Scottish Wedding Traditions (For Modern Couples)

Getting married in Scotland can be wonderfully romantic, and there are a few Scottish Wedding Traditions you may wish to add to your celebration. Some traditions have fallen out of favour with modern couples (foot blackening for example!). We discussed those in a previous blog post. In this post we will take a look at some more practical examples of Scottish Wedding Traditions.

Piper and Bagpipes

A common sight and sound at many Scottish weddings, the skirl of the pipes as you follow the piper and are whisked from the ceremony and into dinner is a dramatic way to bring Scottish tradition into your wedding day. The playing of bagpipes is thought to bring good luck, and also to scare off evil spirits.

Some brides are piped to the wedding venue and into the ceremony, with the piper in front and the wedding party following. When the wedding has taken place the couple are then led out by the piper. Once everyone else is seated, the bride and groom are then piped into the dining room and up to their table, usually accompanied by much clapping and cheering! Then you ‘pay the piper’ with a dram of whisky.

Quaich Ceremony

The Quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking cup that is significant in Scottish wedding ceremonies. It is a symbol of trust, unity, and the sharing of a common cup in the spirit of togetherness.

The Quaich is a shallow, two-handled cup, usually made of wood, pewter, or silver. Its design allows it to be quickly passed between individuals, emphasising the act of sharing. The cup's two handles represent the hands of the couple coming together in partnership and support.

During the wedding ceremony, the Quaich is presented to the couple, often by a family member or close friend who holds a significant role in their lives. The cup may be adorned with engravings, family crests, or other meaningful symbols representing the couple's heritage or shared values.

As part of the ceremony, the couple takes turns holding the Quaich and sipping from it simultaneously. This act symbolises their commitment to sharing the joys and challenges of life together. It represents the unity of their love, the blending of their lives, and the bond they form in marriage.

The act of drinking from the Quaich can also be seen as a metaphorical toast, where the couple raises the cup to celebrate their union and express their love and dedication to one another. It is a moment of connection and intimacy, witnessed by their loved ones, as they symbolically share a drink from the Quaich.

The Quaich is often used in conjunction with the exchange of vows or as a separate ritual within the wedding ceremony. It is a way for the couple to pause and reflect on the significance of their commitment while embracing a meaningful Scottish tradition.

In addition to its use during the ceremony, the Quaich may also appear during other parts of the wedding celebration. It can be filled with a special drink, such as whisky or mead, and passed around for guests to partake in a symbolic toast, signifying their support and well-wishes for the couple's future.

The Quaich is a tangible symbol of unity, love, and hospitality in Scottish weddings. It embodies the spirit of sharing and coming together as a couple and as a community.

By incorporating the Quaich into their wedding, young Scottish couples pay homage to their heritage and embrace the values of trust, connection, and togetherness that it represents.

Handfasting Ceremony

A Handfasting Ceremony is a beautiful and ancient Celtic tradition that has become increasingly popular in Scottish weddings, particularly among young couples seeking to incorporate meaningful rituals into their special day.

Handfasting involves binding the couple's hands with a ceremonial handfasting cord symbolising their union, commitment, and the joining of their lives. The term "handfasting" refers to making a contract or a pledge by joining hands.

A designated officiant or a loved one typically performs the handfasting ritual during the wedding ceremony. The couple's hands are gently clasped, and a length of fabric or ribbon is wrapped around their hands, creating an intricate knot or pattern. This act represents their souls' binding and commitment to one another.

Handfasting is a symbolic act and also an opportunity for the couple to honour their Celtic or Scottish heritage. By incorporating this tradition into their wedding ceremony, they connect with their roots and embrace the customs of their ancestors.

Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

The "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" tradition is a well-known and cherished Scottish wedding custom that has endured through the generations. Young couples continue to embrace this tradition as a way to infuse their wedding day with symbolism, sentimentality, and good luck.

The tradition originates from an old saying outlining four items a bride should have on her wedding day. Each item represents a different blessing or sentiment:

Something Old
This item symbolises continuity, the bride's connection to her past, and her family's history. It is often an heirloom piece, such as family heirloom jewellery, a lace handkerchief, or a piece of clothing passed down through generations. By incorporating something old, the bride carries with her the love and blessings of her ancestors as she embarks on her new journey.

Something New
This item represents optimism, hope, and the bride's bright future. It is usually a new item, often her wedding dress, shoes, or jewellery. It symbolises the start of a new chapter in the bride's life and her readiness to embrace the joys and adventures that lie ahead.

Something Borrowed
This item signifies borrowed happiness and the support of family and friends. The bride borrows something from a happily married couple, such as a veil, a piece of jewellery, or a unique accessory. The borrowed item is believed to bring the couple good luck, happiness, and a successful marriage, as it carries the positive energy of a loving union.

Something Blue
Blue represents purity, fidelity, and love. The bride incorporates something blue into her attire or accessories, such as a blue garter, ribbon, or gemstone in her jewellery. It serves as a reminder of the couple's commitment to loyalty and faithfulness.

In addition to the four items mentioned in the rhyme, the tradition often includes a fifth element...

Sixpence in the Bride’s Shoe

Traditionally placed in the left shoe, a silver sixpence is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to the marriage. It also ends the poem-

Something old
Something new
Something borrowed
Something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe!

Wedding Scramble

This one is a favourite with the younger members at the celebration! After the ceremony as the couple are leaving, a handful of coins are thrown to the children who then ‘scramble’ for them. It is believed to bring good fortune to the happy couple (and traditionally to the local kids, who would wait outside for just this occasion!)

White Heather

One last well known Scottish good luck token is white heather. Sprigs of this iconic Scottish flowering plant can be placed in bouquets, used in the table decorations or favours, or to create the ‘buttonholes’ or boutonniere (traditionally worn by the men in the wedding party) and corsages, and can be a more discreet way of adding a Scottish flavour to your day.

To discuss how we can help you plan your perfect wedding (and possibly some of the Scottish wedding traditions above!) just get in touch