Inspired by Belle*'s Answer to #3 of the Big Fat Greek Wedding Thread
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simbarel · 10-08-2003, 04:20 PM

The scenario is:

A big stone church with only 100 guests (i.e. hollow.) A nice musical balcony in the rear. February in Maine (too cold for an outdoor musician.) A bridal party dressed in plaid. A bride who loooooves everything Scottish, and a groom and a priest who think it's a bad idea.

Belle* · 10-08-2003, 04:45 PM

You know what my vote is!! Slainte! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Grumpygal · 10-08-2003, 04:46 PM

I would say why not. You only get married once hopefully and I really don't see what would be such a bad idea about it. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

BostonTeaParty · 10-08-2003, 05:36 PM

Bagpipe music rocks!! If you don't do it, you'll regret it forever. You're gonna do it, right?

signed,
Mull of Kintyre

AKLRULZ · 10-08-2003, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NancyW:
Bagpipe music rocks!! If you don't do it, you'll regret it forever. You're gonna do it, right?

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">I totally concur! Follow your heart and what you want as a couple (hard if he doesn't want it). You should have no regrets after your ceremony.

Signed,
Been there done that! [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img]

TiggGrrrl · 10-08-2003, 06:24 PM

I say definitely go for the bagpiper, such a wonderful addition that would be to your special day [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

LuvMK · 10-08-2003, 06:37 PM

You should have everything you want at your wedding! It's your special day! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Dumbo · 10-08-2003, 06:51 PM

You've asked the wrong person. I love bagpipe music. It's your day so have it your way.

Signed,

Love is in the air.

simbarel · 10-08-2003, 07:07 PM

Wow, guys! I didn't expect to get so much support! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

DF is ready to let me have my way during the ceremony (he's been sooooooo good already!) and I couldn't imagine why he would object to the bagpiper. (I'm not quite sure, but maybe the fact that I briefly dated a piper from Scotland might have something to do with it...) I informed the priest of my plans, and he just rolled his head around and complained about the noise. "Do whatever you want," he said tossing his hand at me "but they're just so LOUD."

There's some "no bagpiper" responders out there, I'm interested in what they have to say, too!

Is there anyone who has actually heard a piper inside a large (the aisle is 110 feet) gothic stone cathedral? I'm interested in some first-hand experience. DF is the sound engineer, so it's hard to argue with his expertise. Last thing I want to do is to blow everyone's eardrums out at my wedding!

But thanks again everyone for your encouragement on the Project Bagpipes: Yes side. It means a lot!

Janet 46 · 10-09-2003, 08:49 AM

Keep in mind that I know next to nothing about musical instruments, but can a bagpipe be muffled in any way? The church where I grew up and got married was huge and I know that on a couple of occasions, there was bagpipe music, but that was when the church was full of people. It was a bit loud then, so I can't imagine how loud it would be in a less full church. If it's confined to the choir loft it may not be so bad.

By the way, I voted yes!

AKLRULZ · 10-09-2003, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by simbarel:
Is there anyone who has actually heard a piper inside a large (the aisle is 110 feet) gothic stone cathedral?

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">Well, while my church isn't a cathedral, it is huge - seats nearly 3,000 people. It has soaring ceilings, two galleries, and balcony seating. We have an orchestra pit with a full orchestra and we've had bagpipes played occasionally for regular Sunday morning worship services, and its always sounded amazing.

I hope you follow your desire - remember it is your day as a couple - it's not a day for your priest or for your guests - I think a lot of people forget that and it torques me off to hear people complain or critique other people's wedding ceremony or reception plans. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] Ya'll need to come to terms with it as a couple and run with the decision. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Just my opinion.

ProChristo · 10-09-2003, 10:42 AM

We had a piper lead us out for our recession, and it was wonderful. It was loud, but the church was large with lots of stone and woodwork and little carpet. No one complained and we got lots of nice compliments on having the piper there.

Is there much fabric in your church? Padded seat cushions or carpet? If so that will help absorb some of the sound so it doesn't get too "live". Also keep in mind your guests will be wearing lots of warmer clothes since it's Feburary (bodies and clothing will help absorb some of the sound too). That should help considerably. Some churches have acoustic panels that can be set up for just that type of thing. Although unsightly, they might be fitted into an unseen corner of the sancturary or balcony out of sight.

Can you tell I think you should go for it?

GoofyMom · 10-09-2003, 10:55 AM

I'm one of the "no" voters. I think that if your DF doesn't want it, well, it's his wedding too. Marriage quite often means making compromises.

Ask your DF why he doesn't want the bagpipes. Maybe he's like me and finds them too whiney and squealy. Or maybe he associates them with funerals and parades. (I do) Or maybe he'll hear how much you want them and he'll compromise and decide what the heck. I'd have a bit of a concern about echoes.

There have been some really good points about how it could be one of those things you may regret if you don't have it so it's definitely worth finding time to talk with him about it.

**Colexis Mom** · 10-09-2003, 11:47 AM

I say go for it Rachel! You'll regret it otherwise. It's very unique and something you'll remember.

simbarel · 10-09-2003, 04:35 PM

Jeezum Steve, that sounds like a giant church! I remember you saying you have 3000 in your congregation, but I didn't know they all sat there at ONCE!

Thank you so much for your continued support. I'm going to show DF this thread (he's on the road for a month, so it won't be for a while until we get the final word) and like I said, he's allowing me to plan the ceremony (he gets the reception) so I doubt he'll complain too-too much.

Seriously, I had swept the idea under the rug until the moment I read Belle*'s answer. And y'all are right: Life's too short for regrets! Thanks!