I always get a different answer. The truth is that the bagpipes make a statement, where you place them is important but it is totally up to you. If the bride has Celtic heritage and the groom does not, I would recommend having the pipes play for the bride’s entrance and vice versa. If the couple simply thinks the bagpipes are awesome and they want to incorporate a splash of excitement into the day there are several options to consider. Here are some ideas for good bagpipe music placement; pre-ceremony (out front as a welcome), bridal entrance, groom’s entrance, recession (exit aisle together after ceremony), cocktail hour, bridal party entrance into reception area. Contact Wheaton today to discuss more!

What do you charge & how far do you travel (wedding)?

When it comes to pricing, I use a dynamic pricing approach. I charge a rate based on a variety of elements for the event. Mainly the date, location, time of day and play (or performance) time. I have traveled as far as Page, AZ which is almost 6 hours away from Phoenix but I am open to traveling further. I do charge a travel fee for events that are outside The Valley.

What type of kilt do you wear at weddings?

First off... I always wear a traditional kilt outfit when I perform, that goes without saying. I currently own about 8 Scottish made kilts that offer a wide variety of color combinations from blue, green, red, salmon, purple, etc. I am certainly open to color requests, or even specific tartan requests. I also own a variety of jacket options from casual, to very formal, bright green, navy blue, and a military style jacket known as a doublet. If you have a specific outfit idea or color request, just let me know.

Can we meet up so that we can listen to you play & meet you face to face?

I think meeting up with someone who will be performing on one of the most important days of your life is really important. I usually meet up with brides & grooms at the Westin Resort in Scottsdale where I play at sunset however if that is not possible, just let me know and we will figure out a good time and place.

We want bagpipes at the church & also at the reception, can you play at both?

Yes, I can even play at breakfast, lunch and the after party too! I do charge an added fee if I am playing more than one location. I also charge an added fee if I am requested to play more than one segment of the day if the 2 segments combined pass 1 hour. For example, if I am performing at the ceremony and also at the cocktail hour, those 2 segments combined would definitely go over 1 hour, I would add an extra fee for that. If I perform as a welcome to guests as they enter the church and also play a fun song as the bride and groom exit the church, I would not charge an added fee for that because those 2 portions would not likely pass the 1 hour mark. Even if they did pass by a few minutes, I would not charge an added fee for that.

What songs do you recommend for a wedding?

I am a big fan of the Bridal March for the bride but Pachelbel’s Canon in D is really awesome on the bagpipe too. Scotland The Brave is really popular for the end when the officiant announces the couple and as they exit the aisle together. The Skye Boat Song is really popular and recognizable. My all time favorite is a tune called Highland Cathedral.