So yesterday I had my very own ‘Yes to the Dress’ moment when I went to pick up my very own kilt for mine and Kelly’s wedding (three weeks – not panicking yet).
The journey to my kilt began back in December when we popped in past Soy Kilts in Portsoy for a look. I had a looming guilt hanging over me however. I’m a Stewart – but I really don’t like our tartan. It’s bright red and reminds me of a tin of shortbread. This is one of many things that makes me the worst representative of Scottish Pride (spoiler – I don’t have much). Luckily for me however there were alternatives that still kept the Stewart name alive and well into the 21st century. It came in the form of the Weathered Hunting Stewart Tartan. It was stunning and absolutely everything I wanted in my kilt – no overwhelming colours in site.
We made an appointment to return in June to begin the process – I was measured up and selected the colours for my jacket – the one that went perfectly was called ‘Gamekeeper Brown’ made even more poignant as we’re getting married on the estate where my dad was head Gamekeeper. It was meant to be. Whilst my kilt was being made we shopped around for my accessories and I instantly fell in love with my sporran, skean dhu and kilt pin – it was all coming together.
I guess what I’m trying to say in this blog is that when it comes to wedding outfits it isn’t just about the brides dress. The kilt or suit that us guys get to dawn is every bit as important. It’s where we get to show our heritage, who we are and where we come from. It’s okay to not like the traditional stuff and go off on a limb of your own. It really comes back to what I said in chapter one – it’s your day. Just celebrate who you are. Have fun with it. Share the experience. I couldn’t wait to put mine on and share how I looked with my family just in the same way Kelly shared her dress with her family.
Even our experience renting kilts was great. We went to Georgian Dress Hire to get the lads suited and booted. The experience was first class and the boys looked as sharp as ever. There was a warm feeling in side me knowing the next time we’d be dress like this would be on my wedding day.
I’ve never really had an emotional experience buying clothes (feeling badass wearing a leather jacket out of my price range aside) but when I put on my full kilt for the first time I felt a sense of pride. This was made for me and only for me. The most special outfit I will ever wear to marry the most special person to me in existence.
Until Next Time.
Ali
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