Wedding Rental Advice/Scottish Kilt Rental history

**RedJess** · 26th March 13, 02:38 PM

Greetings - this is my first post here. I came to your forum while looking for some information on kilt rental after a bit of a debacle/close shave with disaster.

First a bit of history: My husband is Scottish and for our wedding last April (28, 2012), he wanted himself and his groomsmen to be in formal kilts (Gunn modern tartan). We were of limited budget and after poking around a bit, found the best prices from Scottish Kilt Rental ($90 for each groomsman to be fully outfitted), where we dealt with Ralph. From reading other threads on this forum, I know his reputation does not need any explanation from me.

We paid the deposit in January. Heard nothing in February. In march there was a flurry of emails and phone calls as I tried to be certain the sizes were correct and that we would get them in time. For the sake of ease, I told him to mail all the complete outfits - shoes, socks, flashes, kilts, belts, buckles, sporrans, and jackets - to my home address. In addition, we were purchasing my husbands outfit, with the added accessory of a fly plaid and custom fit kilt. All along we were told to expect them 2 weeks before the wedding date. Which was too close as it was for my liking, but I understood its a rental business and kilts that are out are unavailable to rent, etc.

Well, 2 weeks before the wedding and no kilts. We were assured they were on the way. 1 week before the wedding? No kilts. Now we were told they were being held up in customs. There was a lot of back and forth, but the end result was that the kilts arrived literally 16 hours before our wedding - close enough that we had started calling local tux shops for last minute alternatives!

The sizes were nearly all wrong. There was an extra jacket that looked to have been made for Andre the Giant (and the men we were clothing were not small. My husband is 6'4" and is the shortest of his 2 brothers, who were also groomsmen). There was no fly plaid - which seriously upset my husband as he no longer felt he stood out as the groom among his groomsmen. And none of this was ever resolved as phone calls were not returned - we basically just took it as 'tis what 'tis. We managed to get al the men dressed well enough and the guests were impressed anyway. (You can see pics here: https://plus.google.com/photos/10507...MCTq9mdn-Kp7gE)

However, now my husband's brother is getting married this November (16, 2013) and also wants all the men in kilts. He is also of limited budget, as we were, and wanted to know where the $90 package was. We are, obviously, not comfortable referring him to Ralph. Also, he has chosen to have solid black kilts rather than go with the family tartan.

So what reputable rental services are available in the USA that could meet (or come close to meeting) this price point and style? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

**Chas** · 26th March 13, 02:59 PM

Hello Jess,

What a tale of woe! Luckily it is now behind you and the rest of your married life is going to be fantastic. It would help if we knew where you are in the world, so as to give good recommendations.

Welcome to XMarks and Love the moustaches!

Regards

Chas

**NorseCelt** · 26th March 13, 05:27 PM

I don't know the prices, but USA Kilts, one of the partners here, does kilt rentals. They're located in Pennsylvania and are very well respected here.

**RedJess** · 26th March 13, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Chas

Hello Jess,

What a tale of woe! Luckily it is now behind you and the rest of your married life is going to be fantastic. It would help if we knew where you are in the world, so as to give good recommendations.

Welcome to XMarks and Love the moustaches!

Regards

Chas

We are in Florida, USA. The moustaches were quite the hit at the reception! LOL

**plaid preacher** · 26th March 13, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by NorseCelt

I don't know the prices, but USA Kilts, one of the partners here, does kilt rentals. They're located in Pennsylvania and are very well respected here.

Exactly who I was going to suggest. Rocky is well respected here on this forum and is always willing to pitch in. I'm sure you will be pleased with him.

**FatherWilliam57** · 27th March 13, 10:56 AM

Kilt and a pony tail. Winning! (Sorry, had to comment. Cut mine off 12 years ago and am currently in the process of growing a new one.)
Rocky. Also winning!

**TheOfficialBren** · 27th March 13, 03:57 PM

Haha! I like the photo where your husband has his Chucks on instead of his Ghillie Brogues. Classic.

Congratulations and a lifetime of blessings and joy to you both!

**McRoss** · 31st March 13, 06:41 AM

I recently rented then purchased from Atlanta Kilts. Ordered on Sunday and kilt arrived on Wednesday for a golf tournament that coming Saturday. I was very pleased with their response time and service, and most of the other folders used them for heir rentals as well. Plus - they are right up the road ;-)

good luck!