Things You'll Need:
- Tartan Ribbons
- Kilt Hose
- Kilt Pins
- Kilts
- Bridal Bouquets
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Step 1
Plan for the groom and groomsmen to wear traditional Highland outfits, which include kilts, jackets and hose.
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Step 2
Buy or rent kilts. Remember that each clan has its own tartan, or plaid design. Distinguish the groom from the groomsmen by securing a piece of tartan on the shoulder of his jacket with a large brooch.
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Step 3
Include coats and vests for all of the men.
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Step 4
Give all of the men sporrans, which are simple leather pouches that hang around the waist. Select a formal one with a chain for the special occasion.
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Step 5
Tuck a Skean Dhu ("black dagger" in Gaelic) into the top of the men's kilt hose. This custom comes from a time when Highlanders wore their weapons openly when they accepted an invitation to someone's house, thereby showing they had nothing to hide.
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Step 6
Suggest that the men wear ghillies, which are standard Highland footwear.
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Step 7
Give the men the option of wearing a kilt belt. This should be worn over the kilt instead of through the belt loops.
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Step 1
Select a plain white gown for the bride.
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Step 2
Trim the bride's dress with tartan ribbons. Tartan is a pattern commonly referred to as plaid. The ribbons are made of lightweight worsted fabric.
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Step 3
Look for embroidered touches that will make the dress stand out, such as a Celtic knot, which represents the eternity of love and nature.
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Step 4
Drape a tartan shawl around the bride's shoulders or use a tartan sash at her waist.
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Step 5
Select bridemaid's dresses of lightweight wool with full tartan skirts and velvet bodices for cooler weather.
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Step 6
Opt for lightweight dresses trimmed with tartan for a summer wedding.
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Step 1
Expect the fathers of the bride and groom to wear kilt outfits.
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Step 2
Suggest they select semi-dress, which includes either a black jacket or a colored tweed jacket. This is called an argyll outfit.
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Step 3
Ask the mothers to wear silk or lightweight tartan dresses with plain collars or plain bodices.
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Step 4
Order the mothers corsages that have a piece of tartan attached.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 My Groom refused point blank to wear a kilt, however we got his family tartan in a silk tie for about $29 and he can contiue to wear it proudly as part of his hetitage after the wedding. I am wearing the tartan in a sash that goes across my shoulder and pins at my hip. Make sure the wedding dress in simple enough that it doesn't compete with the tartan... oh... and if you are ordering your tartan over the internet, make sure you have it in hand before you pick you wedding colors. Don't trust your monitor. What looked for all the world to be navy blue and hunter green turned out to be turquoise and a strange green that defies discription.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Rather than use a tartan ribbon for corsages or buttonholes, try having them made from thistle and/or heather. This is a classier and more traditional Scottish-themed option.
Anonymous said
on 6/30/2006 I don't know where the tip on dressing the bride in tartan ribbons came from, because no one in Scotland does this/has ever done this.
Anonymous said
on 3/30/2006 Make sure you research your heraldry beforehand, there would be nothing more embarrassing than wearing the tartan of another clan.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If your groom refuses to wear a kilt, ditch him. He clearly lacks confidence in his own masculinity and will eventually run off with the best man. There are plenty of real men out there who are proud of who and will cherish you for who you are.