Wedding Rings

Scottish Themed wedding

Question:

Excerpts from netnews.alt.wedding: 6-Jul-99 Re: Scottish Themed wedding >         Also, you REALLY need to check acoustics when having a piper. > Bagpipes sound Much Much better out in the open, really. Put them in a > small enclosed area, and it ruins the effect. (My SO is scottish, and > his sister plays the bagpipes- this is personal experience speaking > here.

This is not always the case. Bagpipes can sound just as good inside, even in a small space. The critical issue is to have someone who is experienced with playing inside. It is certainly true that if the person playing is used to playing outside, and you put them into an enclosed space, the result can be *painful*. We are having a bagpiper at our wedding, and he is supposed to be one of the best in north america. We have a lot of amatuer pipers at the college we both went to (and I still do), and we considered getting one of them, but they are used to marching in circles around campus and playing with all of their might. The thought scared me. Abby to Ryan, 3/17/00

Response:

<Posted and mailed> > Any ideas? > Andrea

Andrea: One of the best resources I’ve found on the net for Scottish weddings can be found at: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~craig/weddings.html This site is just overflowing with information.  In addition, there are lots of links to other sites. For those that have been looking for kilts (in the US anyway), the lead singer in our band, (yes, there really is a Jim Bowie), wore one at his daughter’s wedding a few years ago.  He got his from a company called Highland Heretage, located in Wilmington Deleware.  If you’d like to see a picture of him wearing it, (and another of my wife trying to peek undeneath ! ), check out: http://www.jimbowieband.com/photo_gallery.htm In regards to the discussion of bagpipes, and the relative volume they produce, you might be interested in looking for someone capable of playing Uilleann Pipes, (I think I spelled that right), which are smaller, and not quite as loud as the big highland pipes.  For more information on pipes and piping go to: http://www.bagpiper.com This site has just about anything you can think of dealing with piping, including lots of suggestions for appropriate music.  The is a page devoted to weddings. For more information on Scottish culture, you might want to go to the Scottish culture FAQ from the soc.culture.scottish newsgroup, located at: http://www.scot.demon.co.uk/scotfaq.html HTH! — The Jim Bowie Band – Gaithersburg, MD http://www.JimBowieBand.com Treasurer – Association of Wedding Professionals

Response:

Thanks It’s really been bugging me, I really could not remember if it was Falkirk or Selkirk. Clare Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Well David bought his kilt in Sauchihall street in Glasgow and the other guys hired theirs from there. Where are you based ? If I can help I will Clare – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Where did they get their kilts? I suppose they had them already? I am having > a devil of a time trying to find a place that rents kilts here in the south! > Which is rediculous because I am an hour’s drive from TWO highland games > festivals!*shrug**sigh* > I am trying to not go overboard but we are having the wedding and reception > in the Great Hall of a castle..*laugh* so we do have to look the part! > Andrea > I think the major thing when doing a ‘Scottish Themed’ wedding is to not > go > over the top. Sometimes less is more. > As I am marrying a Scot there are certain things we are doing and things > that > we are not. > I think the tartan sash on a white dress looks really good but as I am not > Scottish and indeed am very English I am not doing this. > The Groom, Bestman, FOG and two of the Groomsmen are wearing kilts the > other > two groomsmen and my father are wearing Morning suits. The grooms button > hole > will incorporate tartan ribbon. > We will not have a piper neither of us like them but they can be used to > great effect again less is more. If they go on too long they can get on > the > nerves. > One thing I would reccomend is having a Ceilidh band for the dancing. The > dances are great fun, very Scottish and something everyone can enjoy. > I’m not sure of the correct name but you caould use the Falkirk (or is it > Selkirk) grace by Robbie Burns (I think) What about sprigs of white > heather > as favours – they are a good luck symbol. > Clare > > *laugh* Asked the caterer about haggis..he won’t do it! *laugh* Neither > > would I . *laugh* *shudder* Ugh. > > The groomsmen will wear kilts if we can find a place to rent them. The > > Bridesmaids will wear white dresses with tartan sashes. We will exchange > > wedding bands with the traditional celtic knots. The knots will show up > > again on the cake, in gold, around the edges of the cake and again on > the > > invitations. I will be piped into and out of the ceremony  and into the > > reception by, hopefully, two pipers( my mother insists..*laugh*). We > will > > have a wandering ministrel for the cocktail hour while we have pictures > > done. The buffet tables will be decorated with the tartans of the > families > > and the windows will have the war sashes of our two clans, hopefully. I > was > > thinking of the centerpieces being two crossed swords, like they use in > the > > "sword dance" if you have ever seen a highland dancing competition, and > > tying them with tartan bows and perhaps a candle between them. We will > have > > tradtional celtic music during dinner and then "regular" dance music for > the > > dancing afterward. I am not sure about favors just yet. Since it will be > on > > the fourth, I may break from tradition or I may give evergreen > seedlings. > > How does that sound? *grin* > > Andrea (to Scott 07-04-00) > > > > Any ideas? > > > > Andrea > > > Uh, kilts & haggis? > > > Sincerely, > > > Michael Allen Gelman > > > Amour Eternal Wedding Photography > > > Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers > > > http://AmourEternal.com > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

