Suitable tunes for wedding?

I’ve been asked to play Uilleann pipes at a wedding, piping the bride as she walks out the church. Anyone have any suitable suggestions of tunes that might be appropriate? Must be able to walk to it.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

For weddings? Hmmm, I suppose any funeral dirge should do the trick. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:


Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Walking? :confused:

C…C…Can’t…re…resis…sist … An Phis Fliuch. :smiley:

djm

The boys and I played for a wedding, and despite the obvious temptations, we agreed that it wouldn’t do. Too darkish and angular; just didn’t have a wedding-type uplifting quality to it. Strictly aesthetic considerations, of course; after all, it does have its more dignified original name. Well, after the recessional, time came for the Scattering, and seeing that mood music was called for, we just looked at each other, and launched into it anyway. :smiley:


But back on topic, PaisleyBuddy, see if you can work with the bride more closely. We had to pursue the question of the processional/recessional, and in the end it was decided (by the bride, et al.) that a relaxed, normal gait was best, and the music was to fill the air instead of dictating the pace of that customary stop-and-start thing you often see at wedding marches. But if that’s the way they want to go about it, Maire’s Wedding could work well.

Now, now, what are you suborning … :wink:

Seriously, though, I suggest you try anything by O’Carolan. There are some very simple but beautiful melodies which can go well on the pipes and which are suitable for a wedding ceremony.

Mairi’s wedding is a good one…I’ve used that one for the couple coming out.
Marches are also good…Lord Mayo or the King of Laois. Be sure not to play them too fast.
Heaton Chapel is another nice tune if you’re ok with something a bit harder/longer.
If you’re happy with regs then a simple tune like Munster Cloak can sound really great…
I can list more but its really down to whats already in your repertoire.
Whatever you play, know it so well that even if the roof caves in you’ll keep playing.
A mate says he often plays O’Carolan stuff, its sorta stately and a bit baroque sounding so works well for that sort of thing…
…so pick your Planxty!!!

Its usual form to play for the couple or give them a recording of a few tunes and let them decide what they like best.


Boyd

I embrace my pariahness. I do not kick small dogs or yell at toddlers, though.

Feadogin had the Bucks of Oranmore as the walking out bit- absolutely brilliant choice!!

O’Sullivan’s March would be a nice entry/exit piece and it isn’t too difficult a tune.

Here’s a few we have found to be suitable:

Inisheer
Gentle Maiden
Bride’s Reel
Haste to the Wedding
Happy Pair
Bride’s Favorite
Muriel’s Waltz
Sourgrass and Granite
Ann MaGuire’s Silver Wedding
Shingly Beach
Lovers’ Waltz

Chuck

,i buried my wife and danced on top of her,
,old hag you have killed me,
and of course carolans variations of the
scottish tune,cock up your beaver,
eminently suitable.
allan

One of the alternate titles for An Phis Fliuch is “The Choice Bride,” so I say why not?

No E

I say stick with an phis fluich, its in the spirit of the occasion, isn’t it? :laughing:

Didn’t you guys play that one at my wedding? :stuck_out_tongue:
Someday I will post some pics of us playing at the reception.

J.

Knowing the number of weddings I have been to:

Can I suggest

I Will If I Can -

played as slowly as you like.

yeh Ive been thru all this:
Bride: ‘Can u name some tunes?’
Piper: (all of the above)
Bride: Oh! How does that go?
Piper: I’ll send an mp3/cd/cassette
Bride:
Piper: (weeks later)So, have you made your selection yet?
Bride:
Piper: Ma’am, your wedding;s next week, do you hav a preference?
Bride: Oh, something Irish..and upbeat., &, I dunno, ceremonial?
Piper: Ok, will do!

(Scene 2: at the gig)
Clergy: You may kiss the bride!
Folk: CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CHEER CHEER ETC
Piper:
Guest: What piper? you had a Piper? I didnt hear pipes! Is it open bar?

Truthfully, she’s not going to give a toss what you play once she’s headin for the door.

My advice: smile + say yes a lot, play whatever you want to play, play it well, but play it with the look of:

“this is the perfect tune for the moment” on your face,

and get the check in advance.

IMNHO, that’s just about the short and the long of it. In the end, unless they are pipers themselves, they will not know or care what you play as long as it sounds nice. They’ll enjoy it enough to pay you… mabye tip. :smiley: