How To Create A Scottish Wedding Theme

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.

First and foremost 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. This means that your Scottish wedding will naturally start with the groom having a stag night and the bride having a 'taking out' 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.

Next, you need to organise a 'show of presents'. As the name suggests, 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 traditional occasion, enjoyed by many families over the years and has become an expected part of a wedding; it usually replaces any sort of engagement party.

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.

When it comes to the wedding breakfast, it would be in keeping with your theme to give guests any of the following foods; haggis, smokies, Scotch broth, Angus beef, Scottish salmon, bannocks, tatties or Scotch pies. Your caterer or wedding venue will be able to provide some inspirational Scottish food ideas if you speak to them. For those marrying outside of Scotland, there are many wedding breakfast ideas which can be researched well in advance of the big day.

When it comes to the wedding cake, it is traditional for it to have two layers. These layers are traditionally Scottish 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 thistles or heather.

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.