Groomswear

Groomswear All about the Kilt…

Whether you’re one groom or two (just how dashing are our feature couple Chris and Stuart, by the way? Check out their attire on page 54), a groom’s wedding day ensemble is probably the most important outfit he’ll ever wear. From a kilt to a suit (and everything else in between – trews, anyone?), do you want to stick with Scottish tradition or switch to a modern suited and booted approach?

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Going traditional

One of the first things that spring to mind when thinking about a northeast wedding is an influx of men in kilts… In fact, have you ever been to a wedding north of the border and not seen a man in a kilt!?

Although some people think the kilt (which dates back to the 16th century) is part of our daily attire in Scotland, it’s actually not often that an occasion arises where you can dust off your kilt bag and spend time piecing together the components of the legendary outfit. So, when it does there’s an immediate sense of pride for our Scottish heritage. And with all eyes on you on the big day, it’s important that your kilt looks just as good as you do… This means spending a little time thinking about what you want, then pulling it all together. But fear not, check out our handy guide and follow it up by booking in to see a trusty northeast supplier…

Step 1

Do you want to buy or rent? Yes, investing in a kilt can be a big expense but bear in mind that it’ll not just last you years (perfect if you have lots of friends’ weddings coming up after yours!) but it’ll be a lifelong memory of your wonderful wedding day. Go made-tomeasure and you’ll find the kilt is tailored to your exact physique – perfect for such a special occasion.

Step 2

Next up, decide whether or not you want to wear the same tartan as your groom squad on the special day. Having all the gents matching is a good way of identifying the bridal party, and your pics will look so streamlined. But it’s totally normal to want to stand out as the groom(s) with more of a statement piece. Alternatively, meet in the middle – go for the same tartan all-round and opt for a stand-out sporran for the main man/men to really set them apart.

Mitchell Scott Awaiting Artwork

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Step 3

Let’s pick a tartan! If you’re feeling family-orientated, check if your surname is associated with a clan tartan, such as MacDonald or MacKay. If not, there could be a district tartan connected to your ancestors Otherwise, it’s down to preference. Choose your favourite colour or pattern, or tie your choice in with something in your wedding theme.

Step 4

Once you’ve picked your tartan it’s time to choose the other components, including your jacket, which is pretty important as it can help to determine the formality of the day. You’ll find the iconic Prince Charlie jacket is the most formal, and it’s traditionally paired with a waistcoat and bowtie. The Argyll, on the other hand, is your less formal alternative. Teamed with a waistcoat and regular tie, it’s perfect for an all-day affair. Often less-discussed is the Braemar jacket. Cut slightly shorter to make sure the kilt is fully visible, it’s considered to be the Highlandwear equivalent of a suit jacket.

Step 5

Arguably the most important part of completing the ‘fit is the accessories… And brace yourself because this is likely the most you’ll ever wear! You’ll need a kilt pin, belt and buckle, sporran, socks, flashes, shoes and more – but don’t get lost in all the terminology. Simply pop along to one of the northeast’s trusted groomswear suppliers and they’ll have you sorted in no time at all.

One more tip...

With thousands of cancelled weddings over the last few years, the industry has recently seen a massive boom in demand for kilts so, now more than ever, take heed of the advice not to leave your outfit planning ‘til the last minute. Whether you’re buying or hiring, suppliers are doing their best to meet needs – but you can help them by being that little bit more organised! ♥

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