Innholdsfortegnelse for October-November 2025 i Tie the Knot Scotland

Putting together our cover shoot with Scottish model and influencer Emily Shak at brand-new Glasgow venue, The Collector’s Hall, was almost like stage-managing a wedding itself. With 20+ people on set, dozens of details to align, and just one shot at getting it right, it was all about trusting the expert team involved – and the sensational end result (pp.22-42) makes us very glad we did. That idea of being guided by suppliers’ skilled hands runs through this issue. You’ll meet two grooms who were grateful for their kiltmaker’s sharp eye in creating custom outfits (p.98), and four mums of the bride/groom who each placed their confidence in a boutique and walked away looking incredible (p.50). We also road-tested the wedding professionals ourselves, with the team trying out a state-of-the-art…

SAVINGS AHEAD Brides on the hunt for ‘the one’ (without the eye-watering price tag) should head to Rachel Scott Couture’s Luxury Bridal for Less event, running 22nd September–17th October at the Queensferry Street store in Edinburgh. Expect once-in-a-lifetime prices on gowns by Vivienne Westwood [left], Suzanne Neville, Halfpenny London and more, with private 45-minute appointments to try on up to three dresses. Even better? You can take your dream gown home the same day – and with new styles arriving throughout, there’s no wrong moment to book your slot. BEST OF BRITISH Brit designer Savannah Miller has joined the rails at Melle Cloche in Glasgow. The label is known for its effortlessly relaxed yet elevated style, blending cool-girl individuality with timeless sophistication. Brides who crave chic understatement (with a touch…

COUNTRY GARDEN If you went all heart-eyed over TikToker Becca Bloom’s romantic wedding style, the good news is that flowers are blossoming abundantly over bridalwear next year. Isabel Sanchis’s laser-cut rose fabric [below left] isn’t a million miles away from that of Becca’s Oscar de la Renta ceremony gown, while the large petals on the Morilee [left] tap into the vibes of her cute pink day-before dress. PEARLS Whether clustered around the waist, scattered across a mermaid silhouette or sculpted artfully around the bust, pearls proved they were a girl’s best friend. We particularly adored the giant ones dotted across Isabel Sanchis’s 1950s-inspired dress with over-the-top tied collar [above left]. FROU-FROU Flounces, frills and froth brought volume and fun. Allure Bridals’ ballgown [above left] with a structured tulle neckline was…

They say fortune favours the brave and the talented team of suppliers and creatives who worked on this styled photoshoot at Midlothian barn venue Rosebery Steading were certainly showered in it. Holly Edwards of Bliss & Wilde Photography, who took the creative lead on the shoot, explains the inspiration behind it: “It stemmed from a desire to embrace bold, vibrant florals. I wanted to challenge the ‘traditional’ wedding palette and create an aesthetic that was striking, full of colour and editorial in feel. It was about pushing boundaries and curating a look that felt both joyful and luxurious – and we definitely achieved that. “We balanced the brightness with refined styling – think tuxedos, intricate textures, and a polished finish – and the result is a visual story that feels…

FAB Salons by Laura Porter TTKS editor Beth tried the new Slimyonik Air Body Styler and Byonik Laser Facial Confession: when Laura Porter, owner of FAB Salons in Glasgow, invited me to try a brand-new facial and body treatment, I hesitated to accept. I have dry, sensitive, psoriasis-prone skin and tend to avoid using anything new on my face (or body, for that matter) for fear of a breakout. I needn’t have worried; Laura is so disarming, welcoming and knowledgeable that I felt at ease and reassured that I was in the very best hands from the get-go. Her Rutherglen salon is a calming space with zen-like treatment rooms, and has won a loyal clientele thanks to its results-driven collagen-boosting peels, non-surgical body contouring, state-of-the-art hair/tattoo removal and a whole…

