The timeline of your groom’s outfit

If you’re buying a new outfit for your big day (and why shouldn’t you?!), it’s never too early for your first consultation.

At Eight Yards, Natalie Hughff welcomes to-be-weds as early as possible to get an idea of what they’d like, whether that’s a year or even two years pre-wedding.

When it comes to actually buying, there are lots of factors at play time-wise – and they’re not just to do with the groom!

“We recommend leaving a minimum of eight months due to all the elements that need to be taken into consideration,” says Alexia Marcella at McCalls Highlandwear.

“Think about the season because certain times of year have longer lead times for outfits arriving. And because we want everything to fit perfectly, alterations may be needed, which take time.”

Hiring instead of buying doesn’t mean you can sit back and chill out though.

McCalls recommend making your first visit to the store nine or 10 months in advance of the big day because the numbers of outfits they have available at one time can vary.

And Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers has noticed an uptake on hire outfits.

“There’s now a bigger selection and they’re now looking more like what you can purchase, with more choice in jackets, sporrans and other accessories,” Gordon explains.

“Plus you get others who want to own their own kilt but will hire the rest of the outfit.”

Of course, it’s not just the groom who’ll need to be dressed before you say ‘I do’.

Sorting outfits for the best man/men and groomsmen/women is usually the responsibility of the happy couple and Lee Carlton at Kilts 4 U recommends getting started a year in advance – especially if you’re getting wed in a peak month (April to September) or building your wedding theme around the tartan.

“More and more couples are doing this so it really helps with planning to make sure your outfit of choice is available.”

Craig Halley at Slanj Kilts agrees, “I always say that if you have the time, then use the time – especially as we operate on a first come, first served basis for kilt hires.

“And most bridal parties want to book a few kilts in the same style.”

That said, if a member of the wedding party doesn’t fit into a standard size hire kilt or your tartan isn’t in stock, the fab team at Slanj can usually make one for the occasion.

But weaving a specific tartan can add months to your delivery schedule – and it can be especially time-consuming at busier times.

Got women in your bridal party?

Natalie says there are no restrictions on wearing Highlandwear and she asks the same questions regardless of gender, “If it’s a purchase outfit, we can design, style and shape the outfit to them.

“But we’re more limited with hire garments. They’re designed with standard sizing and shapes in mind, and breasts aren’t taken into account. This doesn’t mean to say it hasn’t been or isn’t done, though.”