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How to plan the ultimate engagement

Want to know how to pull off the perfect engagement in time for Valentine’s Day? 

 

It’s engagement season and  we are so excited for you. What a perfect way to start your new year off on a high note and leap into the new chapter as an engaged couple.

Even with Covid still hindering your “ideal” plans, we can help guide you into making this proposal perfect for you both! Let’s get to it then. 

 

  1. Choose the wedding band (the ring that is most likely to suit and fit your partner) 

 We are lucky to have the option of going to have some of the best jewellery stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and across Scotland.Unless your proposal is spontaneous – which is a risky yet still a fun strategy – you should always have the ring to seal the deal at the time of popping the big question, otherwise, it’ll feel a bit like an anti-climax. If you’re worried about getting the ring right, just have a look at the sort of jewellery your partner usually wears and you should get a good idea of their taste. Don’t go for something just because it’s expensive or big, got for something that resembles your love for them in the way you have took your time to think about them whilst buying it. 



  1. It’s all about you two 

We do love are-make of classic movies, however your partner has probably seen the countless films with wedding proposals that show everything from skywriting, getting down on one knee on an exotic beach, romantic restaurants that are  overpriced. But ultimately, if none of these reflects you as a couple it will feel a bit…uncomfortable and cheesy??. If your other half hates attention for example, suddenly dropping to one knee in the middle of a restaurant will not go down as well as you may hope.So make sure your proposal suits both of you and listen out for key hints from your partner on what not to do. Think about what are the most important elements in your lives? Do you love dogs for example? Then go out a walk and visit a landmark with your partner or a spot you normally go to and let the dog guide you into this big moment!! Or don’t leave the house – home is where the heart is after all – and propose with your morning coffee. Or if your hotel lovers, head out for weekend away and ask the venue to help you, at Shieldhill Castle our team are here for you. It’s all about the two of you after all so don’t be swayed into a proposal that belongs to someone else or in a princess movie. 

 

  1. Don’t over-plan

 Fail to prepare, prepare to fail but don’t overdo it. Your proposal should still feel natural and if you over-engineer it, you’re at risk of making it sound a little fake and robotic. Have an idea of what you want to say, for sure, but don’t write down a CV of why you are fit for the role as fiancée.  Speak from the heart and everything else should fall into place.

 

  1. Choose how to capture it

 You will remember this moment for your whole life, but have a think about whether or not you want to capture it another way too. Do you want to hire a photographer or recruit your friends or family as cinematographers? Or you might just be able to hide your phone to capture the moment yourself. You will always have a memory of the moment but you may want to capture it and share the act in action rather than just the aftermath. 

 

  1. Finally!!!! Make sure you’ll get a “Yes”!

At the end of the day you choose how you’re going  to do it, at Shieldhill Castle we’d like to offer you our biggest congratulations for when the happy “Yes!” moment comes. And remember to contact our wedding team to find out more about a hosting your special day at Shieldhill Castle.

 

If we helped you get hitched, let us know by emailing marketing@shieldhillcastle.com to be featured in a story.

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3 of the most Scottish wedding traditions

Are you about to begin planning a traditional Scottish wedding? Well you’ll definitely need to incorporate some of the Scottish wedding traditions; from lucky charms, ceremony and dances and even traditional Scottish wedding gifts. So let’s talk about how you can incorporate them into your big day. 

 Scottish Wedding Traditions – The Bagpipes 

 When it comes to traditional Scottish wedding music, the bagpipes are the place to start. They keep the guests entertained as they are arriving, setting the scene for the ceremony; they pipe the bride in to the venue and the newlyweds out; and pipe the couple to the top table when it’s time for the wedding reception.  Two most popular Scottish wedding Bride entrance songs are Highland Cathedral and Dark Isle and there is a whole host of music to get you into the spirit of things. 

Scottish Wedding Traditions – Gifts

* The ‘wedding sark’ is the traditional name given to the shirt worn by the groom which is gifted by the bride. The groom pays for the wedding dress in return.

* Clocks are traditionally given to the happy couple by the best man in the north east while the maid of honour gives them a tea set.

* A luckenbooth is a brooch given as a love token by a gentleman to his betrothed. They are usually made of silver and engraved with two hearts combined.

Scottish Wedding Traditions – Lucky Omens

* Right foot forward is the correct procedure a bride should follow when exiting her house on her way to the wedding.

* A sixpence in the bride’s shoe has long been a tradition in Aberdeenshire and Angus. Feel free to include this Scottish wedding tradition at your wedding if you can or even know what a sixpence is! 

* A sprig of white heather hidden in the bride’s bouquet is a popular good luck token in the Scottish Borders.

* The ‘wedding scramble’ is traditional in most parts of Scotland. As the bride steps into the car, her father throws a handful of coins for the children to collect. Believed to bring about financial good fortune, it also takes place in weddings in Ayrshire where it is known as a ‘warsel’.

These Scottish weddings have evolved and adapted over the centuries to suit changing times and customs however, many more remain today, and they encompass more than simply wearing a kilt and drinking whiskey. ”.We hope you have enjoyed some insight on how to make  your wedding as Scottish as could be.