>There is  a wonderful store in North Jersey called the Piper’s Cove.  Its in >Kearny, NJ not a far ride from NYC.  Give them a call (201) 998-3695 or visit >their web site at www.piperscove.com. >Im sure if anyone can find the band for you it will be them!

Wow Nancy, talk about a fast response! Thanks!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We will not have a piper neither of us like them but they can be used to >great effect again less is more. If they go on too long they can get on the >nerves. >    Also, you REALLY need to check acoustics when having a piper. > Bagpipes sound Much Much better out in the open, really. Put them in a > small enclosed area, and it ruins the effect. (My SO is scottish, and > his sister plays the bagpipes- this is personal experience speaking > here. >    So either plan to have the piper outside near the entrance, > or ask at the site(s) if they’ve had pipers before, and how it went, > or even see ifyou can arrange for your piper to check out the place > themselves. >    Also, the british traditional wedding cake, from what I gather, > is fruitcake with a marzipan/sugar icing. It’d be a bit odd for the > americans involved, but it would, technically, be scottish, I suppose. > -Kris

Yes it’s normally a rich fruit cake covered with marzipan or almond paste and then iced with Royal icing. They are normally three/four tiered of about a 12inch, a 10 inch and an 8 inch cake. Traditionally the top tier was kept for the christening of the first child but this isn’t the case these days. These days some people choose to have a sponge cake but these cannot be self supporting as the bottom tier cannot support the weight of the top two tiers. Clare Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

>One thing I would reccomend is having a Ceilidh band for the dancing.

Any idea of how one could find one in NYC? Thanks.

Response:

>Any idea of how one could find one in NYC? Thanks.

Hiya, There is  a wonderful store in North Jersey called the Piper’s Cove.  Its in Kearny, NJ not a far ride from NYC.  Give them a call (201) 998-3695 or visit their web site at www.piperscove.com. Im sure if anyone can find the band for you it will be them! Nancy Color of Venus Bridal Accessories and Coordination (we’re coming to the web soon!!)

Response:

>We will not have a piper neither of us like them but they can be used to >great effect again less is more. If they go on too long they can get on the >nerves.

