Australian National Tartan - does it really exist ?

How to be the "best" Best Man

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 02:47:29 GMT

Our tips to being the "Best" Best Man possible ...

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!

Having sorted out men across Australia with their wedding kilts for the last 17 years we like to think we know a bit about wedding etiquette and wedding outfits for the men.

Of course every wedding is different and some best men will play a bigger part in some weddings than in others. Therefore, we are here to provide the traditional best man duties to help guide you through the wedding process!

As soon as the groom has bestowed the honoured title of best man upon you, you need to start thinking about helping him sort out kilt outfits to hire or kilt purchase as soon as possible. This is one of the most important best man duties! Most times, the groom will choose the tartans and outfit styles, but it’s the best mans job to arrange fittings, collection or delivery and the return of the outfits after the occasion.

In most cases we know that women normally take charge when it comes to wedding planning and the groom may not even have a say in the cake, flowers, table plans or the venue. In fact; one of the grooms’ only tasks may be to find his chosen tartan and arrange his kilt; if this is one of the grooms few wedding tasks he simply has to get it right!

The bride will often stress so here is a top tip for scoring some best man points; ask the brides opinion on tartan! The groom may have chosen a family or clan tartan for his wedding however many grooms nowadays will pick a tartan to coordinate with wedding colours. The best man should ask the bride for a sample of fabric from the bridesmaids’ dresses so that the groom can consider every option when choosing his tartan. This is a sure fire way to keep every best man in the brides good books!

Traditional Best man duties will also include looking after the groom before, during and after the wedding. Keeping the man of the hour calm is important after all, it’s the biggest day of his life! Make sure you are on time and keeping the groom on schedule!

Another very important best man duties for the wedding day is looking after the rings. BEST MEN EVERYWHERE! WHATEVER YOU DO… DO NOT FORGET THE RINGS! The Best Man should prove himself reliable on the day so the groom is assured he made the best choice when picking you!

Probably the most famous best man duty is the bucks night! This is likely to be the highlight of the groom’s entire wedding experience (apart from the actual wedding day of course!). Top Tip: If there is one thing the Hangover movies taught us it is NEVER have the stag do the night before the wedding! The last thing the bride wants is a hung over hubby! Plan ahead and give you and your friends a few weeks to recover! Don’t forget, kilts aren’t just for weddings! Why not organize a group hire for you and your friends for the bucks? Australia Wide Kilt Hire has a great range of “party kilts” for hire, and they will make you stand out from the crowd and are a great conversation starter. Ask us about the range and price, you will be pleasantly surprised. Regardless of your attire, us Scots manage to make friends anywhere we go!!

The big finale to the best mans role is of course, the Speech! This is the part when you are under the spotlight. If nervous keep it short and sweet but remember to say how gorgeous the bride and her bridesmaids are and try not to embarrass the groom too much!

We always love to hear how you got on with the stag, the wedding…the whole wedding experience! So be sure to post any wedding pics on our Facebook page or Instagram page.

Don’t forget to visit www.kilthire.net.au to view our outfit styles and tartan range available.

Good luck with your Best Man role!

Celebrating Hogmanay

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 02:01:50 GMT

What is Hogmanay?

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.

The Hogmanay custom of singing “Auld Lang Syne” has become common in many countries now as well. “Auld Land Syne” is a Scots poem by Robert Burns. It is now common to sing this in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over on another as the clock strikes midnight – marking the New Year.

If you are fortunate to be celebrating Hogmanay in Scotland – as some of our customers are, here are celebrations worth attending. For the rest of us celebrating in Australia, Happy New Year, celebrate safely, and don’t forget to book your kilt for your celebration.

HOGMANAY IN EDINBURGH - places to celebrate the end of 2018 and the begining of 2019

Source : https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/christmas-winter-festivals/hogmanay/

TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION - Join the revellers and get the party started! In Scotland, New Year's carousing gets underway when thousands of torch-bearers join Up Helly Aa's Vikings, pipes and drums. Together, they march through the heart of Edinburgh with flaming torches, creating a river of fire down the historic Royal Mile to Holyrood Park for the finale and closing celebrations.

