I agree with Blu and the others that chose the traditional. It's harder to come up with a large lump sum than several smaller sums over time.

I happened to have enough money available for a traditional when I first got serious about a kilt. If I had decided on a contemporary kilt, the rest of that money would be gone by now. While Graham is right that one would be crazy to do messy work in an expensive traditional kilt, a traditional does not have to be reserved for weddings, etc. I wear mine as often as my Utilikilt.

That way, you'll have an incredible piece of workmanship & tradition, and it will be much easier to save up for a contemporary or casual kilt when you feel like getting another one.