7 top tips for planning a wedding in Scotland
Scotland offers a magnificent backdrop for any luxury wedding, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural vibrancy. Whether you envision your special day in a historic castle, an elegant manor, or amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Highlands, Scotland delivers on opulence and romance to make your dream wedding come true.
In this blog post, we share some of our top tips from years’ of experience in planning high-end Scottish weddings, to give you some inspiration and ensure your special day is nothing short of perfect…
1.Start early
Beginning to plan your wedding well in advance is crucial when envisioning a luxury celebration in Scotland. We recommend starting at least a year ahead to not only ensure you can secure change to can secure the most premium vendors and suppliers, but also to accommodate for any custom requests, such as bespoke gowns or personalised menus to make your day extra magical. This proactive approach also helps to prepare your guests in terms of the logistics, especially those travelling from afar.
2.Set a clear budget
Budgeting, another pillar of wedding planning, requires precision and forward planning. Start by segmenting your budget into distinct categories like venue, attire, catering, etc, to make sure no area is forgotten about and prioritise your non-negotiables. Once you gather multiple quotes for each service, you can gain a balanced perspective and potentially reveal areas of savings without compromising on luxury.
Don’t forget - a luxury wedding budget isn't just about the obvious expenses. Make sure you account for hidden costs, such as gratuities, personalisation and setup fees, so you aren’t faced with any last-minute financial surprises. We recommend keeping a contingency fund where about 10% of your budget can act as a safety net, safeguarding your plans against unforeseen expenditures.
In the UK there is a Value Added tax of 20% for most larger scale vendors - although this may not apply to smaller weddings - in addition to international transfer fees, marriage visa and application fees if you’re having a legal ceremony and, for some venues, hire of tables, chairs and linens. As a couple, it is a good idea to discuss whether some of the more personal elements of the wedding should be included in the budget, such as flights, wedding rings, gown and groomswear, accommodation for the full duration of your trip, and so on.
3.Consider the weather
Scotland's seasons truly are a sight to behold, from the long summer days to the incredible colours of autumn leaves - and even the possibility of a spectacular white winter wedding. The beautiful scenery makes this location a dreamy backdrop for a luxury wedding. However, Scotland's geographical position means winter days may only provide a brief 6-hour window of daylight, with the possibility of drizzly rain and gusts of wind even in the summer months.
This unpredictability is important to plan for when picking venues, especially if photography plays a pivotal role in your celebration or you dream of an outdoor ceremony. Whether that means having luxury marquees on standby, reserving indoor sections of your venue, or even considering alternative dates, preemptive planning ensures that, come rain or shine, your wedding continues seamlessly.
4.Hire a Scottish wedding planner
Choosing to collaborate with a Scottish wedding planner promises a wealth of insider knowledge that can be essential for a luxury celebration. With an intricate network of local vendor connections, a Scottish wedding planner will give you access to the best the region has to offer, negotiate deals that offer value without compromising on quality and deftly manage the logistics that can otherwise become overwhelming.
If you're an international couple or unfamiliar with Scottish culture and wedding traditions, a wedding planner is a treasure trove of cultural insights. For instance, in Scotland, it's deemed unlucky for the couple to see each other before the ceremony, while other parts of the world are accustomed to the trending 'first-look' photos. Fortunately, we also consider it good luck for it to rain on your wedding day (See our point above about weather!).
Entrusting a local planner who is experienced in organising luxury Scottish weddings can greatly alleviate the stress that comes with the planning phase. Remember, planning your wedding shouldn't rest solely on your shoulders; don’t hesitate to delegate where possible because after all, your primary focus should be on enjoying the occasion ahead.
5.Vet your vendors
When planning a luxury wedding in Scotland, the importance of vetting your vendors cannot be overstated. It's essential to confirm they have experience in managing upscale events so you have peace of mind that your big day will be the high-end ceremony you’ve dreamed of. A locally based Wedding Planner will have a true sense of who will bring positivity, talent and honesty to the process for you, as well as insight to vendor response times and how accommodating they’ve been historically for other clients.
If feasible, make it a point to personally tour your prospective venues, as photographs can sometimes fall short capturing the true essence of a location. An in-person visit can give you a better idea of the venue's logistics, ambiance, and spatial dynamics and allow you to plan better.
With each vendor or service provider, it’s a good idea to have them sign a detailed contract to act as a safeguard against potential misunderstandings. This documentation not only confirms your decisions but also fosters a transparent rapport, aligning expectations on both sides. Again, a wedding planner is a great reference for luxury suppliers and venues, and can handle all the negotiations for you to ensure your wedding day is everything you dreamed of.
6.Monthly check-ins and a final walk-through
Planning a luxury wedding can be overwhelming, so having monthly milestones in the lead-up to the big day is a great way to keep on top of everything. From the early days of securing the venue, to organising entertainment and attire, checking in with your partner, your planner and your vendors on a monthly basis will give the process a sense of structure and the flexibility to recalibrate and adjust as needed, ensuring the journey remains both strategic and adaptive.
Approaching the big day, a final walkthrough is crucial. About a month before the wedding, convene with your planner and essential vendors to get a holistic review and address any eleventh-hour alterations. It's an integral step in ensuring your day unfolds seamlessly, with each element echoing your envisioned nuptials.
7.Enjoy the process
As you delve deep into the whirlwind of wedding preparations, it's essential to stay anchored to the core essence of this entire endeavour: the celebration of love. Amidst the many decisions and arrangements, don’t forget to cherish the moments that form the journey, savouring them as much as the anticipation for the big day itself.
Equally important is the art of pause. The intricacies of wedding planning can, at times, become overwhelming. While it’s easy to become totally consumed with planning with a deadline to work towards, we recommend arranging regular intervals for respite, such as indulging in a spa day, rekindling romance on a date night, or simply unplugging for a weekend with your partner. This balance ensures you approach your wedding not just with meticulous plans but also with a heart full of joy.