Scots have had a rich variety of custom traditions for a very long time. They have distinctive way of living compared to other cultures in Europe and also across the world. When it comes to ceremonies, Scotland has interesting jubilation to celebrations; weddings being not an exception. Wedding ceremonies have a long history in the Scotland. Scots have at all time in history taken marriage as a very important occasion in their lives. They are known across Europe for their animated reputation. Their wedding ceremonies are characterized by noise, exuberating festivities and normally takes quite a number of days.



People across the world has emulated Scottish wedding theme due to its element of elegance, class and charm. Scottish weddings do not just have celebration of the union of the man and woman. They have cerebrations that exhibit the pride of their heritage backed by timeless traditions that have survived across the centuries.

Just like many other cultural traditions, Scottish traditions recommend that the man and woman have a long-term engagement just before they tie the knot. Once they have engaged there is normally a party that is held to officiate the engagement. The engagement party is either hosted by the groom's parents or the bride's. The party can take place at either homestead, a local community hall or in any other public gathering utility. According to the ancient Scottish ?marriage banns?, the couple are supposed to publicly made it known that they are in an engagement. They were also supposed to announce their wedding day, fourteen days before the ceremony. Although the law is no longer in effect, many Scottish continue to announce their engagement to their friends, relatives and family members publicly, pretty early before the wedding ceremony.

Just before the big day, a ?stag and hen? parties are hosted for the groom and the bride respectively. The stag party is a festivity by the groom's friends and relatives meant to wish him a ?merry send-off? and normally take the form of lively practical jokes. The groom is practically washed feet with ashes, grease and soot by the groomsmen, and dressed in women's clothing. Some cushions and pillows are stuffed under his top to make him appear as pregnant. During the hen's party, the bride is smeared with soot and ashes while dressed in a gown by her friends, relatives and some family members. They thereafter run throughout the entire neighborhood with the bride; shouting and yelling to scare off bad evils. At times, the bridesmaid may carry a basket or a small pot for onlookers to give gifts to the bride.

While most of the Scottish weddings may be affiliated to the catholic or Protestant's doctrines, the bride normally wears a white Victorian wedding gown. The groom often dresses in a traditional wedding uniform; a prince Charlie coat, a vest, brogues with kilt socks and a kilt with sporran pouch. He may also be spotted with a Scottish ceremonial dagger. Scottish weddings are full of celebrations; lots of singing, dancing and drinking. Bagpipers are normally present to play wedding music as the couple walks down the church aisle.