Scottish Wedding Traditions and Etiquette – Complete Guide

Looking for wedding traditions in Scotland? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Scottish wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.

Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.

To help you explore Scottish traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique Scottish Wedding Traditions

Scottish weddings are steeped in tradition and folklore, often featuring customs that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some unique Scottish wedding traditions:

• Handfasting Ceremony: Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that involves the binding of the couple’s hands with a ceremonial cord or cloth. This ritual symbolizes their commitment to each other and their union in marriage. Handfasting is often incorporated into modern Scottish weddings as a meaningful way to honor tradition.
• Quaich Ceremony: The quaich, or “loving cup,” is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel used in wedding ceremonies. During the ceremony, the bride and groom each take a sip from the quaich, symbolizing their shared commitment and the bond of marriage. The quaich may also be passed around to guests, who offer their blessings and well-wishes to the couple.
• Tying the Knot (Literally): In some Scottish weddings, the couple may participate in the “tying the knot” ritual, where they literally tie a knot as a symbol of their unity and commitment. This tradition dates back to ancient Celtic customs and is often performed using a decorative cord or ribbon.
• The Quaich and Sword Dance: In some regions of Scotland, it is customary for the groom to perform a traditional sword dance, known as the “quaint and sword dance,” at the wedding reception. This dance involves intricate footwork and movements with a sword, symbolizing the groom’s strength, skill, and readiness to protect his bride.
• Bagpipe Procession: A bagpipe procession is a common feature of Scottish weddings, with a bagpiper leading the wedding party as they enter and exit the ceremony venue. The stirring sound of the bagpipes adds a sense of grandeur and tradition to the occasion, evoking the spirit of Scotland.
• Ceilidh Dancing: Ceilidh dancing is a popular feature of Scottish weddings, with guests joining in lively traditional dances such as the Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, and the Dashing White Sergeant. Ceilidh dancing is a fun and inclusive way to celebrate the couple’s union and get everyone involved in the festivities.

Traditional Scottish Wedding Attire

Scottish weddings are known for their distinctive and timeless attire, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. 

• Bride’s Attire: The bride typically wears a traditional white wedding gown, similar to those worn in weddings around the world. However, in Scottish weddings, brides often incorporate elements of tartan fabric into their attire as a nod to Scottish heritage. This may include a tartan sash, scarf, or garter, adding a touch of Scottish flair to the ensemble.
• Groom’s Attire: The groom traditionally wears Highland dress, which typically includes a kilt, sporran (leather pouch), sgian-dubh (ceremonial knife), and kilt hose (socks). The kilt is made of tartan fabric in a pattern associated with the groom’s clan or family. The groom may also wear a jacket, either a Prince Charlie jacket for formal occasions or a tweed jacket for a more relaxed look.
• Groomsmen and Male Guests: Male members of the wedding party and guests often wear similar Highland dress to the groom, with each person selecting their own tartan pattern to represent their family or clan. This creates a colorful and festive display of tartan fabric throughout the wedding party.
• Bridal Party Attire: Bridesmaids may wear dresses in colors that complement the bride’s attire, with some incorporating tartan accents or accessories to coordinate with the overall Scottish theme. The bridal party’s attire is often chosen to create a cohesive and elegant look that complements the bride and groom’s outfits.
• Accessories and Embellishments: Both the bride and groom may accessorize their wedding attire with traditional Scottish accessories. These may include tartan shawls, brooches, kilt pins, and traditional Scottish jewelry such as thistle motifs or Celtic designs. These accessories add a touch of authenticity and elegance to the overall ensemble.
• Tartan Patterns and Clan Crests: Tartan patterns are a central feature of Scottish wedding attire, with each pattern representing a specific clan, family, or region. The groom’s choice of tartan is often based on his family’s heritage or personal preference, and may include colors and symbols that hold special significance.

How to Say “Best Wishes” in Scottish?

In Scottish, to express “Best Wishes,” especially in a wedding context, you can say:

“A’ the best!”

This phrase conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and success. It’s commonly used to extend congratulations and good wishes on special occasions like weddings in Scottish dialect.

Scottish Wedding Gifting Etiquette


Gifting is an important part of Scottish wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s in Gifting

• Cash Gifts: In Scotland, cash gifts are becoming more acceptable, especially in the absence of a gift list. The amount given can vary, but it is generally less than in other countries like Ireland. 
• Gift Lists: Many Scottish couples have gift lists, where guests can choose from a selection of items the couple likes. This is a common practice due to couples living together before marriage and already having most household items.
• Personalized Gifts: Consider unique and personalized gifts that the couple will treasure for longer. Customized items like cushions, aprons, or kitchenware are appreciated for their uniqueness and thoughtfulness.
• Traditional Gifts: Traditional gifts like matching mugs, posh bedding, champagne flutes, and crockery are safe choices and are likely to be well-received by the couple.
• Consider the Relationship: The amount spent on a gift can vary based on your relationship with the couple. Close friends and family commonly give between £100 and £200. It’s essential to consider your closeness to the couple when determining the gift amount.
• Timing of Gift Giving: It is not necessary to bring the wedding gift to the ceremony itself. Guests can give gifts before or after the wedding, and it is not uncommon for couples to request cash gifts that can be used towards their honeymoon or new household items.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid Extravagant Gifts: While generosity is appreciated, giving excessively extravagant gifts, especially in the absence of a gift list or specific request, can be considered inappropriate. It’s advisable to strike a balance and not go overboard with the value of the gift.
• Don’t Assume Cash Gifts Are Expected: Although cash gifts are becoming more acceptable in Scotland, it’s essential not to assume that they are expected from all guests. Some couples may prefer traditional gifts or have specific preferences. It’s important to respect the couple’s wishes regarding gifts.
• Respect Gift Lists: If the couple has provided a gift list, it’s essential to adhere to it and choose a gift from the listed items. Ignoring the gift list and opting for a different gift can be seen as disregarding the couple’s preferences and choices.
• Avoid Last-Minute or Inappropriate Gifts: It’s advisable to plan your gift in advance and avoid last-minute decisions. Additionally, steer clear of gifts that may be inappropriate or not in line with the couple’s tastes and needs. Consider thoughtful and meaningful gifts that align with the couple’s interests.
• Don’t Overspend Based on Relationship: While the amount spent on a gift can vary based on your relationship with the couple, it’s important not to feel pressured to overspend. The value of the gift should be a personal decision based on your relationship with the couple and your budget.

The Scottish Blackening

The Scottish blackening is a pre-wedding tradition where friends and family members playfully cover the bride or groom in substances such as treacle, flour, or feathers. This custom is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the couple. While less common in modern times, the Scottish blackening is still practiced in some rural areas.

The Scottish Blessing of the Rings

Before exchanging rings, the officiant or a family member may perform a traditional Scottish blessing of the rings. This blessing involves passing the rings through the flame of a candle or touching them to a symbolic object, such as a piece of heather, to imbue them with good luck and blessings for the marriage.

Conclusion

Celebrating weddings in Scotland goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.

Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!