Scotland is renowned for its history, traditions and unique culture. From tartans to thistles to castles to the weather, it truly is a special country. Timeless White Wedding Planning company, based in this wonderful country, shared some key Scottish Wedding Traditions that any couple could incorporate into their special day. This specific item will describe the traditional Scottish Wedding Dress Code.
Traditional Wedding Dress Code
A gent’s highland wedding outfit in its entirety consists of numerous items. The key pieces to it are as follows:
Bonnie Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat which is named after Charles Edward Stuart who is one of the best-known historical Scottish heroes.
The Kilt
– There is much debate to where the kilt originated from surprisingly with Scotland, Ireland and England all having some evidence of the use of these ancient garments. Dating back to the 16th century a kilt was used to convey a family stature or status the different plaited patterns or tartans could allow onlookers to recognise a clan from afar from their kilt design which traditionally was long enough to be slung over a shoulder for extra protection from elements. The benefits of wearing a kilt in rough terrain included it allowed freedom of movement, it was warm, the upper half could provide a voluminous cloak against the weather, it dried out quickly
and with much less discomfort than trousers and if required it could, by the mere undoing of the belt, provide a very adequate overnight blanketing. It has been said that the kilted 51st Highland Division was rated by the Germans as the most formidable of all the formations they came across during the First World War. Kilts are seen in many Scottish Weddings with grooms opting for tartans which convey their family name or clan. Grooms who are not Scottish can opt for famous tartans such as the Balmoral or Argyl.
The term “True-Scotsman” came from the military in that on kilt inspection if a superior were to ask if he were a true Scotsman, if answered yes, the wearer had to prove this by showing he wore no underwear under his kilt. Nowadays, this term is used in humour and creates curiosity around the garment.
Other items worn by the groom include tartan flashes to match kilt, white hose, gillie brogues (dress shoes), kilt pin, sgian dubh, black belt with buckle, formal sporran with chain strap, wing collar shirt, black or coloured bow tie, and a piece of lucky heather in the lapel.
Scottish Brides dress similarly to traditional Brides in that most opt to wear a contemporary traditional white or ivory gown. The bride can choose to decorate other aspects of the wedding with Scottish features such as using heather or thistles in the bouquet or wearing a tartan sash or belt.
Incorporating any aspects of these traditional wedding outfits will create a formal and patriotic atmosphere to the special day.
See www.timelesswhite.co.uk for more inspiration.
