A wonderful aspect of our wedding is the combination of cultures coming together. I was born in South Korea and grew up in the United States. Craig is a Scottish lad through and through, so from the beginning there was no doubt that he would be wearing a kilt.
I've been to enough Scottish weddings by now to learn that the kilt is just the beginning. The groom's attire can get just as elaborate as the bride's with lots of opportunities for adding personal touches or reflecting a personal style.
The kilt
The kilt is usually made of wool, wraps around the waist and secured by a couple of leather straps at the side. It's flat on the front, pleated at the back and surprisingly heavy. To determine the correct length, it should sit at the waist and when the wearer kneels, the bottom of the kilt should just graze the floor. A wide leather belt with a decorative buckle is usually worn at the waist. Although it's pretty popular to wear the family's clan colors, Craig and I have decided to forgo this tradition because, well we weren't really feeling the colors. The kilt above uses a pattern called Heritage of Scotland. There are always jokes about what people wear under their kilts, but let's just say it's a very silly question and polite people just don't ask. ;)
(Image from here)
Kilt pin
Since the kilt is wrapped around, it is secured closed by a kilt pin.
They can get very elaborately decorated although I think a sword is the
most popular shape (which is what Craig has). I like to make an extra
effort to make sure it's perfectly straight, following a line in the
kilt (like in the picture).
(Image from here)
The sporran
The sporran is a simple leather pouch that hangs at the waist. It is usually covered in fur (more about this later) and a few tassels. It closes with a clasp and is secured to the waist with a chain. It's pretty flat so I don't know what they are expected to carry. Craig usually carries some cash and his keys. He can't even fit his camera in it. Now, yes it is made of fur. Furthermore, they are usually made of seal skin. This is news to me as of five minutes ago and I am personally distressed by that. If Craig chooses to buy a new one (he already has one), I will try my best to find a more animal friendly version. Anyone know of a company that specializes in such things?
(Image from here)
Hose and flashes
The hose is a long sock usually made of merino wool. It can be ribbed and have a pattern on the cuff. It is also traditional to have little strips of ribbon (flashes) that coordinate with the kilt. I'm planning on knitting a pair for Craig. Yup, knitting knee high socks for your man? That's love.
(Image from here)
Ghillie Brogues
This traditional footwear laces up around the socks and have wingtip designs at the toe. Craig's not a fan and has been trying to start a trend to wear normal dress shoes with kilts. I'm not too hot on them either so I fully support his campaign.
(Image from here)
Jacket
The traditional jacket worn with a kilt is as above, with the vest and square buttons and the shorter waist. However, it seems to become more popular to wear normal suit jackets, which is what I think we'll opt for. Craig already has the version above and he's been wanting a more updated jacket. Something about getting away from looking like the cover a shortbread tin. I think we will also opt out of the tartan fabric hanging from the shoulder, although I kind of like the version in the picture. I've seen less flattering versions where the guy looks like he's wearing a plaid cape.
(Image from here)
Whew! And I thought I had my hands full with a dress, veil and shoes!