        Also, you REALLY need to check acoustics when having a piper. Bagpipes sound Much Much better out in the open, really. Put them in a small enclosed area, and it ruins the effect. (My SO is scottish, and his sister plays the bagpipes- this is personal experience speaking here.         So either plan to have the piper outside near the entrance, or ask at the site(s) if they’ve had pipers before, and how it went, or even see ifyou can arrange for your piper to check out the place themselves.         Also, the british traditional wedding cake, from what I gather, is fruitcake with a marzipan/sugar icing. It’d be a bit odd for the americans involved, but it would, technically, be scottish, I suppose. -Kris

Response:

Having a Scottish Wedding will be one of the most fun and memorable things you’ll ever do, especially if you find a Scottish minister for perform the ceremony, but if not then make the best of it.  One thing the Scots are famous for is "Respect and hospitality" and they know how to party so go for it.  One, two, or a whole pipe band.  From my experience only the cold at heart appears to display signs of physical pain and convulsions at the sound of the Great Highland Bag pipes.  The kind and warm hearted tend to smile, sign, dance and display signs of joyous behavior (which your wedding is suppose to be.)  You don’t have to have haggis (which if made right is great), there are many celtic or british shops that can accommodate you with regional specials.  Go for the Salmon, lamb and/or lobster with prawns and butter. Turnips, peas and shephards pie.  Anyway, if your in the local S. Florida area and need assistance or referrals please visit us at Traditional Ways.   Lisa Hoffman http://travel.traditionalways.com/wedding.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Any ideas? >Andrea

Response:

>Any ideas?

We had a Scottish Ceremony on May 9th of this year. We did all the old wedding traditions. My fiancee, best man and about 20 other men (by choice) wore kilts and Prince Charlie jackets. My husband has his own kilt in his Tartan, the rest rented the entire outfit from a Scottish store near here. I wore a sash made out of my fiancee’s Tartan (respect for his family).  I also had a garter made of the same tartan.  One single piper lead me and my Father down the isle.  During the ceremony we did a hand fasting, and had our rings passed around where the "community" puts their best intention and prayer into the wedding bands. During the recieving line, we had a Scottish Dancer (a small girl, age 13) come out and she did 2 dances with the piper playing.  One dance with swords.  We chose for her to dance at this particular time so the guests waiting to greet us wouldnt get bored. Hope this helps! Nancy Color of Venus Bridal Accessories

Response:

Where did they get their kilts? I suppose they had them already? I am having a devil of a time trying to find a place that rents kilts here in the south! Which is rediculous because I am an hour’s drive from TWO highland games festivals!*shrug**sigh* I am trying to not go overboard but we are having the wedding and reception in the Great Hall of a castle..*laugh* so we do have to look the part! Andrea – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I think the major thing when doing a ‘Scottish Themed’ wedding is to not go > over the top. Sometimes less is more. > As I am marrying a Scot there are certain things we are doing and things that > we are not. > I think the tartan sash on a white dress looks really good but as I am not > Scottish and indeed am very English I am not doing this. > The Groom, Bestman, FOG and two of the Groomsmen are wearing kilts the other > two groomsmen and my father are wearing Morning suits. The grooms button hole > will incorporate tartan ribbon. > We will not have a piper neither of us like them but they can be used to > great effect again less is more. If they go on too long they can get on the > nerves. > One thing I would reccomend is having a Ceilidh band for the dancing. The > dances are great fun, very Scottish and something everyone can enjoy. > I’m not sure of the correct name but you caould use the Falkirk (or is it > Selkirk) grace by Robbie Burns (I think) What about sprigs of white heather > as favours – they are a good luck symbol. > Clare > *laugh* Asked the caterer about haggis..he won’t do it! *laugh* Neither > would I . *laugh* *shudder* Ugh. > The groomsmen will wear kilts if we can find a place to rent them. The > Bridesmaids will wear white dresses with tartan sashes. We will exchange > wedding bands with the traditional celtic knots. The knots will show up > again on the cake, in gold, around the edges of the cake and again on the > invitations. I will be piped into and out of the ceremony  and into the > reception by, hopefully, two pipers( my mother insists..*laugh*). We will > have a wandering ministrel for the cocktail hour while we have pictures > done. The buffet tables will be decorated with the tartans of the families > and the windows will have the war sashes of our two clans, hopefully. I was > thinking of the centerpieces being two crossed swords, like they use in the > "sword dance" if you have ever seen a highland dancing competition, and > tying them with tartan bows and perhaps a candle between them. We will have > tradtional celtic music during dinner and then "regular" dance music for the > dancing afterward. I am not sure about favors just yet. Since it will be on > the fourth, I may break from tradition or I may give evergreen seedlings. > How does that sound? *grin* > Andrea (to Scott 07-04-00) > > > Any ideas? > > > Andrea > > Uh, kilts & haggis? > > Sincerely, > > Michael Allen Gelman > > Amour Eternal Wedding Photography > > Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers > > http://AmourEternal.com > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

