Tie the Knot Scotland April-May 2025

Giorgio Armani once said that to create something exceptional, your mind must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail. The little things matter here, in our details issue, and while we’re broadly on board with the fashion designer’s approach, we’d encourage you to avoid tying yourself in knots obsessing over them! While a ‘shot wall’ table plan might be essential to some (p.181), others might prefer a scrumptious statement cake (p.14 and p.175). Prioritise what means the most and in turn, you’ll be rewarded with a big day that reflects your personalities. If you want to have complete creative control, a dry-hire setting allows you to finesse every single element you wish. Avoid overwhelm from the get-go with the guidance of our ‘how to plan a blank-canvas wedding’ feature (p.80).…

OLD Old doesn’t have to mean antique or heirloom; it can be a revival of a previous trend. Case in point: 1950s-style headwear could be making a reappearance in the year ahead, suggests Stephanie Gallen from Glasgow-based Stephanie Gallen Millinery. “Bridal birdcages [like this one Stephanie created, above] are always a winner as they are glamorous and aren’t ‘hair ruiners’. If you decide to take it off, your hairstyle is usually still in place – which is not always the case with combs or hair bands from heavier veils. “This style is also very versatile and works well with many looks. It can be romantic, edgy or ‘old Hollywood’ glamorous. “They’re also appropriate for guests (not in white!) as part of a hat.” BLUE Your ‘something blue’ is thought to…

1 ‘HIDDEN’ COSTS Weddings can be as expensive or as affordable as you want them to be, but chances are there will be a few last-minute things that could throw your original budget into turmoil. That’s why it’s beneficial to have a back-up fund (and if you don’t spend it all, it can go towards the honeymoon – bonus!). Back to basics If you’ve picked a blank-canvas venue [like East Lothian’s amazing Harvest Moon Holidays, left], it is often exactly as it says on the tin: completely blank. This means sourcing everything – not just tables, chairs, glassware, linen, cutlery and so on, but also caterers, serving staff, a drinks vendor and all the decor – which, of course, all adds up. The big benefit is that you can truly…

Of all the many planning tasks, surely none is as sweet as choosing a cake. But with so many flavours and designs out there, you really need an expert to show you the way. And expertise is exactly what you’ll find at Jappacakes, a bakery known for its stunning handmade wedding and celebration cakes. To see how the consultation and tasting process works first-hand, I headed to the shop in the centre of Lanark – and let’s just say, my sweet tooth was in for a treat. Jappacakes has grown significantly in recent years and now boasts five members of staff and three delivery drivers. It means the business can take on multiple wedding cake orders for the same date. As well as dreaming up fully bespoke creations for those…

GLASGOW GODDESSES Eleganza Sposa’s latest drop of its in-house Iconica bridal collection, ‘Divina’, takes inspiration from the grace of Roman goddesses. Each gown is a “tribute to divine femininity, with silhouettes that flow like Venus’ robes and delicate floral appliqués evoking the gardens of Flora,” introduces Erin Kerr at the Glasgow Bath Street boutique – and Flora just so happens to be the name of the gorgeous gown on the left. “Luxurious pearl embellishments glisten like Juno’s celestial blessings, while soft bows add playful romance. Featuring expert corsetry to flatter every figure, the collection blends mythological elegance with modern sophistication.” LONDON LEAGUE As the label’s exclusive Scottish stockist, luxury Edinburgh boutique Rachel Scott Couture is delighted to showcase the much-anticipated Vivienne Westwood 2025 bridal collection. Already have your wedding dress…

A FLAIR FOR FLORALS For her daughter Shannon’s Kinkell Byre wedding last summer, mother-of-the-bride Arlene [above] opted for a pink floral chiffon Couture-Club collection dress from occasionwear boutique Frox of Falkirk. The bride’s choice of delicate floral lace was beautifully echoed by her mum’s soft chiffon blooms. STYLISHLY STRAPLESS If the bride-to-be opts for a strapless style, her mum might consider an off-the-shoulder design with a clever fold-over feature at the neckline, like this lovely John Charles dress (available at Falkirk occasionwear boutique Catwalk). It’ll mimic the chic, clean lines of the bride’s straight-across style, with the added bonus of a little upper arm coverage – a highly requested feature for mums’ formalwear. COLOUR CODED Tartan traditionally combines quite a handful of hues, so why not take advantage of the…