A wonderful winter wedding in the Highlands

Fiona & Nathan wanted a wonderful winter wedding in the Scottish Highlands, where friends and family from around the globe could gather to celebrate their wedding and enjoy the beauty of the Scottish countryside...

The brief

Fiona & Nathan wanted to get married at Fiona‘s family home in the Highlands, so it was obvious that the day should reflect some Scottish tradition, and the beautiful countryside surrounding it.

They wanted a temporary structure with a reception area that felt as cosy as a living room, a wedding breakfast of delicious food and good music to dance the night away.

The reception

The 20m x 30m temporary structure was an amazing sight for guests as they arrived at the family home. The entrance was lined with lanterns surrounded by flowers, on a plush damson velour carpet that flowed into the reception area.

Guests were welcomed with cocktails, champagne, and delicious canapés such as pan-fried rabbit loin, smoked brie compote, roasted squash soup shots, and bitter chocolate coconut marshmallows.

The reception was reminiscent of a cosy lounge in a Scottish country home. There were groups of leather furniture with Anta cushions & throws, and tartan covered cubes around coffee tables.

There was an abundance of country flowers dotted around the room, and a pianist played on a baby grand piano.

Lining the edge of the reception wall was a unique and quirky table plan, were guests had to find their photograph on a display board, to find out what table they were seated at.

There were old photos, recent photos, action shots and posed photos, giving the guests lots to chat and laugh about as they enjoyed the afternoon.

The reveal

A closed reveal between the reception area and the dining/dancing area meant that guests were completely unaware of what awaited them on the other side.

They were enjoying the cocktails and canapés when a 15 piece pipe band began to play. The reveal was dramatically dropped to unmask the most amazing clear roof sales and gable end as the band played on a misted dance floor.

Amazing room lighting, abundant candlelight, and the sight of the twilight sky through the clear roof made it a breath taking sight.

In absolute awe, the guests moved into the room to listen to the pipe band as they played traditional Scottish music, and to find their seats.

Styling & entertainment

The tables were dressed with our new natural linen with bespoke tartan runners, and chairs tied in violet faux silk seat ties.

In the centre of each table there were different sized silver candelabra with flowers, pewter nitelights, and pewter goblets filled with flowers.

On top of each damson charger plate was a violet faux silk napkin tied with green organza ribbon, and individual name tags instead of place cards. The tableware used was an eclectic mix of clear and pewter glassware, Grecian cutlery and silverware.

Above the top table, spot lit lanterns were filled with flowers and hung from the roof.

Following the speeches guests danced the night away to a selection of Scottish and modern music. Two full band line ups where used, to allow continuous music throughout the evening.

Sunday brunch

After the celebrations on the wedding night, we transformed the room into a quirky, colourful and relaxed area for all the guests to return the next day for Sunday brunch.

The reception area now included tables dressed in purple faux silk with smoothies served in knickerbockers glory glasses, and juices in cocktail glasses.

Tables in the dining area were split into less formal groups, and dressed in a mixture of bright violet, orange and apple faux silk.

There were ‘brunch stations’ around the room, offering guests a selection of fruit, yoghurts, breads and muffins in the centre; and hot food, omelettes, waffles and smoked salmon around the perimeter of the room.

During the brunch a fantastic jazz / swing band with an entertaining vocalist played in the background. Guests departed at different times throughout the day, and the celebrations came to a close around late afternoon.

Logistics

Some of the logistics & transport we co-ordinated included:

• Airport transfers from Inverness
• Accommodation
• Special requests e.g baby facilities
• Weekend information letters for all guests 
• Coaches to and from church 
• Coaches to and from marquee reception 
• Transport to and from Sunday brunch
• Taxis / other transport requirements

The verdict

"Last year’s party you organized for us was wonderful. It met and then exceeded my expectations. Our guests thought it was splendid.

Your attention to detail, flexibility, calm under pressure and professionalism were outstanding. The whole was a sum of many parts, you choreographed them beautifully. Thank you very much.

Having said that, I am now struggling to find the vocabulary appropriate to convey my gratitude for Fiona’s wedding. My one and only daughter got the best wedding I could imagine or provide, and the lion’s share of appreciation goes to the 88 Events team. 

If the birthday party was just great, the wedding was five times better. My warmest thanks and very best wishes, Alan"

Father of the bride

More wedding case studies:

• Claire & Kevin
• Donna-Marie & Barry