Innholdsfortegnelse for February-March 2025 i Tie the Knot Scotland

The beginning of a new year usually splits the wedding-planning cohort into two: either freshly proposed to (congratulations if that’s you, btw!) and raring to go; or been engaged a while and filled with renewed energy and enthusiasm to finalise those pending plans. Whatever camp you find yourself in, we’ve got you sorted… Newbies will appreciate our introductory ‘back to basics’ features. We cover the entry-level fundamentals of planning a wedding (p.8), lay out what a humanist ceremony might entail (p.180), explore music and entertainment considerations (p.208), and talk through groomswear options step by step (p.74). The biggest decision at the outset is where you’ll actually get married. A wedding planner shares her top venue-hunting tips (p.197), and with budget in mind, we look at what some common venue ‘types’…

The dress Before my appointment at Eleganza Sposa in Glasgow, I took screenshots of dresses I liked so I could show them to the stylist. But when I actually tried on those gowns, none of them felt quite right – they just didn’t feel like me. I had also taken a screenshot of a dress from the Eleganza Iconica collection that I thought absolutely wasn’t me at all, but the stylist suggested I try it on anyway. Amazingly, it turned out to be the one. I loved the fact that it was all hand-sewn and so detailed, I loved the square neckline and the low back, and the scalloped edge detailing was incredible. It’s not what anyone thought I’d go for, and when friends and family saw it for the…

Basque waist This dipped waistline is having a moment Split skirt Easy to walk in – and you get to show off the shoes! Sheath sleeves An easy on-for-day/off-for-night switch up Pearls The aisle is your oyster! Embellishment Your moment to shine in a glittering gown Minis For evening dos or elopements SCAN TO SEARCH MORE BRIDALWEAR BOUTIQUES ON TIE THE KNOT SCOTLAND’S ONLINE DIRECTORY Don’t miss the next show on 22 + 23 February…

Asymmetric necklines Make a sweeping statement Berry tones Flattering, fruity colours to pick from Something blue Make your mama part of the rhyme! Monochrome Black-tie-ready looks Feathery Fluffy fun to up the glamour Teal Will this greenish-blue (s)teal your heart? SCAN TO SEARCH OCCASIONWEAR STORES ON TIE THE KNOT SCOTLAND’S ONLINE DIRECTORY Don’t miss the next show on 22 + 23 February…

Just the other day, I saw a 5-in-1 men’s shower product claiming ‘total action’ on body, face, hair, shaving and moisturising. Now I know, I know, convenience sells, but all I could think about was how there is no way all those areas could be getting everything they need from the same soapy source. Surely something will be lacking, and that’s not even taking into account that what one person’s hair needs to thrive will be entirely different from another’s. There’s a time and a place for a one-size-fits-all approach – fuzzy socks and beanies, let’s say – but when it comes to looking and feeling your best, why not consider a more thoughtful approach? Read on as four beauty experts explain precisely why custom care can make all the…

Rosebery Steading, Midlothian Looking for… “Couples who truly want to make the most of their wedding celebrations and who are after a ‘knees-up’ over a full two days in this private venue,” says Louisa Kerr, head of sales and marketing at Rosebery Venues. What makes Rosebery Steading such a fantastic place to marry? It’s a breathtaking countryside haven, just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh. The beauty of the Steading is you have the whole place to yourself, which you can use in any way you want. Two days’ exclusive use, with on-site accommodation, surrounded by endless greenery and open fields mean not only will you have a gorgeous backdrop for your photographs, but you can party the night away without worrying about disturbing the neighbours! And there are little luxuries…

“Our flowers by Kim Dalglish Florist were incredible. I was completely blown away by them” It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the kitchen is always where the party is at. This would be tricky to achieve at a wedding without stressing out the caterers, but India and Phil managed to capture some of that spirit by making an event of their dinner when they married at Falside Mill last August. Singing waiters Singers Secreto put on a surprise performance, and one guest per table was appointed “carver in chief”, complete with a chef’s hat and apron, to carve and serve the roast meat. Forget Gordon Ramsay – there were no kitchen nightmares here… As the new Mrs Graham recalls, it was one of the highlights of the day and raised…

It’s a sure sign of success that the only thing Charlie might change about his wedding to Hailey would be the day after. “It’s still too soon to talk about the hangover,” laughs the groom. “We headed off on honeymoon that morning, but I really wish we could’ve lingered longer in the amazing suite we were staying in at Dalhousie Castle.” Charlie hails from Greenock and Hailey is from Texas, and the pair met while travelling in California. “Our wedding took place on our dream date – exactly five years to the day of us meeting in a hostel in San Francisco,” reveals Charlie. Many of the couple’s 73 guests were travelling from the USA, so giving them a memorable and authentic Scottish experience “complete with kilts, bagpiper and ceilidh”…

