Planning A Scottish Wedding - Introduction and Index

My name is Scottish and I have a Tartan, so what could be more appropriate than a Scottish Wedding?
But, where to begin?........

Tartans obviously come in many colors. (there are approx. 7000 tartans and each can have 4 variations)
http://andersoncolin61.blogspot.com/2009/11/register-of-tartans.html

I have seen photos where the groomsmen, groom and best man wear their own tartans. but do not favor this option... One color for all

1. So first on the list is choosing a theme color for the wedding.
At first do not be too specific about shade of color.
As you will see the tartan you choose, or rather that's available, will determine the shade of color.
But, remember you have to match that color in dresses and flowers too.

Tartans
Whilst I do have my own tartan I do not mind wearing a different one, but can image that there will be those that will feel uncomfortable.
However, there are many to choose from and some are not surname based. as said there are some 30,000 tartans.

A word of Warning.......
What you see in a photo maybe not what you get....

Choosing the Tartan is the most difficult.
You may like a particular Tartan but if it might only come as a custom item and not readly available. If you rent your choice will be further limited.
Look at the various sites to see what they have as stock items and remember that colors may be different depending upon the mill where its produced.

I didn't say this was going to be easy.......

You only have to look at a color chart to see the number of variations.
So at first do not be too specific.....
As said before, the tartan availability will more than likely determine the actual color.

2. I have put To rent or buy, as number two on the list.
Here I want to consider whether its possible to buy rather than rent, or buy some parts and rent others.

I originally thought the kilt would be the most expensive item. I was wrong, it is the jacket.
Kilts can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Shipping costs also needs to be taken into account.

If you look at a picture of the full Scottish dress you will see that there are numerous items making up the full outfit -

Jacket and waistcoat
Shirt
Tie
Fly Plaid
Plaid brooch
Kilt
Sporran
Sporran Chain
Kilt pin
Hose
Shoes
Black knife

So what is this going to cost?

To hire the full package - say $180
If you only hire shoes there may be a minimum hire charge,
and yes. it is possible to hire just a jacket and shoes....

Of course it costs a lot more to buy the full outfit, but it would be nice if each person could retain some of the outfit rather than handing it back after the hire.
The ladies can pay about the same money but they do get to keep their outfit.....

So I am going to break this section down into lots of subsections

2.1 Jackets and waist coat

There are two main styles
Prince Charles - more formal
Argyl

2.2 Shirts
Dress shirts are readily available.
You decide whether you want a normal collar or winged collar.

2.3 Ties
To bow tie or not bow tie.
Again readily available.

2.4 Fly Plaid
This is the shawl worn over the left shoulder, it goes under the jacket epaulette, and secured by a brooch.
I think this really adds something to the outfit.
If you decide on this then make sure it matches the tartan of the kilt.
The same is true of sock flashes.
I advise getting the kilt, fly plaid and flashes from same shop.
If you hire an outfit, the fly plaid can be an extra.
You will see the different styles on the web pages.

2.5 Plaid brooch
The cost varies. You can pay little or lots.
If there is a stone in center you will want this to compliment the tartan color or color of ladies' outfits

2.6 Kilts
Already considered above as to color.
Make sure you get the right size. Measurements are at belly button (tight measurement), hips (normal measurement) and total length to center of knee from belly button. Your height is worth mentioning.
Problems may occur because many kilts come in a standard length. So you may need to have the kilt shortened.

In addition you need to decide wheter you want a belt and buckle.
Some kilts do not have belt loops as standard. Some sports kilts do not have anywhwere to put a belt.

You now see the problem areas!

2.7 Sporran
You need somewhere to put your musket bullets.
You do not have pockets in a kilt so, you have a sporran instead.
Cost varies depending upon desgn and material used.
The sporran should not overwhelm the outfit.
The ones with long dangly bits are usually pipers' sporans.
Pipers also have a larger fly plaid.

2.8 Sporran chain
This is a separate item, This can be just a chain to hold the sporran and is put around the waist with sporran attached.

2.9 Kilt pin
This weights down the kilt and is decorative too. You dont want your kilt to fly up unexpectedly.

2.10 Hose
Socks - long
Again readily available in many colors.
If you hire a complete outfit, you usually get to keepte socks.

2.11 Shoes
Gillie brogues are traditional, with long laces with tassles.
You can get away with black formal shoes and long laces.
The tassles for laces can be bought separately.

2.12 Black Knife - sghian dubh
This goes down your sock and is held in place by the elasticated flashes.
Again you can spent lots or little on this.
The knife is on view and must not be concealed.


So that is the complete package........

3. I have put cost and budget as number three on my list

A Scottish themed Wedding will cost you more......

A this point I expect you to be confused with no specific decisions reached...

Cost and budget is really number One, but I have put it here so that you can look at various options.

Remember you have to dress the Groom, Best man and Groomsmen... that could be 6 people.
The groomsmen and best man will no doubt make a contribution to their outfit cost. Whether they pay the whole cost is up to you and them.

4. And at Number four I have put Add ons

5. History Lesson

I refer you to another post on this blog -
http://andersoncolin61.blogspot.com/2009/11/history-lesson-how-long-have-you-got-i.html