Scottish Wedding Gifts

A “wedding sark” is a shirt given to the groom from the bride. It is to be worn with a kilt. In exchange the groom usually pays for the wedding dress. A smaller token of affection is a luckenbooth brooch. Usually made of silver, this trinket is traditionally given as a token of love from the groom to his soon to be wife, and it is still a popular part of weddings today. Historically gifts have also been given by the best man and the maid of honour - the best man traditionally giving a clock and the maid of honour a tea set.

Wedding gifts tend to vary from couple to couple. They are usually based on the couple's lifestyle and can be informed by the bride and groom in the form of a gift registry or alternative request. As many couples tend to live together before they get married these days, there is less demand for those “household items” that were needed many years ago when couples didn’t move in together until marriage. This is why registries are so useful now, as you then don’t end up with 5 mixers and a pile of bath towels. What, then, do you get a couple who has all the essentials they need? Many might give money or gift vouchers - but why not give them something a bit more unique?

Not many things are nicer than climbing into a big comfy bed at the end of a long day. Treat the newlyweds to a dreamy set of tartan bedlinen complete with a duvet cover and pillowcases. Bedding can be an often forgotten part of the home but when you consider that the average person spends about a third of their lives sleeping, a married couple deserves a stylish and comfortable place to retire at the end of a day. We can even have throws and cushions embroidered with the couple’s names and the date of their wedding for that added personal touch.

It can be hard to choose a gift that suits both the bride and groom, especially if you perhaps know one of the couple more than the other. Practical gifts are always welcome for newlyweds but something more elegant never goes amiss. Scarves and stoles, in a variety of luxurious fabrics such as cashmere and lambswool, are a classy and useful gift, especially with the unpredictable weather in the United Kingdom. In a variety of tartans and tweeds, personalise these accessories according to the bride or groom’s heritage, or simply choose a design that “goes with everything.” Add a charming brooch for a regal, sophisticated touch that brings the look together.

Similar to the bride, a soft cashmere or Scottish lambswool scarf as a his & her gift would give a nod to the groom's Scottish heritage and offer a classy look for the new couple. If he is Scottish, a kilt pin or set of Scottish cufflinks could be a welcomed addition to his accessories collection. If he enjoys the odd tipple here and there, a hip flask gift set would be perfect. Include a bottle of his (or hers) favourite whisky to make it instantly enjoyable.