What’s the Difference Between a Wedding Kilt Outfit and a Daywear Kilt Outfit?

Can you wear standard daywear at your wedding ceremony? No, you will not, because dressing matters on this big day. As a Scot, you must be more conscious, because the dress you traditionally have been wearing is exceptionally unique and historical, and the first choice as well. This article explores the differences between wedding kilt outfits and daywear kilt outfits. Before finding their dissimilarities, we should first see what a Scottish kilt outfit really is.

What Is a Kilt Outfit?

A Scottish outfit is a set of accessories where a tartan kilt is the core item. The traditional dresses there have several variations, and jackets are what set them apart from each other. At formal events, Scots often wear formal outfits that include Prince Charlie jackets, while Argyll jackets are ideal options for semi-formal settings.

Those who want a casual dress often buy casual or daywear dresses, with or without jackets. However, formal attributes are paired with Prince Charlie and Argyll, while casual outfits allow for modern attributes.

Wedding Kilt Outfit

Now that you are familiar with different outfits worn in Scotland, it’s time to find out what to wear for weddings. Do all dresses suit this event, or is there something special? So, the answer is to dress up in a strictly formal outfit that we know as the Prince Charlie Outfit.

Accessories of Wedding Kilt Outfits

A Prince Charlie Kilt outfit is a strictly formal option, where the jacket and tartan kilts are the most important attributes. In addition to weddings, this outfit suits several formal events, including formal dinners,  some cultural festivals, education ceremonies, and more.

Jacket & Upperwear: As the name reveals, the Prince Charlie jacket is the core identity of this outfit. Usually black and navy blue are the preferred tones, with matching waistcoats offering a true Scottish look. Along with jackets, specific kilt shirts are worn that are different from standard shirts, as they have lace closures instead of buttons.

Kilt & Tartan Choice: Scottish dresses are only complete if tartan kilts are worn. Grooms often wear their clan tartans, while groomsmen also wear the same to share his happiness.

Sporran: Many types of sporrans are worn with kilts, but dress or horsehair sporrans are the ideal choices for wedding ceremonies because they are extremely formal.

Kilt hose with flashes: Standard socks are not worn with outfits, but Scots wear kilt-specific legwear known as kilt hose. They sit just below the knees and have folds at the end, while flashes are placed to prevent slipping. Some things, like socks and flashes, are plain, while others have tartan patterns.

Ghillie brogues: Grooms on their special days are often seen in black dress shoes, while the Scottish grooms wear ghillie brogues. These shoes have long laces and brogues at the front for breathability, and they surprisingly lack a tongue.

Sgian-dubh: The Scottish dagger is an optional part of the wedding attire. It is usually placed in socks on the prominent side. Moreover, it does not have any use but is worn as a decorative ornament.

Fly plaid and brooch: A piece of tartan fabric is seen wrapped around the shoulder of the groom; this is called a fly plaid. Therefore, a plaid brooch is used to hold the fabric. The brooch is engraved with some Celtic or Scottish symbols to admire their culture.

Kilt pin: The kilt pin is a decorative part of Scottish dress now, but it was once a practical item. It was attached on the open side of the apron to prevent flapping, and it still has the same use.

Formal belt and buckle: Leather belts and buckles are the last part of wedding dresses in Scotland. A pure leather belt with extra width is used, and a buckle is attached which also has any symbols on it.

Daywear Kilt Outfit

It’s time to talk about daywear kilt outfits, also known as casual kilt outfits. This outfit has some accessories that are lower comparatively. Surprisingly, these attributes are versatile, and it is not crucial to wear historical ones. However, this outfit is not suitable for formal events and is worn casually.

Accessories of Daywear Kilt Outfit

Jacket & Upperwear: Wearing a jacket depends on the season, and mostly tweed kilts are worn with it. Therefore, you can also pair other modern upperwear like leather or denim jackets.

Kilt & Tartan Choice: When it comes to the kilts, universal patterns are usually worn instead of clan patterns. However, other men’s kilts, including the modern ones, are also worn.

Day sporran: Sporrans are mostly worn with tartan kilts, and day or simple leather sporrans are the top choices. These bags are simple ones without any decorative attributes like fur and animal hair.

Casual hose or socks: Kilt hose are also worn, but wearing tartan-patterned socks is not a necessity. 

Brogues, boots, or casual shoes: The footwear options are very versatile, and you can wear anything from simple brogues to plain boots and casual shoes like sneakers and sandals.

Belts and Buckles: The last attribute completing daywear kilt outfits are belts and buckles. Both work as practical items, and buckles are often plain. Wearing a designed buckle is optional, and modern designs are preferred.

Comparison Table Section

Cost Comparison: Wedding vs Daywear Kilt Outfits

After knowing the differences between wedding and daywear kilt outfits, the next point we must overview is the cost comparison. Before we examine the prices of both variations, you should realise that the number of accessories in both dresses impacts their prices. Moreover, the formality of accessories is also important; that includes labour cost. Utility Kilt UK offers a range of both outfit variations, while some popular ones are given below.