Month One: Getting Started
Congratulations - you are engaged and you like the idea of being married in
Scotland - you need look no further as we've everything you need to create
your perfect wedding.
In Scotland, unlike the rest of the UK, our laws allow you to marry
anywhere. So whether you fancy a golden sandy beach in the Outer Hebrides,
a-top a mountain in the snow, by a romantic loch-side, in a historic
castle, small inn, chic city boutique hotel, aboard a boat, in a
lighthouse, beside a roaring log fire - you'll find it in Scotland. We're
proud too of our Scottish hospitality and traditions and whether you would
like a cosy intimate gathering or a large and lavish affair we've got it
covered and can cater to your guests' every need. With great travel links
we are only a car, train, boat or plane ride away and we guarantee a
wedding to remember!
Before embarking on your search for a venue you'll need to have an idea of a few basic things. They include:
whether you'd like a civil or religious ceremony
how many people you'd like to invite
an idea of when you would like to marry
how much money you wish to spend
Only you can decide whether a civil or religious ceremony is appropriate. In Scotland we have flexible venues and officiants who can offer either. Our ministers, priests and clergymen carry a licence and that means you can choose the venue for your religious service - no matter how traditional, wild, funky, romantic or chic. And our registrars can offer any number of beautiful locations for you to hold your civil ceremony. We've venues to suit every style, size and budget of wedding from two to two-thousand guests!
To help in your venue search draw up a provisional guest list so you know how many people the venue needs to accommodate. Divide the list into categories: immediate family, family and friends who must be included and those you would like to invite if the budget will stretch and venue can hold them.
When considering when you will hold your wedding just pick the season that appeals rather than restricting yourself to a specific date. Whatever the time of year we've the venue to complement it - so the more flexible you can be the more options you'll have when you when you find your dream Scottish wedding venue.
Finally, the million dollar question - how much money can you afford to spend? To assist you set a realistic budget this is how the costs of a wedding typically breakdown:
50% on the reception (including venue hire, food and drink)
15% on your wedding wardrobes
10% on flowers
10% on photography
5% on entertainment
10% on everything else (stationery, postage, gifts and marriage fees).
The honeymoon is extra!
But while planning your big day don't lose sight of what a wedding is really all about. In Scotland we can offer the fantastic food and spectacular flowers that will contribute the 'wow' factor, but the most enjoyable weddings are all about people. All you can do is create the prefect backdrop - and there's no-where better than Scotland. All weddings, large or small require hours of planning and the devil is in the detail. The key is to stay organized and keep a sense of proportion. Go to my Top Tips to help you create your perfect Scottish wedding day.
Next time I'll be delving in more detail into the different Wedding Venues Scotland has to offer. We'll take a look behind the scenes at the glamorous and unique venues chosen by the sophisticates and celebs as well as some of the yet to be discovered dream Scottish venues.
Until then 'Happy Wedding Planning'!
VisitScotland's Wedding Planner
Wedding Top Tips
Month Two: Finding Your Dream Venue
Month Three: Bridal Wear
Month Four: Deciding Groomswear
Month Five: Wedding Day Food
Month Six: Wedding Day Flowers
Month Seven: Photography
Month Eight: Transport
Month Nine: Guests
Month Ten: Hair and Beauty
Month Eleven: The Big Day
Month Twelve: Honeymoon
