Extra Extra! Read all about it!

**Jock Scot** · 6th January 08, 10:52 AM

Ron------you old dog you!

**McMurdo** · 6th January 08, 10:55 AM

First off Congratulations, secondly, are you sure your groomsmen will want to own kilts at all, lets face it most men out there wear them once if that. Last year my younger brother was married and as he owns a menswear store all his groomsmen myself included had to buy a tuxedo from his store, I also went out and bought the shoes as well. The tuxedo has not been worn since, and was quite an expense for one day. If it were me first I would gauge whether or not your groomsmen will ever wear them again and go from there. If in the end you do rent you might want to check out the Scottish Tartan Museum as they have rental packages available.

**Joel** · 6th January 08, 11:00 AM

Weddings? I love weddings! Drinks all 'round!

I tender to you my congratulations! May your days and lives to-gether be forever bright.

**RockyR** · 6th January 08, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by DireStraitsFan

If we buy the kilts and accessories what are our options on jackets? We want to keep costs low, as the groomsmen will be paying for this.

How about going with the groom in a jacket and the groomsmen in just vests (5 button argyll) with a white shirt and solid black tie? That should keep them "formal looking" while keeping it relatively cheap. Most places have argyll vests for about $100 - $130.

**TheSp8** · 6th January 08, 11:44 AM

Congratulations! May you have a long and happy married life.

Unless the groomsmen have expressed interest in owning/wearing a kilt I'd say stick with renting. If after wearing the rental it's something they'd like to continue then point them to the various sponsors of this site. My 2 pence worth anyway.

YMOS,
Tony

**DireStraitsFan** · 6th January 08, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

How about going with the groom in a jacket and the groomsmen in just vests (5 button argyll) with a white shirt and solid black tie? That should keep them "formal looking" while keeping it relatively cheap. Most places have argyll vests for about $100 - $130.

Thanks Rocky, but 100-130 on top of what we would spend on the kilts from SWK does not seem like an affordable option. We are none of us poor, but neither are we filthy rich.

**CactusJack** · 6th January 08, 12:44 PM

Seems like you have already been given some very good advice, so I can not add any more to it but please accept my hardy congratulation to you and the bride to be. And a toast to you and her for many many years of happiness and joy together.

billmcc · 6th January 08, 12:45 PM

J. Higgins sells a black all-wool waistcoat (vest) for $60. See here: http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_proddetai...181C0C0OQSP9FD

Celtic Corner sells a polyester "Band Vest" in several colors for around $35. See here:
http://www.celticcornerstore.com/cat...spx?cat_id=135

**Chef** · 6th January 08, 01:10 PM

We run into the buy vs. rental question a lot when we are doing Scottish weddings. My first bit of advice has already been given: do the groomsman want to own kilts? Unless they really all want to you are better off renting.

Since you are talking about SWK vs, renting I assume you are not looking at the heavyweight kilts? Otherwise based on your price comparison even buying from SWK would be much more expensive. While I think their acrylic offerings are a good value they are not going to give you a proper formal look if that is what you are going for. A rental kilt will give you a better look.

As far as hose, you can go with inexpensive ones. Your not expecting them to last heavy use so there is no point in getting top quality ones at this point. Pass on the ghillies, they're not necessary unless you can get the use from them. Go for a nice wingtip/brogue, even if you groomsman need to buy them. Every man should have a decent pair anyway.

If you do decide to buy the kilts get the best you can afford. If its SWK, then go for the heavyweight if you can or the Standard if you can't. Then rent the jackets. Sure you could go with the jacket conversions but you come back to whether or not your groomsman want them and also you should have the right look. This is your wedding.

**DireStraitsFan** · 6th January 08, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Chef

We run into the buy vs. rental question a lot when we are doing Scottish weddings. My first bit of advice has already been given: do the groomsman want to own kilts? Unless they really all want to you are better off renting.

Since you are talking about SWK vs, renting I assume you are not looking at the heavyweight kilts? Otherwise based on your price comparison even buying from SWK would be much more expensive. While I think their acrylic offerings are a good value they are not going to give you a proper formal look if that is what you are going for. A rental kilt will give you a better look.

As far as hose, you can go with inexpensive ones. Your not expecting them to last heavy use so there is no point in getting top quality ones at this point. Pass on the ghillies, they're not necessary unless you can get the use from them. Go for a nice wingtip/brogue, even if you groomsman need to buy them. Every man should have a decent pair anyway.

If you do decide to buy the kilts get the best you can afford. If its SWK, then go for the heavyweight if you can or the Standard if you can't. Then rent the jackets. Sure you could go with the jacket conversions but you come back to whether or not your groomsman want them and also you should have the right look. This is your wedding.

Very nice points and advice Chef. Thank you very much for your wisdom. I do agree that SWK is not going to give me that formal look the way a true Scottish kilt would. I'm at a crossroads! Rats!

Thanks for all of the congrats everyone. We certainly appreciate it.