Scottish wedding traditions

For many people around the world, getting married in Scotland has been their dream for years. We don’t blame them! This is a beautiful country and weddings can take place both inside buildings and out in our countryside or by the beach. Taking your vows surrounded by the stunning Highland scenery before enjoying a celebration with family and friends makes for a perfect day. Here at Mackays Hotel in Wick, we offer space for you to make your wedding personal and memorable. And if you’d like to add in some extra Scottish wedding traditions, here are some ideas. 

The Highland piper

Having someone play bagpipes as the bride arrives or walks down the aisle kicks Scottish weddings off in style! A lone piper can send shivers up your spine in anticipation of the day ahead. It certainly makes for a grand entrance. They can also play music after the ceremony too, giving your guests a chance to pose for photos before heading to the reception. 

The quaich ceremony

Many people getting married in Scotland enjoy a quaich ceremony. Don’t worry, that’s not a typo and we’re not promoting quiche ceremonies (as tasty as they are!). A quaich is a small silver bowl or cup with handles that is traditionally filled with whisky, but any drink you like can be used. The important part of the ceremony is the sharing of the drink between two people in love. This is a sign that they are going to celebrate a bond and share their lives with one another forever. 

Highland dress

A traditional Scottish wedding often enjoys participants dressed in full Highland dress. This includes a kilt, jacket, shirt and socks, as well as often a sgian-dubh (pronounced skeen doo). This is a small knife that is carried at the top of a sock. Having the wedding party dressed in this way makes for a dazzling ceremony and stunning photographs. If you want to get married in style, then this is how you do it!

Handfasting ceremony

The origins of handfasting is lost to time, but it is believed to have come from Celtic traditions. Today, the ceremony ties the hands together of those being married to symbolise the lasting connection being made between them. It is a visual metaphor for everyone to see, and the rope or ribbon used can be a special memento of the day for the rest of your life which can even be framed and hung on the wall. 

Ceilidh band

After the wedding, everyone wants a good dance! In Scotland, this often takes the form of a ceilidh, pronounced kay-lee, and if you haven’t been to one before, then you are in for a treat. Traditional Scottish music is played and a caller calls out the steps to a dance – similar to how you might experience square dancing in the USA. It’s hectic and fun and is a great way to get to know everyone at the ceremony!

Celebrate marriage in style at Mackays

So there’s a taste of some of the Scottish wedding traditions you can enjoy to get a true Scottish wedding here at Mackays Hotel in Wick. Want to find out more? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to chat over your thoughts and needs. We’ll do everything we can to make your wedding live up to your dreams.