> The Groom, Bestman, FOG and two of the Groomsmen are wearing kilts the other > two groomsmen and my father are wearing Morning suits. The grooms button hole > will incorporate tartan ribbon.

The traditional button hole for wearing with a kilt is a sprig of heather with tartan ribbon, rather than the rose or carnation versio. My florist offered me heather with a thistle as well as ribbon and thats what my boys are having. > One thing I would reccomend is having a Ceilidh band for the dancing. The > dances are great fun, very Scottish and something everyone can enjoy.

Ceilidh bands are great, but please make sure, if you are not in Scotland that they have a really good "caller" who can teach people the dances.  Scottish people learn them at school as part of the PE curriculum (its called social dancing and is generally dreaded but self concious school kids), and so a lot of Scottish people know exactly whats required of them in an 8-some Reel, a Strip-The-Willow or a Dashing-White-Sergeant, but most other guests won’t. > I’m not sure of the correct name but you caould use the Falkirk (or is it > Selkirk) grace by Robbie Burns (I think) What about sprigs of white heather > as favours – they are a good luck symbol.

Great idea, its the Selkirk Grace.  Burns was also a bit of a one for the Ladies so he has a lot of love poetry, but it would be best to get a relative with a good strong Scottish accent to read them, as they can sound fairly meaningless if not correctly read with the right accent. Favours are not really traditionally Scottish, other that the non-edible cake trimmings like the ribbon or the silver bows and horseshoes. Recently in Scotland however we have fallen in with the tulle bags of sugared almonds Oh, speaking of Horseshoes, a lovely Scottish tradition which I always forget about.  It is traditional that just when the bride leaves the church, she is presented with a horseshoe (now generally a silver plastic one with a loop of ribbon for her wrist) by a young child – not normally a member of the wedding party like a flower girl or a ring bearer, but the child of a close family member or friend.  The bride then has this for all her photographs, looped over her wrist.  I don’t know how this would work if all you can get hold of is actual horseshoes, but card and gift shops here in Scotland sell them so maybe a relative could send or bring one with them for this. Hope this helps Sharon (Aberdeen Scotland) — Sharon (and Brian – 27/08/99) Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

I think the major thing when doing a ‘Scottish Themed’ wedding is to not go over the top. Sometimes less is more. As I am marrying a Scot there are certain things we are doing and things that we are not. I think the tartan sash on a white dress looks really good but as I am not Scottish and indeed am very English I am not doing this. The Groom, Bestman, FOG and two of the Groomsmen are wearing kilts the other two groomsmen and my father are wearing Morning suits. The grooms button hole will incorporate tartan ribbon. We will not have a piper neither of us like them but they can be used to great effect again less is more. If they go on too long they can get on the nerves. One thing I would reccomend is having a Ceilidh band for the dancing. The dances are great fun, very Scottish and something everyone can enjoy. I’m not sure of the correct name but you caould use the Falkirk (or is it Selkirk) grace by Robbie Burns (I think) What about sprigs of white heather as favours – they are a good luck symbol. Clare – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> *laugh* Asked the caterer about haggis..he won’t do it! *laugh* Neither > would I . *laugh* *shudder* Ugh. > The groomsmen will wear kilts if we can find a place to rent them. The > Bridesmaids will wear white dresses with tartan sashes. We will exchange > wedding bands with the traditional celtic knots. The knots will show up > again on the cake, in gold, around the edges of the cake and again on the > invitations. I will be piped into and out of the ceremony  and into the > reception by, hopefully, two pipers( my mother insists..*laugh*). We will > have a wandering ministrel for the cocktail hour while we have pictures > done. The buffet tables will be decorated with the tartans of the families > and the windows will have the war sashes of our two clans, hopefully. I was > thinking of the centerpieces being two crossed swords, like they use in the > "sword dance" if you have ever seen a highland dancing competition, and > tying them with tartan bows and perhaps a candle between them. We will have > tradtional celtic music during dinner and then "regular" dance music for the > dancing afterward. I am not sure about favors just yet. Since it will be on > the fourth, I may break from tradition or I may give evergreen seedlings. > How does that sound? *grin* > Andrea (to Scott 07-04-00) > > Any ideas? > > Andrea > Uh, kilts & haggis? > Sincerely, > Michael Allen Gelman > Amour Eternal Wedding Photography > Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers > http://AmourEternal.com

