Scottish Wedding Traditions with a Modern Twist
Celebrate your heritage ( or borrow ours ) with timeless Scottish customs reimagined for modern love stories.
When you think of a Scottish wedding, you might imagine kilts , castles and bagpipes echoing through the hills. But there is so much more to a Scottish celebration - and for couples planning a destination wedding in Scotland, blending historic customs with contemporary elegance can make your day more meaningful.
At Montrose & Moore, we help couples from around the worlds create unforgettable weddings rooted in Scottish charm but elevated with modern design, thoughtful details and a fresh luxurious aesthetic.
The Handfasting Ceremony - A symbol of Unity
Traditional version: The ancient Celtic ritual of handfasting involves binding the couples hands together with ribbon, tartan or rope as a symbol of union.
Modern twist: Choose soft silk ribbons in your wedding colour palette, embrioderd with your vows or initals. Have your celebrant include this moment during your ceremony - or invite a close friend or family member to perform it for a personal touch.
Susie Olzen Photography
Wearing a Tartan or Kilt - Honour Your Clan or Create Your Own
Traditional version: Grooms and family members often wear kilts in their family tartan
Modern twist: For a subtle, elegant nod, wrap your bouquet in a tartan ribbon or line your wedding stationary in you ( or your partners) colours. You can also commission a custom tartan design that symbolises your new family union.
Quaich Ceremony - A Toast of Togetherness
Traditional version: The quaich ( pronounced “quake”) is a two handled cup used to share the first drink as a married couple - often whisky.
Modern twist: Use the quaich as a meaningful moment just between the two of you during the ceremomu or after you vows. Not a whisky fan? Fill it with your favorite wine, cocktail or even a crafted mocktail.
Susie Olzen Photography
Scottish Wedding Favors - A Taste of the Highlands
Traditional version: Guests receive shortbread, whisky miniatures, or lucky heather.
Modern twist: Gift guests beautifully packaged artisan favours like small batch whisky, wildflower seed packets, or Scottish candles.
The Bagpiper Entrance - A Grand and Traditional Welcome
Traditional version: A bagpiper leads the wedding party or announces the couples arrival at the ceremony or reception.
Modern twist: Hire a contemporary fusion piper who blends traditional sound with modern beats or have the piper perform only at key moments like your walk down the aisle of grand exit.
Hannah Mia Photography
Designing a Wedding That feels like You
Blending scottish tradition with modern celebration allows you tio honour the history of the place - while keeping your wedding utterly personal and fresh.
Whether you deeply rooted in Scottish culture or simply enchanted by its magic, these ideas will help create a wedding that’s both timeless and unique.
Planning a Wedding in Scotland?
We make it effortless. Book a complimentary consultation call and lets bring your Scottish wedding vision to life.