When it comes to hosting a wedding that combines grandeur with tradition, Scotland offers an unparalleled backdrop. From historic castles to luxurious estates, the choices are as expansive as the rolling Scottish hills.

As experts in planning luxury Scottish weddings, we’ve amassed years of experience in bringing dream weddings to life - from intimate ceremonies to large wedding parties of over 250 guests.

In this blog post, we delve into the dos and don’ts to keep in mind when planning your special day, to help you make your wedding in Scotland the memorable event you’ve dreamed of…

The Dos

1. DO choose the right season

From the lush greenery of spring and summer, to the rustic charm of autumn and the magic of a winter wedding, Scotland's seasons offer a range of different experiences. With these varied climates, it’s important to choose a time of year that suits your preferred aesthetic and location - for instance, an outdoor wedding in the highlands in December could pose some logistical challenges.

2. DO book a venue well in advance

Whether you prefer historic castles or grand hotels in Edinburgh, luxurious wedding venues in Scotland are often booked a year or so in advance - and can be limited if you have a particularly large guestlist. Make sure you secure your dream location well ahead of time to ensure you can host your special day in your dream surroundings.

3. DO invest in a wedding planner

Having an experienced wedding planner by your side can make organising your special day a lot less stressful, especially if you’re planning a large ceremony or a destination wedding in Scotland from overseas. At Timeless White, we specialise in planning luxury weddings for destination and overseas clients, and have years of experience in planning large ceremonies, so we are well equipped to guide you through every detail, from venue selection to custom decorations, ensuring your wedding is uniquely yours.

4. DO make it a multi-day and opt for local traditions

Nothing says luxury more than an event spanning multiple days, with each one building upon a rich sense of history and tradition. For instance, the day before your nuptials you could feature a carefully crafted menu that highlights the best of Scottish cuisine, as well as Highland games, tartan dress and traditional music and ceilidh dancing.

5. DO hire professional photographers

When you're hosting a luxury wedding in Scotland, every moment is priceless - especially if you have a large guest list with many special moments among loved ones to capture. Make sure to invest in an experienced photographer to capture these irreplaceable memories and organise larger group shots with ease.

6. DO offer luxury accommodation

Your guests are an important part of your big day so it’s a good idea to arrange high-end accommodation over your wedding weekend so they can enjoy a relaxing experience and mingle together pre and post wedding. Arrange for them to stay at luxury hotels or even consider renting out a whole castle or estate if you have a large wedding guest list.

The Don'ts

1. DON’T scrimp on invitations

When you have a lot of guests to invite, it can be tempting to oversimplify your wedding invitations and allocate more budget to the day itself. However, first impressions always count, so it’s important to make sure your wedding invitations are as luxurious as the big day itself. Consider using high-quality paper and unique design elements to get your guests feeling excited for your special day - and make sure all the essential details are included.

2. DON’T forget about transportation

If your wedding involves multiple venues and a large guest list, make sure that you've arranged for luxury transportation options to ferry your guests while maintaining the high-end feel of your special day. Think shuttle buses, minivans, classic cars, or even horse-drawn carriages for that old-world charm.

3. DON’T overlook entertainment

If you’re planning a large wedding in Scotland, having entertainment options is an important consideration when you have a lot of guests in attendance. Whether it's a live orchestra, a traditional bagpiper, or even a ceilidh band for some traditional Scottish folk dancing, the right entertainment can elevate your wedding to a truly spectacular event.

Drumtochty Castle, image credit: Caro Weiss Photography

4. DON’T neglect backup plans

Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable - even the summer months can experience drizzly rain and an unexpected drop in temperature. When planning any wedding in Scotland, but especially a large one where last minute alternatives aren’t an option, it’s crucial to always have a backup plan for outdoor events. Your luxury wedding shouldn't have to compromise due to rain or wind.

5. DON’T forget to utilise local resources

For a large wedding, even the finer details make a big difference in bringing your special day to life. Scotland is home to some of the finest artisans, florists, and craftspeople who can bring beautiful Scottish touches to your wedding day. Utilise local resources to add authentic Scottish touches to your wedding that will impress every one of your guests.

6. DON’T forget personal touches

While the scale of your wedding may be grand, adding personal touches like custom wedding favours or handwritten thank-you notes can make all the difference. Considering these finer details helps in elevating your big day to a luxury event and making every guest feel like a special part of it.

From the moment you start planning your large luxury wedding in Scotland, every decision you make contributes to creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests, and our expert wedding planners are here to make your dream a reality…

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