Green points If you’re looking for a wedding venue that boasts eco-friendly credentials without compromising on bespoke elements, then Carrick Castle Estate could be the perfect fit. Situated in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, its sustainable wedding venue philosophy is based on zero carbon principles, including tree planting, peat-land restoration and hydro schemes. Now, they’re in the process of hiring an in-house wedding planner and coordinator to offer a more personalised offering to couples who plan to say ‘I do’ on the Estate, just like Yasmin and Paul, above, did. Total luxury Five-star hotel Crossbasket Castle, located on the outskirts of Glasgow, has announced the highly anticipated opening date of its 40 new luxury bedrooms and first of its kind in Scotland – destination restaurant…

Independent Humanist Ceremonies has been going strong since 2009 and now has nearly 50 celebrants across Scotland. The organisation prides itself on crafting unique ceremonies that reflect each individual couple, celebrating them on their special day. Hello Craig! How did you get into this business? I have been working as a full-time celebrant since 2010. For the first couple of years I conducted weddings, then I began consulting on weddings too. I had been between jobs and was feeling a bit directionless – which is when my father Norrie and I decided to found Independent Humanist Ceremonies. Since then, the organisation has grown and grown and now has celebrants working all over Scotland. As well as actually conducting ceremonies, I look after all the admin for the company too. Fifteen…

For Helen, owner of The Greenshed Flower Studio, floristry wasn’t always the plan. But with a background in art and design, a love of nature and a serendipitous opportunity to create a friend’s wedding flowers with only three weeks to go, her career as a florist began to blossom – and she hasn’t looked back since. Helen has built a reputation for stunning designs. A one-woman band on most days, she manages everything from client meetings to social media, with occasional help for larger events from family and trusted freelance florists. Based in Dundee, where she lives with her partner and daughter, Helen takes pride in crafting arrangements that reflect the seasons and the individual vision of her clients. Whether she’s guiding couples through their wedding planning or hosting workshops…

Rose Walker and Emily Button, now the Walker-Buttons 11th May 2024 at The Byre at Inchyra, Perthshire “All we knew when we started planning our wedding was that we wanted a humanist ceremony and for it to be outside and surrounded by nature,” says Emily, who married long-time love Rose at The Byre at Inchyra in May 2024. Satisfying point number one was no problem at all. “We collaborated with celebrant Linda Stewart from Humanist Society Scotland to create our ceremony and vows from scratch, which was very exciting and something we had a lot of fun with.” However, the second point was a bit of a gamble, as we all know that Scotland only has two seasons – winter and June. The pair were travelling 11,000 miles across the…

1. Set your budget How much do you want to spend on your wedding? And how much can you afford to spend? Those two figures are rarely the same, sadly, and as your finances will dictate the rest of your plans, hold off on buying that couture gown until you and your other half have had the money chat. Do you have a nest egg you’re willing to crack open? Might parents or other family members be keen to chip in? Getting married in Scotland need not be an expensive business (you could have a no-frills ceremony at a registry office from £155, plus registrar/room hire fees), but if you want some level of ‘wedding experience’, you can realistically expect to spend anywhere from around £5,000 all the way up…

By royal appointment For the first time ever, Emilia Wickstead dresses will be available to try on in Scotland and customers will be able to view the pieces before anyone else at Edinburgh boutique Rachel Scott Couture. From Wednesday 26th March to Sunday 30th March, brides can get a true feel for the designer’s trademark modern and feminine style that has made her a favourite of the Princess of Wales. The event will come hot on the heels of the Dundas Street store’s Vivienne Westwood trunk show happening on 13th-16th March. Spaces at both are expected to fill up quickly and spots are limited. For appointments, email hello@rachelscottcouture.co.uk. NOT TO BE MISSED Are you looking for an elegant, modern wedding dress? Then Opus Couture has a date for your diary. The Ayrshire bridal shop…

Q. Hi Susan! Tell us about Opus Couture A. Opus Couture was founded in 2003 by Sharon McPherson, who now has over 30 years of bridalwear expertise. Our boutique has grown into a trusted name for brides not just in Scotland but across the entire UK, thanks to Sharon’s deep knowledge of fashion design and our passion for creating unforgettable bridal experiences. Q. What’s the core ethos of Opus Couture? A. We’re all about making brides feel beautiful, supported and confident. Everything is done with care and expertise, whether that’s personalised fittings or customisations, and we go the extra mile to ensure every bride finds her dream dress. Q. What can a bride expect when she walks into your boutique for the first time? A. We like to think (and…