Every engaged couple will at some point find themselves sitting in front of their increasingly unruly spreadsheet, head in hands, wondering if they can just pack it all in and elope instead. But that doesn’t have to be you. If you’re still looking for a venue, it means you are at the start of your planning journey – you still have a chance to avoid the common mistakes that leave other couples frazzled about six months in. The key to choosing the perfect spot for your big day is knowing exactly what you need from a venue before you go to your first viewing. Otherwise, it’s easy to be swayed by a beautiful – but unsuitable – space that might seem ideal at first, only to cause endless planning headaches later.…

For a lot of people, the thought of organising a blank-canvas type of wedding fills them with terror. Not Ruaridh and Bex, though. Being able to personalise their day was what made it so incredibly special. “We got engaged last May and by the following month, we’d found our venue,” Bex recalls. “We’d shortlisted five places but forgot about them the minute we visited the Cow Shed Crail. It was love at first sight. “It was really important to us to pick a venue that we’d be able to make our own – we didn’t want it to look like any other wedding. Plus, Ruaridh and I loved the bright, open space and all the unique and rustic features. When we started booking suppliers, we tried to use local ones…

‘I dos’ at dusk Historic Glasgow venue 1599 at the Royal College has introduced a new Twilight wedding package designed for evening celebrations. It includes exclusive hire from 4pm to midnight, with a ceremony in the Lower Library or Princess Alexandra Room, followed by a prosecco toast, drinks reception and finger buffet – all for £49 per person (minimum 50 guests). Personalised stationery, classic linen and the support of a dedicated coordinator are included too. Couples can add upgrades such as hot fork buffets, a sit-down meal, or access to Blythswood Square Gardens. “Twilight weddings are all about atmosphere – romantic lighting, relaxed dining, and a focus on the joy of celebrating together. We’re thrilled to offer this new package to our couples,” conference and events manager Fiona Hainey smiles.…

Your wedding cake isn’t just something to eat. It’s a show-stopper, a lovely tradition and a brilliant photo op. But, with endless flavours, fillings and stunning designs to choose from, deciding what to order is a tricky task. Follow our experts’ advice to make the whole process sweet, simple and seriously fun. Q. How do you decide on flavours? A. “The best way is by tasting them,” smiles Denise Lai at YiShi Cake in Edinburgh. “We offer a tasting box by post, either with our six most-loved flavours or your own custom selection. They’re all freshly prepared and delivered next day to enjoy at home, completely stress-free.” Q. What can I do about guests with special dietary requirements? A. “Many places can cater to that,” explains Liggy Rennie at Liggy’s…

They say that all you need in life is love and laughter, and that’s exactly what Antonia found in Craig. “We have this running joke that I end up crying because of how much Craig makes me laugh,” says the happy bride. “It’s one of my favourite things about him.” From the minute they got engaged, the couple (who have been together since they were teenagers) knew that their wedding would be all about the party vibes, with everyone on the dancefloor until the wee hours. But heartfelt personal vows were also deeply important to them, so Antonia and Craig eventually settled on a quiet legal ceremony in Scotland first, followed by a unforgettable celebration in Marbella with 100 of their nearest and dearest. “We went back and forth a lot…

Opus Couture in West Kilbride is offering brides the chance to win a breathtaking Opus Couture designer gown, valued at up to £1,000. The bridal boutique – which was founded in 2003 – is all about making brides feel beautiful, supported and confident. Everything is done with care and expertise, whether that’s personalised fittings or customisations, and the team always go the extra mile to ensure every bride finds her dream dress. If you book an appointment at Opus, you can expect prosecco and cupcakes, plus, of course, an expert consultant ready to understand every aspect of your bridal vision from the very moment you book an appointment. An hour’s drive from Glasgow, the beautiful Ayrshire boutique offers a calm, luxurious atmosphere where every detail has been carefully worked out…

OPUS COUTURE “Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week 2025 was incredible – the creativity on the runways really stood out,” says Susan Lightbody, manager at Opus Couture. Susan’s highlights included WONÁ Concept, Berta and Pronovias, each with their own unforgettable shows. Trend-wise, she noticed the return of basque waists and corsetry also reigned supreme, often adorned with delicate lace. “It’s that perfect blend of structure and softness that we can’t wait to bring back to Opus Couture.” MELLE CLOCHE Jesús Peiró is an annual staple at Barcelona Bridal Week and this year saw the Spanish brand debut its striking Perla collection. Glasgow bridal boutique Melle Cloche was there to see it. “It’s a refined evolution of the label’s aesthetic – sleek, architectural silhouettes paired with thoughtful embellishments and delicate detailing for the…

