Greetings from Central Florida

**geocanary** · 17th November 15, 05:45 PM

I have been scouring the web the past few days trying to get information on buying a traditional formal kilt (jacket, vest, ect..) for my daughters upcoming wedding (April 2016).... then I hit the jackpot when I came across this forum!! By way of introduction I live in Central Florida and have a bunch of questions ranging from kilt quality to recommended vendors and beyond. Before I start asking repeat questions I'm going to spend some time and try to find the answers in the existing threads, but I suspect I'll have a few of my own. Any information that you can provide, along with 'lessons learned' will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to learning a lot!

Thanks
Geo

**Father Bill** · 17th November 15, 06:31 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**The Wizard of BC** · 17th November 15, 08:31 PM

Hello and Welcome again,

The first thing you need to know is that it is not the kilt that makes an outfit formal. The same kilt may be worn with Black Tie one day and with a t-shirt and boots the next day.
It is the accessories that set the level of formality. See our 1 kilt 10 looks thread

Then pair your accessories to the level of formality of the event. For example - A Prince Charlie Coatee is only worn for Black Tie events. With its satin lapels it is the kilt equivalent of the Tuxedo. If I remember, from Orlando up to Alachua there aren't a lot of Black Tie events. You may not want to make a Prince Charlie Coatee your first purchase unless the non kilted guys will be wearing tuxedos.

Everything else is a sense of style. You don't have to prove to the world how Scottish you are, so you don't need to go overboard. KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid - have always been wise words. Simple usually equates to elegant. The kilt alone will tell the world "Who am I, where do I come from, how did I get here". Fly Plaids, Tartan flashes, and a clan crest on every accessory item is usually overkill.

And finally, the kilt is not a uniform. There is no one right way or wrong way. There is nothing about putting on a kilt that you must do, or that is written down somewhere like a rule. If you are in a pipe band or the military you will wear the uniform of that unit, but the rest of the time you are in civilian clothes and you may dress in a way that you feel is comfortable. And no one can tell you that you are wrong or that your way of putting on a kilt is not the 'correct' way.
Other than the guidance that says "The pleaty part goes in the back" of course.

**Dughlas mor** · 17th November 15, 08:38 PM

Welcome from Seattle, Steve offers good advice, as always.

**Richrail** · 17th November 15, 08:41 PM

from Reno, NV.

**Tarheel** · 17th November 15, 08:42 PM

Well met Geo. You did hit the jackpot with the forum. The largest asset you have is the time between now and the wedding. Don't try to do everything at once. Read, ask questions (as you've chosen to do) will get you the best results. Then the hard part; trying to quit the kilting experience. Glad to have you with us.

**Nile** · 17th November 15, 09:20 PM

Hello Geo, and welcome to X Marks from up here in Delaware. Thank you for that interesting introduction and, yes, you did hit the jackpot.

Originally Posted by geocanary

I have been scouring the web the past few days trying to get information on buying a traditional formal kilt (jacket, vest, ect..) for my daughters upcoming wedding (April 2016).... then I hit the jackpot when I came across this forum!! By way of introduction I live in Central Florida and have a bunch of questions ranging from kilt quality to recommended vendors and beyond.

Steve's advice is spot on. The kit you need for your daughters wedding is indeed, the higher end of the kilting spectrum but there are options to keep the cost under control. If you are serious about wearing a kilt beyond the wedding then consider buying a good kilt (a good quality kilt does't have to mean the most expensive). Some of the best kilt makers you will find anywhere, advertise on this site so I would recommend that you study each of their web sites to gain insight into types, yardages, materials, costs etc.

Glad you chose to join XMTS. So many of us here in X Marks community have been where you are now. With the help of your fellow kilted rabble you'll learn what 'you' need to know to get kilted and through this great site, you'll be able to share your results and experiences.

Nile