The Art of Effortless Elegance: How to Create a Multi-Day Wedding in Scotland

Welcome Reception Speeches
Ceremony at St Giles' Cathedral
Whisky Tasting Farewell Event

A Weekend to Remember

Every great love story deserves more than just a day. Imagine three days filled with laughter, discovery, and connection – where guests not only witness your vows but become part of a shared experience that lingers long after the final farewell.

That’s exactly what David and Arnaud, two executives from Paris, envisioned when they reached out to me and my team. They dreamt of a Scottish celebration that honoured their love and the freedom to marry in a place where it was possible for them to do so in both faith and pride.

Their three-day wedding in Edinburgh was not just an event – it was a journey: a welcome reception full of laughter, a moving ceremony at St Giles’ Cathedral, a lively night of dancing at Virgin Hotel 5* Edinburgh, and a joyful farewell that gave back to the community that had welcomed them so warmly.

This is the art of effortless elegance – a wedding that unfolds like a story, where every moment has meaning and every guest feels part of something extraordinary.

Why Multi-Day Weddings Are Rising in Popularity

For destination couples travelling to Scotland from abroad – whether from Paris, New York, Dubai, or Sydney – a single day often isn’t enough. When guests have flown halfway across the world, couples want to create not just a wedding, but a memorable experience that celebrates culture, connection, and the magic of Scotland.

Multi-day weddings allow time to savour every moment: an evening to reconnect, a day to celebrate, and a farewell to reflect. They turn a wedding from a schedule into a story.

Because the difference between a wedding and an experience lies in time – time to laugh, to explore, to share whisky by candlelight, and to truly enjoy being together.

Bus journey to a surprise
Calton Hill - Photoshoot
Grayfriars Hall - Virgin Hotel 5* Edinburgh

Designing the Flow

Every multi-day celebration follows its own rhythm. Here’s how we build a flow that balances anticipation, celebration, and connection – while ensuring every moment feels purposeful, not planned.

Welcome & Rehearsal Dinner: Set the Tone

A well-planned welcome event does more than greet guests – it sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration.

We often recommend hosting this first evening at a different venue from the main wedding day to:
1) Keep the “wow factor” for the big day.
2) Showcase more of the destination, giving guests a taste of Scotland’s diversity.

For David & Arnaud, we began with a welcome reception at The Neighbourhood in Bruntsfield, followed by a surprise secret drag performance at Planet Bar – a joyful nod to Edinburgh’s Pride weekend and their love for inclusivity and fun.

“Planning three days of celebrations in Edinburgh from France required an exceptional team,” they later shared. “Oskar was incredible from start to finish — always thoughtful, present, efficient, and impeccably organised.”

Welcome Reception Speeches
Bus journey to a surprise
Drag Performer takeover at a local LGBTQ+ Bar
Arrival into Planet Bar
Interactive games for our guests to celebrate inclusivity

The Wedding Day: Balancing Structure & Spontaneity

The second day is the heart of the celebration – but even the most elegant events benefit from a touch of spontaneity.

For David and Arnaud, their wedding day began with a historic first: the first same-sex religious marriage at St Giles’ Cathedral, coinciding with the church’s 900th anniversary and Edinburgh Pride. It was a deeply emotional moment – both sacred and celebratory.

After a photoshoot on Calton Hill, guests were welcomed to Virgin Hotel 5* Edinburgh, where a blend of Scottish heritage and contemporary style set the scene for an unforgettable evening. From ceilidh dancing with Grouse Ceilidh Band to late-night cocktails, the energy was joyful and effortless.

Insider Tip: The best multi-day weddings weave in interactive experiences – a whisky bar, live musicians – i.e. Pipe Band, or moments of surprise that delight guests throughout the day. These are the memories people carry home.

St Giles' Cathedral - Ceremony
Pipe Band with the Minister of St Giles' Cathedral
Group Photo at St Giles' Cathedral
Detail Shot from the Reception
Cake Cutting
Dancing like nobody's watching

Farewell Brunch or Scottish Excursion: Leave a Lasting Impression

The final day is where everything softens – a gentle goodbye before guests return home.

In Edinburgh, David and Arnaud treated their guests to a private city tour led by Invisible Cities, followed by a takeover of ScotlandShop for a tartan shopping experience, and finally, a fish & chips lunch at Bertie’s, paired with whisky tastings from 88Cask.

For other couples, it might be a Highland barbecue, a relaxed farewell brunch, or a private distillery tour. Whatever form it takes, this final event leaves guests feeling seen, appreciated, and connected to Scotland.

“His team was outstanding – warm, professional, and not a single detail was left to chance,” said David and Arnaud. “Thank you to Linda and Charlotte – absolutely nothing was overlooked.”

Arnaud & David - Paris
Tour of the City
Private Kilt Fitting and shopping experience at ScotlandShop
Guests exclusive shopping experience
Staple British Fish & Chips
Whisky Tasting

Creating Guest Experiences

Scotland is an incredible canvas for immersive experiences. From bagpipers and ceilidh bands to private whisky tastings, scenic tours, and historical excursions, each touchpoint deepens the guest connection to both the couple and the country.

Over the years, I’ve cultivated trusted relationships with local artisans, guides, and entertainers who bring authenticity and refinement to every moment. These collaborations ensure that each celebration feels authentically Scottish yet uniquely personal – whether it’s dinner under the stars at a Highland estate or a fireside soirée in the heart of the city.

Behind the Scenes: How We Make It Effortless

Behind every multi-day celebration is a blueprint – meticulously organised, yet flexible enough to feel organic.

Linda and I manage multiple moving parts: supplier timelines, transport logistics, venue transitions, and guest communication. We work with our extended team to ensure that each event – from the first glass of champagne to the final farewell – flows seamlessly into the next.

Our process includes:

Detailed master timelines shared with all suppliers.
Coordination calls with every venue and vendor.
On-site management across all three days.
Guest care logistics, from transfers to welcome packs.

It’s this balance of precision and presence that allows couples to enjoy every moment knowing everything is under control – calm, considered, and beautifully executed.

Stop at a monument in Princes Street Gardens
Team ready to look after the guests post-ceremony
Selfie time on Calton Hill

A Celebration with Heart

What made David & Arnaud’s wedding truly unforgettable was its heart. Beyond the grandeur of cathedrals and castles, it was about gratitude – celebrating love in a place that allowed it to flourish.

They even chose to donate their wedding flowers, transforming them into 64 bouquets for Women’s Aid, a gesture that captured their compassion and joy perfectly. Their chosen first dance song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Perfume Genius, was the perfect closing note – tender, emotional, and true.

For us, it was a privilege to help bring such meaning to life – three days of celebration that felt not just perfectly planned, but profoundly human.