Our August-September issue is out now and you can read it here for free

As we head into the second half of 2022 (how the heck did that happen?!), the August-September issue of Tie the Knot Scotland looks at easy ways to make your big day look good, from knockout bridal gowns to events stylists, and rounds up some of the most handsome real weddings to have taken place recently…

Hands up if you spend a large chunk of your life doing it for the ’Gram? There are tons of ways you can up the visual impact of your wedding if you just know you’ll be hungry for likes and comments.

For example, have you ever thought about making an entrance to your reception in a different look? Then you’re going to want to check out our pick of budget-friendly second dresses. Of course, your first gown should still be the star of the show and we’ve got plenty of inspiration on that front too, from statement styles in our ‘Be Your Own Bride’ photoshoot, to covetable labels and designers currently at Scottish boutiques.

Left image shows a model wearing a wedding dress from Amy King Bridal and Beauty inside the chapel at Dunglass Estate; right image shows a model wearing a dress from Bentleys of Banchory outside Chatelherault
Left: The atmospheric Gothic church at Dunglass Estate is the backdrop for our ‘Be Your Own Bride’ photoshoot, featuring this polka-dot Amy King Bridal and Beauty wedding dress; Right: The gardens at Chatelherault and a bold floral dress from Bentleys is a match made in heaven

What could be more photogenic than an impeccably co-ordinated bridal party? First up, for mums, we capture the ensembles that stores are most excited about for autumn 2022 against the magnificent Chatelherault in Hamilton. We also run down current occasionwear trends and reveal how much cash mamas might expect to part with in search of their outfit. The fellas aren’t forgotten about either in our groomswear section that’s filled with dapper kilts and suits.

Venue decor is another aspect that can be pure Instagram gold if approached correctly. Thankfully, there’s a wealth of vendors ready to help you transform your setting. We chat to eight of them in ‘Decor Dreams’.

Left image shows a bride and groom walking with guests holding smoke bombs in the grounds of Gilmerton House; right image shows a bride and groom wearing traditional African clothing standing underneath a cherry blossom tree
Left: Toni and Kevin’s colourful wedding at Gilmerton House almost didn’t happen as their first venue wasn’t ready in time! (Photo by Graeme McInnes Photography); Right: The blossom framed Clare and Ebuka’s multicultural wedding in Edinburgh perfectly (Photo: Chloe Burns Photography)

There’s no shortage of aesthetically pleasing nuptials to look at in our bumper real weddings section. We hear from a couple whose stunning jewel-toned big day almost didn’t happen because their venue wasn’t finished in time, while another’s was an eye-catching multicultural mix of Nigerian, Manx and Scottish traditions, with many guests even making their own outfits from colourful African fabrics.

Pick up the August-September issue at larger supermarkets, WHSmith and selected retailers, read it here for free or treat yourself to a subscription, priced from £10 for three issues.