Wedding tradition of the couple, and a Scottish wedding is definitely no exception. Today, a Scottish wedding is the perfect blend between ancient highland tradition and modern wedding practices.

Today’s Scottish wedding customs can be traced back to the 13th century. During the medieval times, the Celtic church used to announce the “banns of marriage” for three consecutive Sundays. For 600 years, this practice of proclaiming all the coming weddings continued, until a new practice of giving a "notice of intent” to a registry office became the country’s standard drill.

If you plan on having your own Scottish wedding, having the right wedding attire is absolutely crucial. For these formal events, grooms are required to wear the infamous Scottish kilt.

The Kilt

A kilt is traditional clothing worn by Scottish or Celtic men. These skirt-like garments are tailored to be wrapped around the waist and fastened using either buckles or straps on both ends of the fabric. These straps are usually buckled inside the kilt, away from prying eyes.

The kilt extends from the waist down, ending just above the wearer’s knees. Once wrapped around the body properly, the kilt will have overlapping layers in front that are referred to as aprons. These aprons are usually flat, with just one layer of the kilt at the sides and the back having pleated designs.

When wearing a kilt, the groom has the choice to either wear underpants or to simply forgo these undergarments in favor of "hanging free.

Most ready-to-wear kilts come in standard sizes, but it’s advised that you find a quality kilt tailor to make you the perfect fit. When it comes to custom-made kilts, at least three measurements are taken: kilt length, the hips and the waist.

If you plan on purchasing your kilt online, kilt makers will need your exact measurements. Most of the time, these kilt makers will provide you with a diagram and instructions on how you can correctly obtain the right measurements for your kilt. Follow these instructions religiously if you want your own quality kilt.

The Wedding Kilt

For a traditional Scottish wedding, be sure to coordinate with your groomsmen to make sure you’re all wearing traditional Highland attire. The traditional Highland attire includes the ever-crucial kilt, hose and the right jacket

Keep in mind that every clan has its own tartan. Keep yourself distinct from the rest of your wedding entourage by securing your clan tartan or plaid design onto your jacket’s shoulder using your clan brooch.

Pair your kilt with the right coat, vest and maybe even a sporran to hang around your waist. The sporran refers to a simple leather pouch that is secured in front of the outfit, covering the crotch area. Pick a formal-looking sporran with a chain for this special event.

Another option is to tuck a Skean Dhu or the Gaelic black dagger on the top of your kilt hose. Traditionally, Highlanders wore their weapons openly to show non-enemies that they have nothing to hide.

Lastly, pick ghillies or the standard Highland footwear over black oxfords; they don’t only look nicer, but they’re also a lot more appropriate for the occasion.

Historical and Cultural Significance of the Kilt

The kilt’s early beginnings can be traced way back to the early Celtic race that originated in Caledonia. In Scottish tradition, the tartan kilt has been around for centuries and is said to have come from the inventions of English and Scottish tailors during the time of Queen Victoria.

Kilts are the main garment worn by Highlanders and are also referred to as the belted plaid. The idea behind wearing tartan patterns was to easily distinguish which clan the kilt-wearing person hailed from.

Today’s kilts come in different designs and styles. These traditional garments are often worn on special occasions, although a number of men wear the kilt as a fashion statement. Scots in other countries often don the kilt as a way of “keeping in touch” with their roots and their clan.

Check out highlights from a Scottish wedding complete with the traditional Scottish kilt. Just watch the video below.

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