How To Have A Traditional Scottish Wedding

The Scots are a widely-travelled race and wherever you go in the World, you always meet someone who either married or is related to a Scot in some way.

It may be your parents, grandparents or ancestors were Scots and you would like to bring a little bit of your Scottish heritage into your wedding. Well, here are some top tips to add a little bit of Scottish magic to your special day.

Hire a Piper

The quickest and easiest way to add a touch of Scotland to your wedding is to hire a Piper in full Highland wedding dress. This will add the authentic sight and sound of Scotland right from the beginning.

The typical duties for a Piper at a wedding in Scotland are:

    * Playing before the ceremony when the guests are arriving at the Church or venue
    * Playing for Bride arriving
    * Playing when the Bride and Groom come out
    * Playing background music during the drinks reception
    * Playing in the Top Table and Bride and Groom
    * Toasting the Bride and Groom with a dram of whiskey before piping himself from the room.

He can also pipe the Bride down the aisle and the Bride and Groom back up the aisle. Of course, you may not want him to do all of this - so, you can pick and mix what you want.

Wear Kilts

The groom and best man can hire kilts to wear. If you want to pull out all the stops, the ushers can wear can also wear kilts. The good news is every man looks great in a kilt, so it doesn't matter what shape and size they are. They will all be handsome chappies on the days and cause many a ladies heart to flutter.

Book a Ceilidh Band

No traditional Scottish wedding is complete without a good ceilidh band. Ceilidh Dances are considered  more inclusive than many other forms of dancing because everyone can participate, regardless of age and experience. The dances are also easy to learn and fun.

If you cannot find a Ceilidh band, then at least try to find a wedding band that can play a Gay Gordons and a Strip The Willow. Failing that, ask them if they could they play the music from CD or iPod. Then find someone from a Scottish dancing society who could come along and "call the dances" i.e. instruct you and keep you right when you are dancing. The Caller might provide the music as well.