Are you a groom who is looking for something a bit different – but not exactly sure what that looks like? Newly opened SETT and its expert team can help. Specialising in bespoke tailoring and highlandwear, SETT – based in Glasgow’s south side – offers modern grooms the perfect balance of luxury and affordability. “Our store opened in Battlefield area of Glasgow in 2024 and we love being part of its tight-knit community of people and local businesses,” says Erin McGreechin, creative director at the brand. “SETT combines craftsmanship, style, and value and it has become a go-to destination for groomswear in Scotland.” Expect to pay from £1,000 for a three-piece suit (depending on fabric and other preferences). The store is made up of a small and passionate team of…

In the two years I’ve been writing for Tie the Knot Scotland, I’ve seen more than my fair share of beautiful weddings in stunning places. Stately homes, grand castles, chic city hotels, coastal escapes – this country has it all. But, I have to be honest here: witnessing brilliantly original and creative weddings week in, week out has also made one thing glaringly obvious. Unless I win the lottery (or accept more help from my parents than I’d ever be comfortable with), many of these big days are big-time out of my budget. And I know that’s the case for a lot of us. The good news is that a memorable wedding doesn’t have to cost the earth. Affordable needn’t mean bare-bones or boring; it just means making clever choices. Packages…

A WINTER’S TALE New York couple Chloe and Jack [right] had a magical Christmas wedding at Barnbougle Castle in South Queensferry. “The styling and decor were unlike anything we had seen before,” says Jennifer McMurray at the venue. “The reception began with cocktails and oysters, followed by a grand three-course dinner in the Banqueting Hall, breathtakingly lit with candles, with Christmas crackers placed at every setting. “Every detail was thoughtful and unique, working in perfect harmony with the castle’s grandeur.” GO FOR GRANDEUR Searching for a venue that truly impresses? Look no further than The Signet Library – a Georgian masterpiece in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Just steps from St Giles’ Cathedral, this luxe venue is hosting a wedding showcase on 16th October where couples can explore the…

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? Teacher Niamh Coupar and engineer Josh Schofield will marry next summer at Dunglass Estate, near Dunbar This time next year, Josh and I will be married and enjoying our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic! We’ve ticked off quite a few items on our neverending to-do list over the last few weeks. I finally said yes to the dress at the end of July, in the company of my mum, sister and nana, and we even managed to FaceTime Josh’s mum and sister for the special moment. I can’t thank the girls at Bijoux enough, especially Rachel. She put so much effort into helping me find my dream dress, and was so patient! I tried on lots of different styles, including several dresses that I was sure would…

Hi, Lorraine! Tell us about yourself and your business I’ve been working in childcare for almost two decades now, and have seen the joy that high-quality care brings to children and families. I started Shannon’s Sitters to fill a gap I saw in the weddings and events industry for professional childcare. My goal was to give parents and guardians peace of mind, allowing them to fully enjoy their special day, knowing that their children are safe, supported and happy. What are the key benefits of hiring a nanny for an event? Some parents fear a nanny might take their child away from the experience; in reality, we make sure they’re involved in the day but without becoming overwhelmed by the excitement. There’s a safety element people don’t always consider too.…

Representing your nationality at your wedding is second nature to the Scots – just look at all the tartan, thistles and bagpipes we love to bring to the party. But what happens when there are two – or more – different sets of customs and traditions to incorporate? If you’re anything like our half-Scottish half-French bride Zoé and her Romanian-born husband Dragoș, who married earlier this year at Falside Mill near St Andrews, it’s no bother at all. The couple wove their heritage through the day in various ways. “We played French, Romanian and Scottish music,” Zoé smiles, “and we got loads of flags from each country for people to wave as they pleased – they were brilliant for photobooth videos, and guests loved taking them home as souvenirs.” And, naturally,…