Q Help! I’ve just collected my freshly altered gown. What are the dos and don’ts to ensure it stays in perfect condition for the big day? Finessed and tailored to your precise measurements, your wedding dress is ready to wow on your big day… Now what? As one of the most cherished elements of your special day, and likely also one of the most delicate, keeping your dress in pristine condition from purchase to “I do” is a top priority for every bride. Megan Carberry, assistant manager at Kudos Bridal Dunfermline, shares her expert tips for storing, handling and preparing your gown to make sure it looks perfect when you walk down the aisle. Safely storing your dress One of the first decisions a bride must make is whether to…

1. Spring forward Real-life squeezes Erik and Beatriz brought some zest to this zingy citrus-infused editorial at Dundas Castle, organised by Aberdeenshire photographer Sophie Alexandria and wedding content creator Lauren Prichard, aka Social Brides Club. “Our theme embraced spring and trending citrus tones, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel to the historic venue,” says Lauren. Lauren and Sophie lined up some covetable creatives to help realise their vision. “Ange at Fauna Flower Folk was instrumental in bringing it to life with her florals and styling. The table featured fresh fruit, tulle bows and lemon-themed place cards alongside sculptural arrangements in shades of lime green and lemon yellow. The bouquet combined anthuriums and poppies with hints of yellow,” recalls Lauren. A cake, meanwhile, by Ruby and Pearl Cake Art, was styled…

✔ CAPACITY Dalduff serves weddings with a minimum of 20 guests and a maximum of 160. Ceremonies can take place in the main barn, Dutch barns or garden, with versatile spaces suitable for intimate or grand celebrations. ✔ PACKAGES Saturday weddings cost £5,000, including two nights in the farmhouse with breakfast. Midweek weddings (Wednesday) are £4,000 with the same inclusions. Both require a catering and drinks minimum spend (£5,500 for Saturday, £3,500 for Wednesday). Small weddings start at £3,000 for 20 to 50 guests, with 24-hour venue hire and one night in the farmhouse. ✔ FOOD Menus begin at £55 per guest, and feature the likes of steak pie dinners or Chateaubriand feasts. Barbecue menus are £60 per guest. Drinks packages start at £16 per person, and all beverages must…

Bringing the fun Nothing quite gives the ‘wow factor’ like an surprise for guests – and newlyweds Alex and Cissie couldn’t hold back their excitement as they organised for a Chinese lion dance – which symbolises wealth and prosperity – to descend on Restoration Yard. The venue boasts a wonderfully re-imagined 18th century stables, historic Orangerie and courtyard amid Dalkeith Country Park so there was lots of room to have some fun. This photo, captured by Lou Rob Photo, certainly does that! KEEP FIT AT KIMPTON If you’re looking for the ultimate R&R treat for your wedding guests – or perhaps for yourself the night before the big day – then look no further than Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh (Charlotte Square) and Glasgow (Blythswood Square). Their newly introduced Stay Well…

SEALED WITH A KISS Nestled in 30 acres of greenery in Aberdeen is showstopping Ardoe House Hotel & Spa. Tala and Craig [below, captured by Paul Mavor Photography & Cinematic Wedding Films] were lucky enough to enjoy some rare Scottish sunshine and make use of an outdoor ceremony spot. But if weather isn’t on your side, couples can also celebrate within the impressive 19th-century baronial mansion with up to 150 of their nearest and dearest. With pointed turrets, mosaic flooring and stained-glass windows, it makes a great backdrop for memories that last a lifetime. Winter wonderland Five-star exclusive-use Highland wedding venue Achnagairn Castle, set on a 30-acre estate near Inverness, is breathtaking. But fear not about having to book years in advance in order to score a wedding date at…

There was no chance of Hannah and William burying the sausage the day before their wedding. (That’s not a euphemism, by the way; it’s an old tradition said to guarantee a sunny day.) “We’re not fans of summer or hot weather,” laughs Hannah, “so we always knew that if we were to get married, we’d do it in autumn or winter.” The Wakefield-based couple, who have been together ever since high school, had long had their hearts set on eloping – and where better to do that than at the iconic Gretna Green, the Dumfriesshire village that has been the centre of ‘runaway love’ since 1754. Cold weather was, thankfully, guaranteed for the couple’s December wedding. “Marrying so close to Christmas made it feel even more magical,” says Hannah, who…

