Scottish Wedding Traditions

A Sixpence in the Bride's Shoe
To help bring a bride good luck, a sixpence coin is placed in her shoe. It is the custom in the Scottish Borders to hide a sprig of heather within the Bride's bouquet.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian, Angus & Dundee, Scottish Borders

The Wedding Scramble
As the bride steps into the car, it is a tradition for the father to throw a handful of coins for the children to collect. This practice, called a scramble, is believed to bring financial luck. This also takes place in weddings in Ayrshire but is known there as a 'warsel'.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian, Angus & Dundee, Fife, Ayrshire & Arran, Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway

The Lang Reel
The Lang Reel is a traditional dance which happens in the fishing communities in the North-East of Scotland. The dance sees villagers and the wedding party begin dancing from the harbour, continuing through the village as each couple leave the reel when they pass their home. This continues until the only couple left are the bride and groom who have the last dance.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian

Blackenings
'Blackenings' are a ritual still performed with great gusto - unless you are the unlucky groom-to-be! He is captured by his friends and is stripped to the waist before bound and 'blackened' by using substances such as feathers, treacle, soot and flour! He is then paraded through the village whilst his friends make as much noise as possible to make the experience as embarrassing as possible for the unlucky groom. In some parts of Scotland, this can happen to the bride too!
Where might I find this?
Orkney, Aberdeen & Grampian, Highlands, Outer Hebrides, Angus & Dundee, Fife

Traditional Grand March at the Wedding Reception
This spectacular procedure is often the first dance to take place at a wedding. It begins with the bride and groom marching to the sound of bagpipes or a live ceilidh band. As they march, the maid of honour (or chief bridesmaid) and best man join in, followed by both sets of parents and finally by all willing guests! Where might I find this?
Shetland, Orkney (both band rather than pipes), Aberdeen & Grampian, Outer Hebrides.
NB. An alternative to the Grand March is the famous Gay Gordons, which is an old favourite ceilidh dance for thos living in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayrshire and the central belt of Scotland. Check out the following video showing 'Thistle Dubh' in full swing -



Traditional Gifts
In the North-East of Scotland, it is traditional for the best man to give the happy couple a clock whilst the maid of honour gives a tea set.
Where might I find this?
Aberdeen & Grampian

Feet Washing
The custom of feet-washing still happens throughout Scotland and it is hoped that it will guarantee good fortune for the marriage. The bride sits on a stool while an older, married woman washes and dries her feet. In Fife, however, only a few, heartened bridegrooms go through the traditional procedure, which involves sitting in a tub of water while his legs are smeared with grease, ash and soot.
Where might I find this?
Angus & Dundee, Fife

Creeling
In the South of Scotland, a married couple are 'creeled' as they leave the church. Two people at either side of the door hold a fishing basked which is tied with a ribbon across the door. The newlyweds then cut the ties and the basket falls to the ground. It is hoped that this tradition will bring health and prosperity to the couple.
Where might I find this?
Scottish Borders

The Bride's Cog
Wedding cogs are vessels from which ale is consumed at Orcadian weddings. These cogs were undoubtedly the most essential of all the ingredients that made up an old island wedding whilst still being a prominent feature today.

The exact mixture which now goes into the cog varies with every wedding, as each family tends to have its own views on the correct recipe. Despite the family variations, the base ingredients of this potent alcoholic mixture are usually hot ale, gin, brandy and whisky mixed with sugar and pepper.

The cog is firstly drank by the bride before being passed around the hall, constantly being replenished so that nobody goes dry!
Where might I find this?
Orkney

A 'Second Night'
A 'second night' is normally held the night following a wedding - where people can enjoy another night of drinking and dancing!
Where might I find this?
Shetland

Choosing Scotland For Your Wedding - Venue 1, Oran Mor Glasgow.

So you want to choose Scotland as the perfect setting for you're Wedding! Well, did you know that you can get married anywhere in Scotland? Your not just restricted to a Church/Chapel or registry office...no-no...you can be much more imaginative than that! You can get married on top of a mountain, or in the cable car on the way to the top for that matter, stepping out as man and wife straight into your reception area. Alernatively, you can choose one of the many beautiful beaches that Scotland has to offer - many do! You may wish to get married on the very spot where the question was 'popped'...how cool would that be? Just pick your favourite spot and go for it!

One of the finest venues has to be Glasgow's Oran Mor. In fact, it's much more of a venue...it's fast becoming an institution. Check it out by watching the following video:


Having the perfect venue is one thing, but if you want the whole Scottish shindig thing, you really need to have a Ceilidh. There are many Ceilidh Bands to choose from in Scotland...so you'll be glad to know that you're spoiled for choice.

Check back soon for information on other Scottish wedding venues.

Phil & Aly - Scottish Traditional Musicians

If you ever need a reminder of what a great Scottish Ceilidh night is, then take a look at the following video featuring Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain playing at Hogmanay 1999.



Almost 10 years on, both Phil and Aly are still going strong. I recently saw them play at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow's Merchant City - and they were first class! The gig was one of the many performances from their 2009 Scottish tour.

Whilst Phil and Aly may be a wee bit different from your normal ceilidh band, they're certainly a 'must see' for any traditional music loving fan!

Scottish Wedding Music

Are you planning a Scottish wedding but have not been unable to source a good ceilidh band, then maybe...just maybe...these guys can help you out...




The Top Secret Drum Corps performing at Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 2006.
Quite amazing stuff....don't you think? I'm not too sure that you'll be able to dance a Strip The Willow to their music.....but you'll certainly have a night to remember!