PICTURE THIS: It’s the night before you go on a massive holiday. You’ve set an alarm, but your phone charger has been a bit dodgy. You’re pretty sure you sorted the visa, but the webpage crashed when you were doing it, and you haven’t had any confirmation emails. You showed your friend the Airbnb listing and the most recent review said the owner didn’t show up. Nightmare, eh? Well, the bad news is that’s probably a fraction of how stressed you’ll feel before your wedding. The good news? Keep this feature handy and you can extinguish those fears (and the £40 sleep candle your worried bridesmaid showed up with). 12 weeks to go It’s getting real now! Time to send out your invites, and, if you’re doing a wedding website,…

The flowers: Lucienne Luxe “Lucienne Luxe is a luxury floral and event decor studio, born from the same creative spirit behind Salty Frog, my floristry studio and coffee shop in Glasgow’s west end,” explains owner Natalie Watt [left]. “My vision for the shoot was a floral, candlelit setting that echoed the refined elegance of the gowns and architectural beauty of the venue. The space at The Collector’s Hall, with its domed ceiling, monochrome flooring and neutral tones, called for something luxurious and understated. Layered white and ivory hydrangeas and garden roses with trailing foliage brought depth and texture, while tall arrangements lifted the eye to the venue’s dome focal point. Clusters of blooms and flickering candles at ground level added intimacy and warmth.” The venue: The Collector’s Hall “The Collector’s…

In bloom: Jean Weir found her outfit at Catwalk, Falkirk Fate. We mention it a lot when talking about weddings, don’t we? It’s what many couples say brought them together. For Jean Weir, fate had a different role to play when her son Ross got married in 2022. After finding her gorgeous blush pink fit-and-flare dress in Catwalk, she kept thinking how much she would love to work at the Falkirk boutique. “Then, about two months later, one of their employees retired,” recalls Jean, who successfully applied for the job. “It felt like it was meant to be.” It’s a dream position for fashion-loving Jean, who gets to see all the latest collections and help other mums find something special to wear. And when it came time to find a…

The Collector’s Hall, Glasgow Looking for… “Couples who cherish Glasgow’s heritage, treasure timeless romance and dream of an elegant setting filled with warmth and character,” says director of event sales Kate Nicholl Hi, Kate! Tell us what we need to know about weddings at The Collector’s Hall Well, we are a brand new venue in the heart of Glasgow, just off George Square. Most likely, none of your guests will have been to an event with us by the time it’s your special day – ensuring that their first glimpse of the stunning setting will be etched into their minds forever. We have a range of spaces that can host intimate ceremonies for 20, weddings breakfasts for 110 and receptions for 150. Prices start from £120 per person for a…

Small & intimate The Cow Shed Crail on the Fife coast welcomes celebrations of all shapes and sizes but, according to its social media manager Viv Key, there is a particular charm when couples choose to keep things small. “A wedding by the sea carries its own grandeur regardless of size but with smaller gatherings, there’s a natural flow between spaces, such as the barn, lawn and coastline. The venue feels lived in and fully embraced, and there is more scope for conversation and for the couple to savour the day,” she explains. If that floats your boat, the rustic barn venue offers smaller weddings (60 guests max) on weekends from October to March and midweek dates all year round. Plus, those looking to book a midweek wedding in 2026…

When the groom is an architect with a fascination for old buildings, your venue choice is narrowed down straight away. Thankfully, the couple in this case had their hearts set on marrying in Edinburgh, which has no shortage of magnificent settings with grand marble fireplaces, beautifully decorated ceilings and crystal chandeliers. “Sam and I wanted a venue that had character and soul,” says May. “We also wanted somewhere that would be easy for our international guests to get to. Edinburgh was the first place we’d visited in the UK together, and it had always meant a lot to us.” With 70 guests travelling from the other side of the world (May is from Japan and the US, while Sam is from Manchester), it was important to pick somewhere with plenty…

