How To Create A Scottish Wedding Theme

If you are looking to create the perfect Scottish wedding theme, then you have come to the right place. Whether you are marrying in Scotland, marrying a Scot or simply want a Scottish wedding theme, there are many ways in which you can bring the flavour of bonny Scotland into your wedding day.

Firstly, you need to ensure that by choosing a Scottish wedding theme, you incorporate all the typical Scottish wedding traditions that one would expect to see at a Scottish wedding. Your Scottish wedding will naturally start with the groom having a stag night and the bride having a 'taking out.' This does not mean she orders herself a takeaway; it is simply a Scottish version of a hen night or bachelorette party.

Another important Scottish tradition is to have a 'show of presents'. This is not dissimilar from a bridal shower and basically refers to an open house where future wedding guests all get together and shower the bride-to-be with gifts. It's a very lively and happy occasion for both families.

Now you need to think about what everyone is going to wear! As far as the wedding outfits are concerned, it is traditional for the groom and groom's party to be wearing the family tartan, ideally in the form of a kilt! For those who are not comfortable wearing a kilt, you might wish to bring the tartan styling in elsewhere in your attire. Tartan cravats, handkerchiefs or sporrans can work really well when accompanied by a more modern trouser suit. Equally, a tartan sash can work really well over the top of the bridal gown or bridesmaid dress.

The next important part of your Scottish themed wedding is to ensure you have a bagpipe player at your event. There are many points at which the pipe playing could be incorporated and it really is up to you how you include it. It is said to bring good luck to the happy couple and those with Scottish heritage would expect to hear a piper at a typically Scottish wedding.

Now let's talk about the all important Scottish food menu! When it comes to the wedding breakfast, any of the following foods will go down well with your guests; haggis, smokies, Scotch broth, Angus beef, Scottish salmon, bannocks, tatties or Scotch pies. For those marrying outside of Scotland, there are many wedding breakfast ideas which can be researched well in advance of the big day. Your caterer or wedding venue will be able to provide some inspirational Scottish food ideas if you speak to them.

The wedding cake itself, is traditionally supposed to have two layers. These layers are best when packed with fruit and laced heavily with brandy. As with other wedding cakes, your Scottish wedding cake can be decorated with floral arrangements in accordance with your theme such as heather or thistle. Alternatively, if you have a particular colour scheme, such as deep purple, this colour ribbon can be tied around each tier of your cake.

You need not be restricted though when it comes to the perfect Scottish wedding favours, as there is so much choice. Scottish tablet and home made shortbread are often used at traditional Scottish weddings and these can be beautifully presented in tulle nets, personalised favour boxes or in organza bags in accordance with your wedding theme. Some brides have special favour bags made from the family tartan in which to house the tablet or shortbread for their guests. In more recent years, brides have given tartan paper wrapped chocolate bars and even miniature bottles of Scottish whisky.

Lastly, your table and venue d cor needs to complement the Scottish theme. You could lay family tartan runners up the centre of long refectory style tables and dot Quaich dishes along the runners. Thistle shaped foil confetti is a great way to add sparkle to your table especially surrounding heather and thistle floral centrepieces. Hopefully this article has give you some great inspiration for creating a Scottish wedding theme successfully.