Pipers at weddings

[EagleJCS]

As a piper who has played a couple of weddings (and other gigs), I can make a few suggestions:
--> Decide how much music you want the piper to play: any prelude, the processional (including the bridesmaids - with a different tune? - or just YOUR processional), anything during the service, the recessional, anything at the reception, etc.
--> Start researching tunes NOW. Popular tunes, in general, will not fit the bagpipe scale. Some can be 'fudged', but may turn out to be unrecognizable. Slow airs, slow marches, etc. are good for processionals. Recessionals are a bit more lively and upbeat, so 6/8 marches, hornpipes, or jigs/reels could be employed.
--> Start looking for a piper soon. Book them ASAP. There should be several within reasonable distance of your location. You're in the MidWest Pipe Band Association's (MWPBA) area of influence, so that would be a place to start. Local pipe bands may also serve as a contact point for soloists.
--> Make sure there's a place for the piper to tune up* that: 1) has about the same environment as the location where the wedding service will be taking place and 2) isn't a 15-minute walk away through different conditions (that affects the tuning). If the piper's going to be a surprise, then this tuning location also needs to be out of earshot of the guests.
--> Will the piper be playing as a soloist, or with another instrument (pipe organ, etc.)? If they're playing with another instrument, there may be issues with tuning and/or volume. The Great Highland pipes have one volume - you can't 'blow softer' to be quieter. It's also difficult for the pipes to match the same pitch as other instruments (so they sound nice playing together). I don't what kind of musical background you have, so I don't want to get into the whole pitch/key/tone discussion.
--> Make sure the piper is paid in full under the agreed-upon terms. (Some pipers prefer being paid up front, some are OK waiting until after the service, some want a down payment, etc.).

I'm sure OC Richard (if he checks in here) will have more suggestions.

* Yes, bagpipes can - and SHOULD be - tuned. If a piper you contact doesn't ask about a tuning location, find another piper.