Q. Favourite ceremony addition? I actually don’t have a particular favourite ritual. What I do love, though, is when there’s a really confident kid in the family who is happy to get up and do a reading. It brings something special to the ceremony – and there’s never a dry eye in the house! Q. Favourite ceremony song? If it is pre-recorded music, I am a big fan of couples who opt for something a bit quirky. But I love when it’s live music – selfishly, because I usually get a private 20-minute concert before the ceremony as they practise and have a warm-up! Q. If you could officiate at a celebrity wedding, whose would it be? As someone who is half-Welsh, I’d have to say the great Richard Burton……

Q. Favourite flowers to work with for weddings? I love roses, ranunculus, ammi, nigella and larkspur – anything jiggly, wispy and romantic, really. Q. Go-to colour palette for a timeless wedding look? The softest pinks and whites will always look beautiful, in my opinion, and they go with everything. Q. Preferred season for creating wedding arrangements? High summer, because you have the best of everything and all my faves are in bloom. Q. Favourite wedding tradition involving flowers? I don’t know if it’s a tradition but I love it when my couples have their flowers preserved. It’s a real compliment. But please don’t toss my bouquets, it makes my bum clench (lol). Q. Big wedding or intimate elopement? If it was me, I’d want the big party. But I love…

Alex Craig and Erin McBride, now Mr and Mrs Craig 24th August 2024 at The Engine Works, Glasgow A social media post showing off the shiny new engagement ring on an immaculately manicured left hand is de rigueur for the 21st-century bride-tobe. But things didn’t quite go to plan for Erin when Alex popped the question… “We’d been together since 2018, so when we went to New York on holiday in April 2022, quite a few friends predicted we’d be getting engaged. We didn’t, though. As it turned out, Alex wanted to do something more private. “A couple of months later, we hired a motorhome to do the NC500 (with our cavapoo, Teddy) and Alex proposed on the beautiful white sands of Achmelvich Bay. I had no makeup on and…

If I asked any of the unmarried women I know what kind of engagement ring they could see themselves wearing, I’m pretty sure 90% of them could give me a rough idea without having to think twice. Whether they have imagined a particular size and shape, always been drawn towards a certain gemstone, or once saw a specific intertwined engagement ring and wedding band combo that they haven’t been able to stop thinking about since – they’ll have something in mind that they really like, whether they’ve acknowledged the reality to themselves or not. As for me, I can’t recall exactly when I saw my first aqua marine, but I can tell you that for as long as I can remember, the ring I always imagine sitting on the fourth…

Opus Couture in West Kilbride recently celebrated the beauty and elegance of real brides in a stunning in-house photoshoot, perfectly showcasing their bridal boutique. For this special project, they collaborated with three of their beautiful past brides, as well as future bride Kirsten Cameron, bringing their bridal dreams to life once again. The shoot was made all the more memorable by a talented team of professionals: hair styling was expertly handled by the brilliant Pamela Docherty, makeup artistry by Stephanie McDowell and Stacey Toner, and photography flawlessly captured by Donna McGowan. As a past bride of Opus Couture herself, Donna truly understood their vision, WIN bringing a unique and personal perspective to the shoot. Each dress was tastefully complemented by an array of custommade earrings by Sophie Smith, owner of…

As the go-to bridal alteration specialists recommended by top bridal boutiques in Glasgow, we have built a reputation for reliability, precision, and excellence. Our reputation speaks for itself. Our spacious, picture-perfect fitting rooms are designed with your comfort in mind. Whether you’re making a simple adjustment or a complete transformation, you’ll feel relaxed and pampered as you try on your gown with your closest family and friends by your side. No gown is too complex for our expert team. Whether it’s intricate lacework, delicate beading, or a major redesign, we take pride in perfecting every detail of your dress, ensuring it matches your dream look to perfection. Why choose us? • Long standing reputation • Attention to detail • Luxury experience • Privacy and comfort • Flawless craftsmanship • Generations…

Glasgow occasion wear boutique Catherines of Partick understands the importance of looking and feeling good – especially on a day as special as a wedding. “Confidence plays a huge role in making our customers feel the best they can,” the shop’s Candice Nicol says. She reveals that this coming season’s collections have a focus on elegant off-the-shoulder necklines. “We find this style is perfect for ladies who prefer to show shoulders or collarbone without feeling completely bare. A Bardot neckline also covers the top of the arms, an area that many of our customers find troublesome.” Wear the trousers Getting dressed up in an actual dress isn’t for everyone. We’re currently obsessing over this fabulous dancefloor-ready two-piece Gabriela Sanchez trouser suit, available at occasion wear boutique Frox of Falkirk. Manager Natalie…