Barns have moved on a bit since the days of tractors and haybales. Case in point: Barraston Farm, a brand-new wedding venue in rolling countryside north of Glasgow. Its freshly refurbished barn (capacity around 80 seated) has all the rustic appeal you’d hope for – vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, views across open fields – but with comforts that lean firmly towards luxury. We’re talking proper heating, air con, mood lighting, and even a shimmering chandelier taking centre stage. Step outside and you’ll find a paved courtyard (space for over 150), which works as an open-air spot or can be covered with a stretch-roof marquee system (because, well, Scotland). There’s also a landscaped garden and pond – where peacocks, ducks, and geese roam freely – that’s a pretty backdrop for photos.…

SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE Aboyne venue Ballogie House believes every wedding should be personal – and Abbie and James’ July 2025 celebration was a stunning example. With sunshine on their side (it was the venue’s hottest wedding on record!), the couple opted for a smaller outdoor ceremony on the lawn, then transformed the evening with a marquee reception that brought a lively, party atmosphere. From favours to photography, every detail reflected them as individuals. “Your day at Ballogie House should be unique to you as a couple, and Abbie and James’ day was exactly that,” says the Aberdeenshire venue’s manager Charlotte Watson. In the works Well-known for hosting the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Belladrum Estate will soon have a brand-new wedding venue. The listed clocktower and steading are being transformed…

GET THE LOOK: TAYLOR & TRAVIS’S ENGAGEMENT The internet’s It couple are getting married! This summer, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement announcement took the world by storm – racking up 36.7 million likes (and counting) on their joint Instagram post. While Swift reigns the queen of a surprise reveal, it won’t come as a shock to any wedding suppliers when the requests to recreate similar floral set-ups for their own special days start rolling in. Ceilidh Gunn Sayers of Fluraichean Flowers and Helen Hardman of The Greenshed Flower Studio share their expert insight. “Taylor and Travis’s engagement florals really took advantage of the surrounding greenery; the trees in the background allow the contrasting white flowers in particular to draw the eye,” Ceilidh says. To recreate the vibe, the Highland…

Jacqueline Stevenson’s vision for her wedding was clear from the moment she said yes. “I’m American, Gregor is Scottish, and we live in Chicago, where he proposed in autumn 2023 after four incredible years together,” she explains. “As soon as we got engaged, my family were already dreaming of kilts and castles. There was never really any doubt that we’d marry in Scotland.” Planning a destination wedding, however, was a challenge. The couple quickly realised they’d need professional help managing logistics from across the Atlantic. “A quick search led us to Lisa Bauer of Tartan Weddings,” says Jacqueline. Based in New York but originally from Glasgow, Lisa specialises in Scottish castle weddings – and became, in Jacqueline’s words, “so much more” than a planner. “Lisa played a vital role in every…

Some dates have a certain magic. That’s how it was when Lewis and Victoria had the chance to marry on 25th May 2025. “It looked good written down – 25/5/25 – and it’s my granny’s birthday,” laughs the bride. “That was reason enough for me!” The pair had first crossed paths in the most unassuming of places: the hairdressers. “He was a junior at the salon and fixed my towel for me,” recalls Victoria. “A few weeks later, he followed me on Instagram. He knew my mum better than me at that point because she was in the salon more often!” The pair were soon a couple and, five years later on holiday in Florida, Lewis (now with his own barbershop) proposed. “It was sunset on 18th September 2023 and…

“There’s a letter for you,” my mum shouts. I make my way downstairs and take the envelope from her, opening it carefully as she peers over my shoulder. “A Thursday?!” she shrieks as I pull out the thick card. “You must be kidding! They’ve got the day wrong, surely. They must mean a Saturday?” For context, we’re talking about a wedding invitation here and, yes, my mum does have a habit of overreacting ever so slightly. But, to give her some credit, this exchange happened five years ago, when the concept of the midweek wedding was pretty new. Weddings then were most often held on a Saturday. That’s still the case today – more than half of all ceremonies last year in the UK were on Saturdays.* It’s regarded as…