Other Rituals

Oathing Stone

Ancient Scots were very much tied to the spirit of the land. They would honour this by conducting oaths, such as Handfastings, near stone as it was seen as more binding. It is believed that if an oath is said while touching a stone, the oath is cast into the stone. Your vow set in stone is a wonderful way of expressing your solemn promise in physical form. This will help root the couple's future into the wisdom of the past and the groundedness of the earth. The endurance and strength of the stone will aid them with the energy they need in their work and their marriage.

Sand Ceremony

This is a very popular addition to the wedding ceremony for families with children. The children really enjoy getting involved. The family simply take turns in pouring their individual colour of sand into the jar. It shows their willingness to stand strong together as a family forever. As the family combine their sand together in the jar, their lives will be joined together as one, as the strongly united family they are. The jar of blended sand will serve as a reminder of the special day. As a reminder that the family will always be supported in life by the love they have for one another. You are joined together, not only in marriage, but as family. You are as inseparable as these grains of sand.

Quaich

A popular Scottish tradition often used as a final blessing in a Wedding. A Quaich is shared by the new Bride and Groom. The Quaich is a Scottish two handled drinking cup. It is a traditional way to show welcome, friendship, love and trust. It is an ancient vessel used by two families or clans to cement an agreement, or to celebrate a bond. Sharing a cup was seen as a sign of trust between the people drinking from it – not only was this a guarantee that it hadn't been poisoned, but it was also a guarantee of safety, because being presented with both hands and received with both hands, neither could hold a weapon at the same time! When husband and wife share this cup, it clearly symbolises the sharing of their life together in the future, as the cup represents the cup of life.

In drinking from the same cup, you are symbolizing your commitment to share all that the future may bring. All the sweetness you share from life’s loving cup will be sweeter still because it is shared with the one you love. All the bitterness you share will be softer since you are supported by the love of each other.

Unity Candle

The Bride and Groom each have a candle. Often their candles are lit by family members to show their support of the union. Then with their two flames , the Bride and Groom will light one candle to show the union of their lives as they joyfully join together in loving marriage. Two flames become one as the couple moves into married life together.

Themes

To make your ceremony truly personal can mean that you choose to have a theme of some kind. Often this is just an adjustment to the tone, you could choose a traditional Scottish feel for your ceremony or something a bit fun with some humour. One couple chose to play, 'Run for the Hills' when I asked for the rings, it was hysterical! Sometimes the theme is related to an idea, like the Wishing Tree, which can be explained and celebrated as part of the ceremony. I have been frequently asked and am very happy to include a theme of a favourite film, book. or song I have used vows from Outlander, Lord of the Rings and Breaking Dawn. Disney quotes that are soppy and loving. Dr Who quotes for two avid fans. Star Wars comes up too, as does Shakespeare and Burns. Whatever it is that you would like as part of your ceremony, I will be very happy to research and include so it really reflects what you are about as a couple and what you love and enjoy!