“We offer the same advice to all customers, regardless of how much you’re spending: make sure you love it” The older I get, the less impulsive I’ve become when I’m shopping. Before, I’d grab things off the shelves or rails and throw them in my basket without a second thought; now, though, I’d say my purchases are calculated and considered, especially if it’s something I’ll be dropping a pretty penny on. That, not surprisingly, is the attitude I’d recommend for ring shopping. It’s likely to be one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make, so you want to be sure you’ve covered all the bases and know what to expect before you embark on the journey. To iron out any queries, we’ve asked four top jewellers for their thoughts…

Picking something to wear for a night out with your pals is quite different to choosing the outfit you’re going to get married in, isn’t it? You’re probably wondering if there are rules about what a groom should wear – like, does it have to be a kilt for a Scottish wedding? Or, if you go for a suit, should it be a particular style or colour? How far in advance ought you to have your outfit sorted? And how much is it all going to cost? Well, luckily for you, we have answers to all those questions – plus a whole bunch more you didn’t even know you needed to ask, regarding timelines, price tags, the pros and cons of hiring versus buying, and what you can expect from…

✔ CAPACITY The Exchange can host ceremonies from 60 to 140 guests and receptions for up to 200 people across its four rooms, three private bars and one hidden terrace. ✔ PACKAGES Only The Exchange package grants exclusive use of the entire venue (the rest offer exclusive use of the second floor) and access to the Parlour (from 8am), as well as favours, flowers, a three - or four-course meal, champagne (or whisky) for the toasts, an evening buffet, a piper, DJ and more. Priced from £14,600 based on 60 guests (until 31st March 2026; from £17,000 from April 2026). Meanwhile, the McCormick package offers things like a three-course meal, half-bottle of house wine, post-ceremony drinks and special touches like LED candles and vases for the aisle. It costs from…

Q. Favourite photo spot? I love wedding photos in the picturesque Cigar Bothy in our beautifully fairy-lit courtyard. Q. Favourite item on the menu? Most definitely one of our ‘Supper Snack’ dishes: the indulgent gruyère scones, with delicious pancetta, sage butter and chive cream cheese. Q. Favourite ceremony spots, indoors and out? The Burke & Hare suite has a commanding presence, while retaining intimacy and a cosy energy. Outdoors, our Courtyard is stunningly lit by night, and a sun-trap during a beautiful day. Q. Your top wedding prop? Our impressive bespoke mural of Edinburgh, in the Burke & Hare suite [below], is the only prop you need to create a classically Scottish atmosphere and wow your guests. Q. A top tip for couples ahead of their wedding? Take time to…

After three years of long-distance love, Ester was delighted to say yes when Robbie popped the question at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Brazilian bride and Scottish groom married just three short months later. “We decided to marry as soon as we could upon our return to Scotland,” says Ester, adding that the couple are planning a second ceremony in Brazil later this year. Kilmardinny House, a large A-listed Georgian mansion in Bearsden, is close to where the couple live and was their dream venue from the get-go. “As soon as we learned it was available on a summer Saturday at relatively short notice, we didn’t hesitate,” Ester recalls. As they didn’t have a big budget or much time to hunt for suppliers, the lovebirds took full advantage of the…

Sixteen months to go After getting engaged in August, primary-school teacher Niamh Coupar is set to marry mechanical engineer Josh Schofield next May at Dunglass Estate, Dunbar Hello, 2025. We finally get to say that we’re getting married next year! We’ve put down the mince pies and picked up our planner, ready for the new year ahead, and are focused on making progress with booking our suppliers. The last few months have been manic. Our save-the-dates went out towards the end of the year and are now with our nearest and dearest. We’ve focused a lot on research lately, finding out what we like and dislike. We attended our first wedding fair, The Scottish Wedding Show at the SEC in Glasgow, and it was a big success. We met lots…

Melanie Herriot and Cameron Hunt Ceremony on 11th September 2024 at Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh. Reception on 4th October 2024 at the Scotsman Picture House, Edinburgh Recent bride Melanie Heriot is a bridal hair and makeup artist, working under the name MHM Styling, so how did her insider knowledge guide her when she was planning her own wedding? “It helped give me a solid idea of what I didn’t want,” she laughs. “I’ve been to so many weddings where the getting-ready space wasn’t ideal, or where they hadn’t planned ahead with certain things – so I made sure I was prepped and covered all bases.” There was a downside, though: “Because I see hundreds of weddings each year, I put a lot of pressure on myself for our wedding to be…