Can you be a surprise at the wedding?

There are degrees of "surprise". I've been a "surprise" many times, and I'll gladly do it again, but there are a few things to work out.

Surprises can be fun for everyone and be "stress breakers" with lots of smiles and fun. Surprises can also be the "straw the breaks the camel's back" and result in tantrums, mistrust, tears and anger.

There are issues of "to whom will the piper be a surprise" and "when will the surprise occur". I'll try to present these in a matrix.

Numbers indicate the Level of the Pipers Anxiety!	To whom will the piper be a surprise?
	Guests	Wedding Party (excluding Bride or Groom)	Bride OR Groom (not both)	Bride AND Groom
Announcement at Reception	1	1	1	3
Receiving Line/Departure from Church	1	1	2	4
Recessional	2	2	4	5
Hymn/Unity Candle	2	2	4	5
Processional	2	2	4	5
Whole Service	2	2	4	5

The numbers also correspond to the following comments:

The piper will need to know where/when they are to play. Minimal arrangements need be made for tuning. The Bride or Groom must know about it. Surprises at the church should be cleared with clergy.
The piper should attend the rehearsal. Arrangements must be made for tuning. Clergy AND bride OR groom must be informed.
The piper will need to know where/when they are to play. Minimal arrangements need be made for tuning. The parents should be informed.
The piper should attend the rehearsal. The "one" who knows must be ready to help/guide the other through. The parents AND clergy SHOULD know.
The piper should attend the rehearsal. One set of parents AND the clergy MUST know. I will always petition to NOT be in this mode as the risks are very high.

One way to have the piper attend the rehearsal without raising suspicion is to have them photograph the proceedings. I'm a decent amateur photographer and personally enjoy this. I also provides me with all the information I need for the next day and provides the families with decent photos.

Please contact me for more information on this subject.