If you’re planning a wedding in bonnie Scotland, whether that be because you or your partner is Scottish or perhaps will be hosting a destination wedding in Scotland, you might be wondering what Scottish wedding traditions you can incorporate into your wedding day. I am a wedding stationer and one of my specialities is castle weddings. Highland nuptials are among my favourite as the land of the Scots offers lots of lovely Scottish wedding traditions that you can creatively weave into your wedding styling, entertainment and dining.
8 OF THE BEST SCOTTISH WEDDING TRADITIONS
1. Handfasting Rituals at Scottish Weddings
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that holds significant meaning in Scottish weddings. A symbolic ritual that involves binding the couple's hands together with cords or ribbons, representing their union to one another. Historically, handfasting served as a legal marriage ceremony in Scotland, but today, it is a Scottish wedding tradition that adds a lovely romantic and personal touch to modern weddings, allowing couples to incorporate meaningful customs into their vows. I’m in love with the bespoke handfasting cords from Ceotha.
Custom handfasting cords made by Ceotha.
Based outside the village of Roslin, Ceotha provides artisanal handfasting cords. Each one is hand crafted by Cleo and based on Celtic knotwork. The cords are intricately made up of several knots, some of which represent love and eternity. They are woven and braided into a continuous design of Celtic knots and can be customised with colours and materials chosen by the couple. Many beautiful colours are available from pretty pastels to earthy tones, the cords can be embellished with faux flowers, beads and other decorative elements. Each one really is a unique piece of artwork and perfect for celebrating a couple’s matrimony.
2. Quaich - The Scottish Wedding Tradition
Incorporating bagpipes into a Scottish wedding brings a powerful and evocative touch to your celebration. Bagpipers typically play during key moments, such as the bride’s entrance at the start of the ceremony with "Highland Cathedral" or "Amazing Grace." They can also accompany the couple’s exit, leading guests to the reception. At the reception, bagpipes may welcome guests, play during the first dance, or mark the start of the evening’s festivities. Their haunting, melodic sound creates an unforgettable atmosphere and is the perfect Scottish wedding tradition to pay homage to Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
A bagpiper at a Scottish wedding. Photo Credit: Sean Bell
4. The Ceilidh Scottish Wedding Tradition
Perfect for transitioning into your evening celebrations, the ceilidh is a lively Scottish wedding dance that brings everyone together in celebration. Typically led by a caller who guides guests through the steps, ceilidh dances are easy to follow, making them accessible and fun for all, regardless of experience. Popular dances include the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, and Strip the Willow, each accompanied by traditional Scottish music played by a live band. The energetic, communal nature of a ceilidh adds a spirited and authentic touch to your wedding reception that is sure to get guests in the mood to party!
5. Weaving Horseshoes into your Scottish Wedding Styling
A stunning symbol of luck, protection and fortune, incorporating horseshoes into your wedding is a fabulous way to add a Scottish wedding tradition and a little creative flair. They can be given to the bride by a flower girl during the ceremony, used as wedding favours, cake toppers, table decor, bouquet charms or even as an alternative to a guest book with guest’s signing large wooden horseshoes on your wedding day. I adore these lucky wedding horseshoes by the Vintage Cloud Company! Founded with a passion for romance and a flair for the whimsical, each piece is handcrafted by Arlene using the finest materials. The collection includes delicate faux wrist corsages, hair combs, buttonholes and lucky horseshoes, and the colours are inspired by the rich greens, mauves and dusty pinks often found in Scottish wild flowers. The accessories also include faux Scottish thistle, silver sage, lavender and bunny tails. The devil is in the detail, so look closely and you’ll spot pretty little charms in the shape of bagpipes, ancient swords and Celtic knots.
Custom lucky horseshoe for a Scottish wedding made by Vintage Cloud Company
Custom buttonholes for a Scottish wedding by Vintage Cloud Company.
6. Wear a Luckenbooth Brooch to Symbolise Love and Commitment
What is the meaning of a Luckenbooth Brooch? The name comes from the words ‘locked booth’ as the brooches were sold in locked booths on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The Luckenbooth is a symbol of love and commitment, typically featuring two intertwined hearts topped with a crown. Traditionally the brooch was gifted by a man to his beloved, and later it was pinned to the blanket of their firstborn for goodluck. During weddings, the Luckenbooth Brooch can be worn by brides, grooms, form part of the bouquet or be incorporated into a centerpiece on the top table.
7. A silver Sixpence in the Shoe, A Scottish Wedding Tradition
A wonderful ritual that symbolises wealth, good fortune, and prosperity for the couple's future, traditionally the sixpence is placed in the bride’s left shoe by her father, representing his wish for her financial security and happiness in her marriage. The coin is often an heirloom passed down through generations, adding sentimental value to this practice and it can make for lovely wedding detail shots when photographed inside the bride’s shoe with her bouquet alongside it.
Sixpence Scottish tradition in bridal shoes. Photo Credit: Jenniflower photography
8. Incorporating an Oathing Stone into your Scottish Wedding Ceremony
Oathing stones are a Scottish wedding tradition that represent the solid foundation of a couple’s vows. are typically smooth, rounded stones that are easy to hold in one's hand. They often have a natural, earthy appearance, with a shape that can vary from oval to slightly irregular. Some are left in their natural state, while others are polished to bring out the stone's colours and patterns. Many are engraved with meaningful details, such as the couple's names, wedding date, or a symbolic design like intertwined hearts, Celtic knots, or the couple's family crest. The overall look is often rustic and timeless, reflecting the ancient origins of this tradition. The stone might be placed in a special box or bag before and after the ceremony, and it can be kept as a cherished keepsake, symbolising the couple's vows and the strength of their commitment. If you are looking for an earthing stone, they can be obtained from Etsy, local stone masons and speciality wedding shops in Scotland.