Scottish Wedding Traditions

Scottish wedding traditions are lush and lovely. From the dating and courtship to the Scottish wedding itself, you will discover that some traditions are rather outdated while others are viewed as quaint. Just know that you are in for a treat if you plan to weave some Scottish wedding traditions into your impending nuptials.

The Scottish Wedding Dress

Scottish wedding dresses are often white these days and include a veil as the main accessory. In old Scotland times, it was considered back luck for the bride to make her own wedding dress so one or two stitches were always left undone. Before the 1600’s, the Scottish wedding dress was any color the bride wished it to be. In fact, it was usually just the best dress that the bride owned. However, with the Scottish wedding gown today, you will discover that the dresses are white.

And whether it is 17th century Scottish wedding apparel or even current wedding apparel for the groom, Scottish wedding traditions dictate the donning of the kilt. The groom usually wore the colors and tartan of his family clan.

Scottish Weddings And Customs

There are different Scottish wedding traditions that guide the Scottish wedding blessing as well as the ceremony itself. In some Scottish weddings, a sword is presented by the groom to the bride’s parents while in others Scottish wedding customs lead into tartan pinning, the presentation of wheat from the groom to the bride or even drinking from a loving cup.

In a traditional Scottish wedding, you might have the bagpipes for music, the appearance of Celtic knots on a variety of things from the invitations to a handkerchief for the bride. And speaking of Celtic knots, you will discover that this design is present in many Scottish wedding bands. The knots mean friendship and undying loyalty in your love. At least, that is one interpretation of these Scottish wedding rings.

You can have your wedding in the Humphrey Scottish Center if you live near one like in Wisconsin area. Or, you could really follow the ultimate in Scottish wedding traditions and have a wedding in Scotland itself. There are some lovely castles and other historical building that could provide a lovely backdrop for any wedding.

These days, Scottish wedding traditions have been diluted somewhat. More and more westernization has crept into the ceremony itself, like the groom not wearing a kilt. To stay true to your Scottish roots, do a little research into your heritage and don’t be afraid to embrace some of those traditions.