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

> The constant droning? Aye…not a true Scot then are you? *laugh* I love the > sound of bagpipes..the more the better. A massed bands event makes my heart > skip just thinking about it! *laugh* If I have two pipers..they will stand > outside the Castle when they play. If I have one, he will stand in the loft. > I am Scot/Irish and my FH is Scot as well so could we really have it any > other way?? > Andrea

I like Sean Connery.  :) What I meant by "droning" is just that one of the pipes just plays one note constantly in the background.  As someone once pointed out to me, the string dulcimer is played the same way. Happy 4th, Andrea! – Mike Sincerely, Michael Allen Gelman Amour Eternal Wedding Photography Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers http://AmourEternal.com

Response:

Heather and tartan! White heather is considered good luck. Evelyn Baker Apropos Floral Designs Inc. Toronto, Canada http://www.aproposflowers.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Any ideas? > Andrea

Response:

The constant droning? Aye…not a true Scot then are you? *laugh* I love the sound of bagpipes..the more the better. A massed bands event makes my heart skip just thinking about it! *laugh* If I have two pipers..they will stand outside the Castle when they play. If I have one, he will stand in the loft. I am Scot/Irish and my FH is Scot as well so could we really have it any other way?? Andrea – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Andrea, > It sounds to me like you have a good plan.  :)  I especially like the > seedlings — perhaps in a few years, your guests will be thanking you for > their Christmas trees. > I never tried haggis, but c’mon — yuck! > Considering the way bagpipes sound — the constant droning plus the > melody part — I think 2 of them might be a overwhelming.  I suppose your > mother knows about these things, tho. > – Mike > *laugh* Asked the caterer about haggis..he won’t do it! *laugh* Neither > would I . *laugh* *shudder* Ugh. > The groomsmen will wear kilts if we can find a place to rent them. The > Bridesmaids will wear white dresses with tartan sashes. We will exchange > wedding bands with the traditional celtic knots. The knots will show up > again on the cake, in gold, around the edges of the cake and again on the > invitations. I will be piped into and out of the ceremony  and into the > reception by, hopefully, two pipers( my mother insists..*laugh*). We will > have a wandering ministrel for the cocktail hour while we have pictures > done. The buffet tables will be decorated with the tartans of the families > and the windows will have the war sashes of our two clans, hopefully. I was > thinking of the centerpieces being two crossed swords, like they use in the > "sword dance" if you have ever seen a highland dancing competition, and > tying them with tartan bows and perhaps a candle between them. We will have > tradtional celtic music during dinner and then "regular" dance music for the > dancing afterward. I am not sure about favors just yet. Since it will be on > the fourth, I may break from tradition or I may give evergreen seedlings. > How does that sound? *grin* > Andrea (to Scott 07-04-00) > Sincerely, > Michael Allen Gelman > Amour Eternal Wedding Photography > Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers > http://AmourEternal.com

