Tartan Choices for Wedding: Meaning and Significance
Tartan and kilts are a central part of Scottish heritage and common to wear on different occasions. Traditional kilts are specific to formal events while modern kilts are suitable for different settings. So, don’t be surprised if you see Scots wearing kilt outfits on their wedding day. Kilts are worn by the groom and groomsmen only. You will see them wearing the same tartan if it’s a clan wedding. Brides do not wear tartan kilts but they attach tartan sashes. In other words, the careful selection of wedding tartans is important to admire your forefathers and their heritage. The article revolves around wedding tartans from their significance to the customization. So, no reason to delay the discussion.
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ToggleThe Significance of Tartan in Scottish Wedding Culture

Tartan is a patterned cloth that hides the identity of wearers in its swatches. Regarding the Scottish wedding’s attire, it is the most important part. Tartan is available in many forms at weddings. You can find it in the form of kilts, fly plaid, and sometimes kilt hoses. The groom and his companions usually wear clan tartans.
Brides, on the other hand, also wear tartan but in the form of a tartan sash or piece of fabric placed in flowers. Families may also give tartan ribbons to guests. Each tartan design is unique to a family, so wearing it honors past and present relatives. Tartan brings people from the same clan together who are scattered. Moreover, it adds a true Scottish accent to the event. In short, tartan performs as a source to spread and celebrate love, family, and tradition collectively.
Choosing a Tartan for Your Wedding

Selecting a tartan for your wedding can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. The first and the most important idea is to wear your clan tartan if you have Scottish ancestry. You can opt for a universal tartan, in case you are a non-Scot. Here are some amazing tartan options to wear at weddings.
Tartan Etiquette for Weddings
Wearing a tartan kilt at a wedding is undoubtedly the ideal way to admire your heritage and reveal your family connection. Therefore, go through tartan etiquette first because it is an important aspect. Some unignorable manners are given below.
- The first aspect is to avoid restricted tartan. Though most tartans are wearable, a few including Balmoral or corporate tartans are not for everyone.
- At your wedding, ensure pairing all other accessories such as fly plaid, sporrans, kilt pins, and others to complete your kilt outfit.
- The next etiquette is to choose an accurately sized kilt. The one with short or extra length usually does not look great. Moreover, it is considered as a disrespect to the attire.
- Although it’s not compulsory, follow the dress code and wear a kilt as a guest because it shows respect for the couple and their traditions.
Custom Tartan Design: When and Why to Consider It
Can I customize a tartan design? This query is very common among people who want to try something new. Yes, they can customize but there are a few considerations that one must keep in mind. Two primary points here are when and why to personalize a specific tartan. As we discuss customizing a tartan for a wedding, it’s important to start the process at least a couple of months before the wedding date.
The next point is why you should consider designing a specific tartan. There are many reasons to do so. The first one is to honor Scottish heritage with new patterns. Second, it reveals the bonding of two families. Similarly, new tartans offer a unique and personalized touch to the attire. However, find a trusted source to design a new pattern as he can save you time. Furthermore, a significant and experienced store helps you complete the task by sticking to your budget.
Celebrate Your Heritage with Scottish Kilt Co.
Undoubtedly, tartan kilts represent your family and clans on your wedding day. They not only offer you a traditional look but help to stand out. So, it is important to wear premium quality kilts. To buy such kilts, we recommend you explore the vast quantity of Scottish apparel available at our store, Scottish Kilt Co. At our store, all of our kilts are made with great attention to every detail. Moreover, we are quite affordable than other brands in the market. Above all, we can customize your kilts according to your body shape and size. In case of more queries, talk to our team at +44 01254 957307 or email us at Support@Irishkiltshop.Com.
FAQs About Wedding Tartan Choice
How long does it take to make a bespoke tartan kilt?
A qualified person makes a kilt by hand in a week to customize a tartan kilt. Therefore, machine-made kilts do not require much time, and one day is quite sufficient.
What footwear is appropriate with kilts for formal weddings?
Weddings fall on the list of most formal events where Ghillie brogues (traditional Scottish shoes) are the only choice.
Is it acceptable to mix tartan with modern wedding themes?
Incorporating tartan into modern wedding themes is acceptable and quite appropriate. The connection of tartan with clan is a traditional aspect but tartan has become a pattern that is possible to design in different styles.
What are the criteria for making tartan patterns?
There are a few things to consider while developing a new pattern of Scottish clothing. Maximum number of colors should be 6. Every sett has the same length and width to maintain consistency. Do not use two shades from the same color family as it maintains contrast and clarity in the pattern.



