Kilts & tartans at Scottish weddings

Kilts and tartans are a central part of Scottish culture, and it's no surprise that they feature prominently in Scottish weddings. For those who are unfamiliar with Scottish traditions, it can be overwhelming to navigate the many customs and rules surrounding kilts and tartans. In this article, we'll guide you through the basics of kilts and tartans at Scottish weddings, including what to wear, what tartans to choose, and how to properly wear a kilt.

If you're attending a Scottish wedding, you might even be expected to wear a kilt if you're male. Kilts are considered formal wear in Scotland and are a key component of traditional Highland dress. Kilts come in many different styles, but the most common is the Scottish kilt, which is made from wool and features a tartan pattern. It's important to note that only men wear kilts to Scottish weddings; women typically wear formal dresses or suits.

When it comes to choosing a tartan for your kilt, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you have Scottish ancestry, you may want to choose a tartan that represents your family or clan. If you don't have Scottish ancestry, you can choose any tartan that you like. It's also common for the bride and groom to choose a tartan for their wedding that represents their families or heritage.

Once you've chosen a tartan, it's time to learn how to properly wear a kilt. Kilts are worn with a variety of accessories, including a sporran (a small pouch that hangs from the waist), a sgian dubh (a small knife worn in the sock), and a kilt pin (which holds the front of the kilt in place). It's important to wear the kilt at the right height, which is typically just above the knee. You'll also need to learn how to properly fold and pleat the kilt.

In conclusion, kilts and tartans are a significant part of Scottish weddings and should be embraced by all guests. Whether you're Scottish or not, wearing a kilt is a great way to participate in Scottish culture and show respect for the traditions of the bride and groom. Just remember to choose the right tartan, wear the kilt at the right height, and accessorize properly.

Traditionally a wedding has been a very formal occasion at which the Prince Charlie outfit would be the automatic choice. This is probably still so for the groom and best man at most weddings.

But with the more relaxed cultural conventions of recent years, it is increasingly normal for wedding guests to choose a more informal day/evening Argyll outfit instead, or even a Tweed jacket for guests.

Just be sure you don’t upstage the happy couple!