FORGET horses and carriages, ring-bearing doves, or even the family dog. The current animal on the Scottish wedding block is the alpaca.
The trend of having an alpaca at weddings has been growing rapidly over the last year, with the wooly creatures making nuptial appearances up and down the country.
But what is with the alpaca obsession?
Loving the details in this Intimate Alpaca Farm Wedding on @applebrides captured by #HeatherWoolery! https://t.co/N9puMDaiN4 pic.twitter.com/IFXUtEMRqU
— Aisle Society (@aislesociety) October 24, 2018
Jean MacDonald from Velvet Alpacas in Innerleithen thinks it’s simply because there are a lot of Alpaca lovers in Scotland. She said: “We started off with four alpacas and now we have 29. They’re a bit addictive.
“It’s just something a bit different to have at a wedding. They’re a really gentle animal, and they’re also a calming presence.
“Whenever we have alpacas anywhere it’s just like bees to honey. People love them.
“We’ve got bookings for our alpacas at weddings for next year and the following year, so the trend is obviously set to continue.”
The animals aren’t just growing in popularity in weddings, however.
Like many animals, they’re also being used to help with anxiety and depression, and are often used in therapy sessions across the country.
Winter White Wedding in the Mountains with a Twist… Alpacas! https://t.co/DutPl635ZA via @grnweddingshoes #boho #weddingdress #winterwedding ? Dress by @Pronovias pic.twitter.com/NrgVlIml9w
— Trudys Brides (@TrudysBrides) January 18, 2018
Velvet Alpacas take their animals to care homes and to schools with additional support needs around Scotland.
Alpaca’s roles at weddings range from being ring-bearers, to mingling with guests and being there to pose with in photographs for the perfect selfie.
They could also double up a wedding band if budgets don’t stretch, thanks to their plethora of noises from humming to squawking.
However, if it’s just for the cute and novelty addition to a perfect day, the alpaca is the animal for you.
But, as their natural food is to scavenge for anything nearby that’s edible, just be sure to keep them away from the cake.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe