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If you’re enamored by the charm, history, and vibrant culture of Scotland, a traditional Scottish wedding is a feast for the senses. Rich with rituals harkening back centuries, each custom not only pays homage to the past but also ties the couple in a myriad of meaningful ways. This blog post delves into the intriguing customs of Scottish weddings. From prewedding rituals like the Sixpence in the Bride’s Shoe, to the Feet Washing ceremony, to the lively celebrations of Ceilidh dancing at the wedding reception—each tradition adds a unique flavor to the occasion. Read on to discover these cherished customs that make Scottish weddings truly unforgettable.
Scottish Prewedding Traditions
1. Sixpence in the Bride’s Shoe
This tradition is believed to bring good luck and financial prosperity to the newlyweds. The groom places a sixpence coin in the bride’s left shoe on their wedding day. This symbolic act ensures the couple will start their marriage with wealth and happiness. The coin represents a token of love and a hope for everlasting fortune.
Today, some brides prefer to modernize this tradition with a shiny penny or a newly minted coin, but the essence remains the same: a small, meaningful gesture to ward off financial woes.
2. Feet Washing
The feet washing ceremony is an ancient tradition that symbolizes humility and a willingness to serve each other throughout their married life. This ritual typically involves the bride’s mother washing the bride’s feet before she walks down the aisle. It reflects purity and a fresh start as the bride embarks on this new journey.
In some variations, both the bride and groom participate, washing each other’s feet as an act of mutual respect and readiness to serve one another. It’s a beautiful, intimate custom that adds significant emotional value to the ceremony.
3. Right Foot Forward
Stepping forward with the right foot is considered a good omen in Scottish weddings. The bride should ensure her first step outside her home and into the venue is with her right foot. This tradition is rooted in the ancient belief that the right side is the more auspicious, bringing luck and fortune to the couple’s path ahead.
Many believe this small act sets the tone for a positive and prosperous journey together. It’s a delightful little custom that emphasizes the importance of starting married life on the “right” foot.
4. Wedding Scramble
The Wedding Scramble is an exuberant custom involving the groom throwing a handful of coins for the local children to gather as he and the bride leave the ceremony. This act spreads good fortune and reflects the couple’s generosity, adding a joyous, communal feel to the occasion.
Children eagerly participate, adding a lively, playful atmosphere to the wedding day. It’s a delightful way to engage the community and spread happiness and luck to all involved.
Scottish Wedding Attire
5. Kilts
The kilt is arguably the most iconic element of traditional Scottish wedding attire. Typically worn by the groom, groomsmen, and close male relatives, the kilt is a symbol of Scottish pride and heritage. Made from family tartans, each kilt tells the story of the wearer’s clan, connecting past and present in an ongoing dance of tradition.
The full ensemble often includes a sporran (a pouch carried in front), ghillie brogues (traditional shoes), and a kilt pin. Wearing a kilt is not just about clothing, but an affirmation of belonging and continuity.
6. Hatinators and Fascinators
No Scottish wedding ensemble for women is complete without a hatinator or fascinator. These elegant headpieces add a touch of sophistication and flair, making it a fashionable tradition in its own right. From elaborate creations adorned with feathers and flowers to simpler designs, there’s a hatinator or fascinator to suit every style.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these accessories are often seen as a nod to British royal fashion, adding an air of regality to the celebration. Wearing a hatinator or fascinator is more than just dressing up—it’s an expression of style and tradition.
Scottish Wedding Ceremony Traditions
7. Handfasting Ceremony
The Handfasting Ceremony is one of the most celebrated Scottish wedding traditions. Originally, it symbolized a betrothal, but today, it involves binding the couple’s hands together with ribbons or cords during the vows, representing their union and commitment to each other.
This ancient rite emphasizes the bond created in marriage, illustrating the promise to stand by each other through thick and thin. The cords used are often personalized, incorporating family tartans or other meaningful symbols.
8. The Quaich Ritual
The Quaich (pronounced “quake”) ritual involves the couple drinking from a two-handled cup, symbolizing trust, sharing, and unity. Often filled with whiskey or a favorite beverage, the Quaich is passed between the couple and sometimes extended to guests, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration.
This custom represents the open, honest partnership the couple aims to create, rooted in mutual respect and honor. It’s a beautiful, tangible way to demonstrate their shared future.
9. A Luckenbooth Brooch
The Luckenbooth Brooch, often given by the groom to the bride, is a traditional Scottish token of love. Typically crafted in silver and designed with interlocking hearts or a crown, this beautiful piece of jewelry symbolizes love and protection.
The brooch is usually pinned to the bride’s dress or bouquet, adding a touch of sentimentality and connection to Scottish heritage. Historically, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a harmonious relationship.
Scottish Wedding Reception Traditions
10. The Traditional Grand March
The Grand March typically opens the wedding reception and involves the newlyweds leading a procession of guests around the dance floor. Accompanied by a pipe band or live music, this tradition sets a celebratory tone and emphasizes unity among the wedding party and guests.
Participants often pair off and join the march, creating an inclusive, communal atmosphere. It’s a vibrant, energetic start to the evening’s festivities.
11. Ceilidh
No Scottish wedding is complete without a Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”). This upbeat, traditional Scottish folk dance gathers everyone together, regardless of dance experience. Ceilidh dances are called out, making it easy for guests to follow along and join in the fun.
The Ceilidh brings people onto the dance floor, promoting a sense of community and joy. It’s a lively, entertaining way to celebrate the couple’s union and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.
12. Scottish Wedding Menu
The Scottish wedding feast often features traditional dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), smoked salmon, and black pudding. These culinary delights ensure that the wedding banquet is a memorable sensory experience for all attendees.
Modern weddings may blend traditional elements with contemporary cuisine, offering a diverse and delectable menu. Regardless of the specific dishes, the focus is on hearty, flavorful fare that reflects Scotland’s rich culinary heritage.
13. Saving the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake
In Scottish tradition, the top tier of the wedding cake is often saved for the couple’s first anniversary or christening of their first child. This custom signifies good fortune and the couple’s hopes for a happy, prosperous future together.
The preserved cake becomes a sweet reminder of their special day, embodying the continuity of love and family. It’s a deliciously symbolic way to celebrate enduring love.
Find your kind of venue
Choosing the perfect venue is vital for a Scottish wedding steeped in tradition. Whether it’s a grand historical castle, a rustic country manor, or a picturesque lakeside lodge, the setting underscores the significance of the day. Each type of venue offers its unique charm, complementing the cultural richness of the wedding traditions.
Couples may opt for venues that allow for specific customs or scenic backdrops, enhancing the ceremonial grandeur. Ultimately, the right venue creates an unforgettable ambiance that resonates with the couple’s heritage and personal style.
Lessons Learned
| Wedding Aspect | Custom | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Prewedding Traditions | Sixpence in the Bride’s Shoe; Feet Washing; Right Foot Forward; Wedding Scramble | Good luck, purity, positive start, community joy |
| Wedding Attire | Kilts; Hatinators and Fascinators | Heritage pride, fashion and tradition |
| Ceremony Traditions | Handfasting; The Quaich Ritual; Luckenbooth Brooch | Commitment, trust and unity, token of love |
| Reception Traditions | The Grand March; Ceilidh; Scottish Wedding Menu; Saving the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake | Unity, joy, culinary heritage, enduring love |
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