Response:

Andrea, It sounds to me like you have a good plan.  :)  I especially like the seedlings — perhaps in a few years, your guests will be thanking you for their Christmas trees. I never tried haggis, but c’mon — yuck! Considering the way bagpipes sound — the constant droning plus the melody part — I think 2 of them might be a overwhelming.  I suppose your mother knows about these things, tho. – Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > *laugh* Asked the caterer about haggis..he won’t do it! *laugh* Neither > would I . *laugh* *shudder* Ugh. > The groomsmen will wear kilts if we can find a place to rent them. The > Bridesmaids will wear white dresses with tartan sashes. We will exchange > wedding bands with the traditional celtic knots. The knots will show up > again on the cake, in gold, around the edges of the cake and again on the > invitations. I will be piped into and out of the ceremony  and into the > reception by, hopefully, two pipers( my mother insists..*laugh*). We will > have a wandering ministrel for the cocktail hour while we have pictures > done. The buffet tables will be decorated with the tartans of the families > and the windows will have the war sashes of our two clans, hopefully. I was > thinking of the centerpieces being two crossed swords, like they use in the > "sword dance" if you have ever seen a highland dancing competition, and > tying them with tartan bows and perhaps a candle between them. We will have > tradtional celtic music during dinner and then "regular" dance music for the > dancing afterward. I am not sure about favors just yet. Since it will be on > the fourth, I may break from tradition or I may give evergreen seedlings. > How does that sound? *grin* > Andrea (to Scott 07-04-00)

Sincerely, Michael Allen Gelman Amour Eternal Wedding Photography Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers http://AmourEternal.com

Response:

A friend of mine got married to a Scottish man, and their wedding had some Scottish elemants in it.  He and his father wore kilts.  They had a bagpiper play some of the music for the ceremony.  I can’t remember what else. Kelli – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Any ideas? > Andrea

Response:

> Any ideas? > Andrea

Uh, kilts & haggis? Sincerely, Michael Allen Gelman Amour Eternal Wedding Photography Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers http://AmourEternal.com

Response:

>Any ideas?

Well, first you get a Scotsman. Dawn (oh great, now the Sean Connery fantasies are starting again…) "You know, there’s a million fine looking women in the world but they won’t always bring you lasagna at work. Most of them just cheat on you." – Silent Bob, ‘Clerks’

Response:

*laugh* Asked the caterer about haggis..he won’t do it! *laugh* Neither would I . *laugh* *shudder* Ugh. The groomsmen will wear kilts if we can find a place to rent them. The Bridesmaids will wear white dresses with tartan sashes. We will exchange wedding bands with the traditional celtic knots. The knots will show up again on the cake, in gold, around the edges of the cake and again on the invitations. I will be piped into and out of the ceremony  and into the reception by, hopefully, two pipers( my mother insists..*laugh*). We will have a wandering ministrel for the cocktail hour while we have pictures done. The buffet tables will be decorated with the tartans of the families and the windows will have the war sashes of our two clans, hopefully. I was thinking of the centerpieces being two crossed swords, like they use in the "sword dance" if you have ever seen a highland dancing competition, and tying them with tartan bows and perhaps a candle between them. We will have tradtional celtic music during dinner and then "regular" dance music for the dancing afterward. I am not sure about favors just yet. Since it will be on the fourth, I may break from tradition or I may give evergreen seedlings. How does that sound? *grin* Andrea (to Scott 07-04-00) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Any ideas? > Andrea > Uh, kilts & haggis? > Sincerely, > Michael Allen Gelman > Amour Eternal Wedding Photography > Western Carolina’s "accommodating" photographers > http://AmourEternal.com

Response:

Any ideas? Andrea

Response:

Andrea– I had a Scottish bride tell me about a garter she made with plaid ribbon, and attached a fishing fly to. (If you or your fianc

Filed under: Wedding Band Ring