Attire:
The first step to creating a Scottish themed wedding is a trip to the kilt
maker. The groom can opt for his family tartan or that of his bride.
Complete with sporan and dagger any fella looks dashing in a kilt.
The fair maiden could wear a tartan sash over her wedding gown. Either
way, we Scots love to fly our colors. So needless to say "tartan"
is the preferred color at a Scottish Wedding!
Flowers:
Florists throughout the world have become very adept at importing Heather.
Even is it's only a single sprig a touch of heather in your bouquet is
a lucky omen for a Scottish Bride. It also dries beautifully and
can be preserved as a reminder that can be enjoyed for the years to come.
The Scramble:
Start collecting your change for this uniquely Scottish custom. As
a gesture to insure good fortune in your marriage, many couples opt to
continue the tradition of the scramble. Upon leaving the church the
bride and groom scatter coins to the assembled children to collect. Legend
has it that this token will be constantly returned to the bride and groom
throughout the marriage.
The Pipes:
Many a Scottish bride and groom depart the church to the sound of the pipes.
Keeping your guests eardrums in mind, it is usually best to have the piper
positioned outside of the church, have one of your guests take responsibility
for signaling the piper when the exit is imminent.
The Music:
A sure fire way to have your guests in tears is for the bride to have a
dance with her da, to the song "Tis The Ring Your Mother Wore". In
fact I challenge anyone to just listen to this song without becoming verklempt.
And judging by how easily we Scot's cry I can't imagine a dry eye in the
house. Of course "The Slosh" is also a necessity at any Scottish
Wedding, our women folk just love this number! And lastly don't forget
a rousing rendition of good old "Marrie's Wedding!"
The Dont's:
For heavens sake, don't serve haggis! It may be a part of our heritage,
but just choking it down on Burn's Supper Day is surely enough! Don't
under supply the Whiskey, although this is a "little known" fact, Scottish
men love a wee bevy (yep, it came as a shock to me too), so keep the bar
line flowing. Don't allow a Scottish man that has imbibed in a wee
bevy anywhere near a micro-phone. Unless you want to be regaled with
Scottish tunes don't start them singing, or every one of them will want
to add their own personal "party piece".
Well, have
you guessed it? If you're thinking that Scottish men really go "au
naturel" under their kilts then you are absolutely correct! Try not
to plan your wedding in March or your guests may be treated to a
little more of your groom than they bargained for! We wish you all
the very best of Scottish luck, not only for your wedding day but for all
the days of your Marriage!
