Tie the Knot Scotland February - March 2023

They say it takes 10,000 hours to become a true expert in a skill or subject. Unless you’re thinking on having a very long, intense engagement, it’s unlikely you’ll become one in the field of wedding planning. Thankfully, there are plenty in Scotland who are, and when they get married, you can guarantee they are going to be full of ideas. We ask five newlywed industry professionals what more they learned when planning their own incredible big days (p.220). Our real weddings, starting on page 260, feature a broad array of styles this issue – from a midweek rave in a barn, to a snowy Highland elopement – and are filled to the brim with useful pointers, such as not deleting emails from vendors, and allocating a routine time to…

Stockists on page 338 SUITS YOU Looking to forgo tradition and put a cool spin on your wedding wardrobe? Slip into Whistles’ Andie suit and pair with a statement lip for an elegantly louche look worthy of Vogue. Jacket, £299, and trousers, £299. ON RED ALERT If you’re as obsessed with bridal designer Maggie Sottero as we are (who wouldn’t be with styles like the knockout Scarlett, right, £POA, in their armoury?), there is exciting news at Kudos Bridal Boutiques (Dunfermline): the boutique will be hosting a designer event with the label. “This will run from 24th February to 10th March,” the store’s Megan Carberry tells us. “Designer events are always exciting and we love giving our brides the opportunity to try styles that aren’t always available in store with…

SWEET AND SASSI Bridal powerhouse Sassi Holford has once again pulled out all the stops with her 2023 collection, Let There Be Love. The British designer has reimagined modern femininity, pairing innovative fabrics with confident, clean silhouettes. Expect organic textures, defined lines and intricate detailing. Case in point, the Felicity gown [left] whose feathered feature skirt is unafraid to make a statement. Lovers of a classic high neck redolent of iconic bride Grace Kelly will want to check out Taylor [top left]. This is a look designed to hug curves in all the right places, while the floral lace overlay and plunging bodice put a twist on tradition. Fond of the more is more approach? The Casey gown [bottom left] is one for you: there’s 3D organza flowers, bold ruffles…

Stockists on page 338 SWEET SPEND “This year, we’re focused on helping our brides find their dream dress at their dream budget,” Julia Wong at Isobel Florence Bridal tells us. “One of the newest designers at our Dalbeattie boutique is the award winning Australian brand Tania Olsen, which offers sensational bridal gowns at an affordable price tag.” Looks from the label start at £750, like the fabulous Zara (left, £POA), which we adore for its playful 3D floral lace detailing on the bodice. It’s blooming lovely! Congratulations are in order at Joyce Young Design Studios, which is celebrating 30 years in the business. There are plenty of exciting things happening at the Glasgow-based atelier as they mark this milestone, including welcoming a host of new dresses for brides, like the…

Stockists on page 338 DETACHABLES Switch up your bridal look in style SHOP THE TREND REMOVABLE ITEMS Gowns with detachable items are having a moment at West Kilbride’s Opus Couture – but this doesn’t just have to be sleeves, as the Cornelia gown by Wona demonstrates. “Sleek and simple designs aren’t going anywhere fast, neither are detachable items like sleeves, overskirts and bows,” the store’s Lauren tells us. “Cornelia’s fitted skirt will enhance your figure, while the detachable mikado overskirt will add drama and volume for your ceremony.” DARING NECKLINE These racy cuts will ensure your big day look is sexy and sassy SHOP THE TREND EDGY ELEMENTS “A lot of our designers are creating plainer gowns with edgy elements to keep them looking modern,” says Megan Carberry at Kudos…

Imagine telling all your friends and family that you are having your wedding dress designed by the same person who designed Jennifer Lopez’s first wedding dress! Believe it or not, it’s now possible, as the redcarpet’s favourite designer Brian Rennie has returned home to Scotland. Having studied fashion at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, Brian then went on to work for German label Escada. As Design Director there, he perfected the techniques and quality craftsmanship of haute couture. He also launched Escada Couture, whose glamorous evening gowns became a staple on the red carpet at the Oscars, Golden Globes, the Grammys, SAG Awards, BAFTAs and many more. He counts Halle Berry, Andie MacDowell, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Geena Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Seymore, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jerry…