One of the most important parts of a wedding is the reception. Here the bride and groom will enjoy their first dance, guests can get to know each other, and everyone can savour food, drink and dancing.
 
And if you are having a traditional Scottish wedding, then this should extend to the reception as well. Booking a traditional ceilidh band is a great way to bring a touch of tradition to your reception.
 
A traditional ceilidh also allows your guests to get to know each other. It involves a lot of group dances, which is a great icebreaker amongst your guests.
 
Your ceilidh band will usually take you through the steps of the dance, so you don’t need to worry if you aren’t familiar with a dance.
 
But here are some of the traditional Scottish dances you should include in your wedding reception:

The Gay Gordons

A partner dance, which can feature as many couples as can comfortably fit on the dancefloor.
 
There are many changes of hold, starting in an allemande hold, moving into a spin and ending in a ballroom hold for the waltz section.

Dancing White Sergeant

This is danced in a group of three, and your group will likely dance with every other group.
 
The groups all join hands, and dance to the left and right in a circle. In each group of three, the middle dancer dances with the others in their group, in turn. One group then raises their arms in an arch, the other group dances under them and they move onto the next group.

The Eightsome Reel

Another group dance, this is danced in a group of eight.
 
The group joins hands and dances in a circle and then split into four couples. Each couple then dances round the circle, with each female on the left. The couples then swap places, so the men are in the middle.

First Dance Ideas

You can also choose from a huge selection of romantic and traditional Scottish songs for your first dance.
 
My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose is a beautiful choice for a traditional first dance. Other traditional Scottish songs that can be used for your first dance include My Fair and Faithful Love, I Gave My Love To The Fair One and Morag Is Sweet.
 
At Myres Castle, we are ready to host your wedding and reception, including any traditional dances you choose. Contact us to discuss your wedding.