Address to the haggis – this is a form of traditional Scottish entertainment and involves a piper reciting a poem to the haggis (traditional Scottish dish).  The piper will perform this address in a theatrical manner, usually before a haggis dish is served or even as some light entertainment between courses.  The poem lasts about 4 minutes and requires a Chieftain Haggis (a large haggis).

Ceilidh – this is a Scottish/Irish dance which is usually performed in groups or pairs.  Scottish and Irish music is played, typically by a live band.  Ceilidhs comprise of set or couple dances and for weddings there is usually a ‘caller’ who will give participants instructions on how to dance each dance (meaning that it definitely doesn't matter if you have never ceilidh danced before!)

 

Marriage Schedule – this is the legal document that is required to make a marriage official.  Without this form, there can be no legal wedding.

Men’s kilt outfit – This tradition is definitely a must! Click here read more on men's kilt outfits

 

Orders of service – this usually comes in the form of a card or mini booklet and is either given to each guest by the ushers before the ceremony or left on the guests’ seats before they arrive to the venue.

 

Quaich/offering the piper a dram – a Quaich is a small silver dish with two handles that was traditionally used by the bride and groom in Scotland to share their first drink together as a married couple.  It is now often used as a way to thank your piper (if you choose to have bagpipes played throughout your wedding day).  Once the bride and groom have been piped to their places at the top table for dinner the bride can offer the piper a dram (small amount of whisky) to say thank you for his services.  The piper will then offer a good luck toast to the bride and groom and exit.

 

Wedding Breakfast – this is the dinner that is served in the evening after your ceremony.  There are two main theories as to the reasons for the term ‘breakfast’.  The first is that traditionally a wedding ceremony was a Mass where the participants would have been fasting since day break and this would be the first meal after the ceremony – therefore, breaking the fast.  The second is that like a breakfast is the first meal of the day, the wedding breakfast is the first meal in a couple’s married life.