Let’s Talk Tying the Knot

 A potted beginner’s guide to planning a wedding, step by step with wedding planner Catrina Duthie, Fin Flükra.

Catrina Duthie suggests a timeline for getting your wedding plans up and running and what you should be doing and when throughout your journey to the aisle – including an insider’s guide to making the final couple of weeks, aka crunch time, stress-free!   

About Fin Flükra
Fin Flükra specialise in creating personal, one-of-a-kind celebrations for modern couples planning to marry or elope in Scotland. Whether you’re looking for full, partial or hourly planning, its planner-in-chief Catrina Duthie can figure out what best suits you. 

From managing your budget, keeping on top of your admin, to sharing her unrivalled book of creative contacts, she’s there to help make sure your wedding planning stays firmly in your ‘things I love doing’ sphere of life.

Worried about meeting societal expectations about what YOU should look like as a bride? Have a certain idea of what you’d like to wear on your day, but you think perhaps you’re too ‘something’ to pull off such a look? Join Opus Couture as they debunk bridal dressing myths and show you how to be true to yourself and your style, proving that every body is beautiful and deserves that dream dress experience.

About Opus Couture

Built from passion and ‘Opus values’, this West Kilbride boutique takes brides on a journey from picking her gown, through the fitting and alteration service and then onto the preparation of it for collection on the week of her wedding. For owners Sharon and Stewart, and the team they’ve built since Opus opened in 2003, it starts and ends with customer service. It’s about working with brides to make sure that when they walk down the aisle, they’re wearing a gown that looks spectacular and they feel confident wearing.

About Susan Lightbody:

Business manager Susan has been part of the Opus team for 17 years, so certainly knows her stuff when it comes to bridal fashion! With qualifications in design and garment technology, you can find her on the shop floor finding brides their dream dresses, using her years of technical skill to customise beautiful gowns or behind the scenes working her ‘Opus magic’.

Humanist weddings by Fuze Ceremonies bring their unique 'Say I Do With Fuze’ podcast series to life on stage. Fuze celebrants will cover how, alongside you, they create the most perfect of love stories your guests will be captivated by; the must dos around the legal bit of getting married in Scotland; and talk about what's trending with quirky modern twists on traditional symbolic gestures, including a demo.

About Fuze Ceremonies
With ‘your day, your way’ as their mantra, Fuze Ceremonies offer 100% bespoke ceremony scripts, spun by sensational celebrants that completely reflect the client. Its celebrants deliver engaging, entertaining and personality-packed ceremonies that reflect their clients’ individuality and tell their tale.

About Sam Conroy (Saturday)
A recent bride herself, Motherwell-based Sam understands the excitement (and stresses) of planning a wedding. She believes you should have fun with your ceremony and will be on hand to support your wedding journey. She’ll get to know you as a couple and guide your ceremony in a way that’s always unique to you – while having some laughs along the way!

About John Tonner (Saturday)

​​As a former soldier and police officer, West Lothian-based John has dedicated his life to helping others. He found great satisfaction when he was married in a humanist ceremony, remembering it as a very special and beautiful occasion allowing him to witness first-hand what a difference it makes to have a personalised ceremony for such an important celebration. 

About Pauline Muir (Sunday)
Pauline is also a weddings and events manager, so it’s safe to say she lives and breathes weddings! After spending the last seven years working with couples in city-centre venues coordinating different elements of their big day, she is delighted to now be able to help couples plan their ceremony.

About Paul Browett (Sunday)
With his tartan suits, kilts, or rather curly moustache, Paul is sure to stand out from the crowd wherever he goes. With a background in business management, becoming a celebrant was a natural step for Paul. Much of his career has involved public speaking and he’s often hosted celebration events and awards ceremonies for hundreds of attendees.

Want to leave your guests spellbound on your big day? Saying ‘I do’ is already magical, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add the wow-factor. Bring some pizzazz to your nuptials: Kieron Kelleher from O’Donnell Moonshine will leave you with a good taste in your mouth with a live cocktail demonstration and tasting, whilst Cameron Young Magic will blow you away with his award-winning tricks. Get ready to be shaken and stirred up. 

About O’Donnell Moonshine:

Since 2016, the O’Donnell team has been producing and selling high-quality wheat-based spirits and liqueurs that are vegan friendly and allergen free. During a road trip through the United States the founders came across the fascinating story of moonshine, and upon arriving home they decided to revive the infamous beverage with a modern twist. They offer extremely flavoursome moonshine liqueurs in vibrant and niche flavours. All their products are free to try before you buy.

About Kieron Kelleher:

Kieron is an award-winning mixologist and drinks developer who has spent his days running cocktail bars and restaurants. He has a great passion for people and products and now represents O’Donnell Moonshine at events and market spaces. 

About Cameron Young Magic
Cameron Young is a multi-award-winning magician who graces an impressive average of 250 weddings each year. You may have witnessed the magic unfold on numerous television shows where Cameron has showcased his extraordinary talents. Specialising in the art of mix and mingle magic during drinks receptions and expertly hosting speeches, Cameron adds an unforgettable touch of mystique and wonder to every celebration.