Bagpipes at civil ceremony?

We are having a piper at our civil ceremony (spud for those who have heard of him). I am Scottish and H2B English so not sure what some of the guests will think, but they will hopefully like it. I love them anyway!!

I think just have whatever you want, its your day!

You love the sound of the pipes??????? you strange woman! they are an instrument of war y'know!! LOL.

I like contemp music and Braveheartesque melodies on the pipes but dont care for the traditional skeerie-whirlie stuff!

If you have no scottish links and I myself was not scottish and attending then yes, I may think its a bit odd as the pipes are not everyones cuppa.....being piped into your wedding is a distinctive scottish tradition. Its up to you of course and a nice touch by all means....

Hi kentishbride,

i'm having them, but h2b is scottish so it's relevant. personally speaking, i really dislike them, but h2b really wants to be piped out of our civil ceremony so have agreed to them. our ceremony room is quite small and the pipes inside would make people's ears bleed, so our piper will stand outside, and have the end of the ceremony signalled to him for him to start piping. it will still be loud enough for people to hear.

i must admit that i would find it a bit weird for someone with no discernible scottish background to have them at their wedding, much like i find it a bit weird for people with no scottish background or attachment to wear traditional tartan kilts.

Thanks for your rerplies ladies - iknow what you mean about the pipes not being to everyone else's taste - i personally love them and i know that what i would like is a very traditional scottish thing to do so i just wanted to sound out people's opinions x

Have they helped you make a decision? I'm English, hubby is Scottish and we had a piper and drummer at our blessing in Scotland and I have to say, most of our guests say it really added to the atmosphere of the day but I have other friends who desPISE the pipes... they give me goosebumps in a good way (if they're played properly!), so I just loved having that aspect of Scottish tradition at my wedding.

I might find it strange going to a wedding with no scottish roots and there being pipes. I did attend one wedding a few years ago down in England and the brides milkman was scottish so all the family wore kilts ... they looked great but it just didn't make any sense to me!

Anyhow, its all down to personal preference and what YOU want for your day! Let us know what you decide!

Mrs SP x

Ifeel exactly the same as you - they give me goosebumps everytime i hear them :-)

Im still waiting to see whether the reg office will allow them in the ceremony but i am pretty much certain that thy wil def feature in the wedding like playing when we are having photos and during the drinks reception at least.

x