Blog

How to be the "best" Best Man

By Jennifer McAdam • January 7, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!

Celebrating Hogmanay

By Jennifer McAdam • December 17, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.

Fly Plaid

By Jennifer McAdam • December 3, 2018
What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid? A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around. A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.

Kilt Jackets

By Jennifer McAdam • November 12, 2018
All over the world the kilt evokes emotion and interest more so than any other form of dress, it is therefore important to ensure you are properly dressed. One of the great beauties of highland dress is that fashions come and go but with a kilt you will always have an outfit that will never date, last a lifetime and is adaptable for any occasion the world over. To go with your kilt or tartan trousers, you'll need a jacket. There are many styles, fabrics, colours and specialist jackets available today, however the most popular that are available in hire and that most people purchase are : Bonnie Prince Charlie, Argyle and Tweed.

Hand Fasting

By Jennifer McAdam • October 1, 2018
Hand-fasting is an ancient tradition dating back to the Celts and is now experiencing a comeback at weddings across the globe. The history and tradition of hand-fasting is as varied as the source from which you research it. Here we explain a little of the origin of the ceremony and also a suggestion on incorporating it into your wedding today.

Australian National Tartan

By Jennifer McAdam • September 20, 2018
A description of the history of the Australian National Tartan, its colours and thread count.

Pleated to Sett or to Stripe

By Jennifer McAdam • September 18, 2018
Its all about the look of the back of your kilt

Why wear a kilt?

By Jennifer McAdam • August 9, 2018
Highland dress is one of the most distinctive and attractive national costumes in the world and has survived the passing of centuries with consummate ease. The basic elements of Highland dress - the kilt and sporran - have changed very little in over 300 years. Its just as likely to be seen today on Royalty, New York's Avenue or Sydney Harbour foreshore. Scotland only has a population of around 5 million so it is incredible that their cultural influence has had such far reaching effects. Today, many people worldwide bask in the warmth of their Scottish Ancestry. The kilt is a billboard that distinctly proclaims - "I'm a Scot" or perhaps "my great-granny was a Scot!" For whatever reason you chose to wear a kilt there is more than a little romance around a man in full Scottish regalia. If your groomsmen aren't as keen, let them wear suits, and don't think it detracts from you wearing a kilt, after all. its your wedding, and you are honoring your ancestry

Choosing a Tartan

Jennifer McAdam • August 20, 2018

The first step in arranging your outfit.

Kilt Hire Brisbane

Choosing a tartan is usually the first step in arranging outfits for your wedding or function, but it’s not always easy. You may want a tartan that honours your Scottish heritage, but this doesn’t always fit into the colour scheme of your wedding. You might want the wedding party to match you or contrast to you. Clan Tartan or Generic Tartan, the choices are endless.

WHAT TARTAN CAN I WEAR?

Not every tartan is linked to a family or place name. At Australia Wide Kilt Hire, we think you can (and should) wear whatever tartan you fancy. There are no rules, and at the end of the day, you’ll want a tartan that suits your personal style. Regardless of your Scottish heritage (and even if you hate the look of your clan tartan), there’s a tartan out there for you. If you haven’t managed to discover any Scottish roots, have a browse of our tartans available, we’re positive you’ll find something you like.

ANCIENT, MODERN, DRESS, HUNTING … WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Most tartans have colour variations, commonly ancient, modern, dress, hunting, and weathered. While the variations generally follow the same colour palette, the shades can differ significantly.

ANCIENT :

Ancient tartans are lighter and softer than modern tartans, appearing more pastel-like. Reds will look more orange, while blues and greens won't be as bold. Because of its lighter shades, the pattern of an ancient tartan is more easily seen. An 'ancient' tartan is not necessarily older than a modern tartan. The name 'ancient' comes from the tartan's lighter look, made to look like it was produced with natural dyes (like vegetable and animal dyes).

MODERN :

Modern tartans are much bolder. They often share a sett with the ancient tartan, but with darker, stronger colours. Blues will look navy, and reds and greens will appear much deeper. Because of this, the pattern of your modern tartan might be more difficult to pick out. The name 'modern' comes from the darker look made available following the introduction of chemical dyes after 1860.

DRESS :

The most distinctive feature of a dress tartan is its softer look, achieved by replacing one of the ancient or modern tartan's prominent colours with white.

HUNTING :

Hunting tartans were developed using colours from nature, so the wearer could better blend in with the woodlands when hunting. Clans whose tartan is already heavy in hues of green and brown often will not have a hunting tartan.

How to be the "best" Best Man

By Jennifer McAdam • January 7, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!

Celebrating Hogmanay

By Jennifer McAdam • December 17, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.

Fly Plaid

By Jennifer McAdam • December 3, 2018
What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid? A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around. A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.
More Posts