HOGMANAY STREET PARTY - Princes Street welcomes the merrymakers to one of the greatest events on the planet (and we mean it!). Set beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, dance the night away at the Concert in the Gardens featuring incredible live music, entertainment, DJs, giant screens, and outdoor bars.

As the bells strike midnight, admire the world-famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks on the castle ramparts. And make sure you don't leave before Auld Lang Syne - a national sing-along where you join hands with friends you just met from across the globe in its biggest rendition in the world.

THE LOONY DOOK - And if you need something to clear your head the morning after, why not take part in the (literally) breathtaking Loony Dook, the annual splash in the River Forth at South Queensferry? Take part in the Dookers Parade through the High Street before taking the plunge in the freezing Forth with the iconic Forth Bridges as a backdrop. And don't forget your fancy dress! Or you could just sleep in.

OTHER HOGMANAY HIGHLIGHTS

It's not just Scotland's capital that knows how to throw a New Year celebration! Here are some fantastic and unique ways to 'bring in the bells' in other parts of Scotland.

INVERNESS'S RED HOT HIGHLAND FLING - Scotland's biggest free Hogmanay celebration can be found in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. This family-friendly event will be celebrating this year on the banks of the River Ness in Northern Meeting Park, with music and fireworks more than entertaining the crowds. The top billing is always on stage before 10pm so that families can get home to see in the bells. This year the show will be feature The Trad Project, Blazin' Fiddles, and Tidelines, compered by Scottish comedian Craig Hill.

STONEHAVEN FIREBALLS – In Stonehaven they really turn up the heat at New Year! One of many winter fire festivals unique to Scotland, this fireballs in Aberdeenshire is a powerful spectacle to behold. It's a free Hogmanay event which has been celebrated for over 100 years and it always attracts a large crowd. Traditionally, it was a cleansing ritual to burn off any bad spirits left from the old year so that the New Year can begin clean and purified. Watch in awe as the piper leads the procession marching down the street just before midnight as they swing balls of fire above their head in the ultimate test of bravery.

THE BIGGAR BONFIRE - An enormous pile of wood gradually starts to stack up in Biggar town centre in the final weeks of the year in preparation for the South Lanarkshire town's own New Year celebration. Lit at 9.30pm on New Year's Eve, Biggar Bonfire sees the welcoming of a New Year by the townsfolk in a warm, fiery glow.

DRAMS IN DUFFTOWN - Dufftown in Speyside is known as the 'malt whisky capital of the world'. While most of its New Year celebrations are much the same as you would find in small towns and villages up and down the country, it has its own special twist. After the annual Hogmanay ceilidh at a local hotel, the community gathers in The Square where drams of whisky and pieces of shortbread are shared out to see in the bells, courtesy of the local Glenfiddich distillery and Walkers biscuit factory. Slainte!

Fly Plaid

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 01:24:33 GMT

What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid?

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.

The origin of the Shoulder Plaid

The Shoulder Plaid is a modern interpretation of the traditional ‘Great Kilt’. Historically the Great Kilt was a large piece of cloth that wrapped around the whole body and draped over the shoulder of the wearer. As the modern Kilt was developed, the cloth over the shoulder was lost. A Fly Plaid brings back this traditional look, while providing a more comfortable experience for the wearer.

Other uses for the Shoulder Plaid

The Plaid can serve other functions after wearing. Once photos have been taken wearing the Plaid it can be taken off and used as a table runner, table cover etc. to add a tartan touch to your surroundings. It can also be given to the bride to use as a stole for warmth on a cool evening. Long after the wedding or function, there are many uses for the plaid in your home and life. The stitching holding the gathering in the corner can be undone, giving you a piece of fabric approx. 1m x 1.5m, usually in lightweight pure wool. It can be used as a lap rug for warmth on the lounge, a small travel rug for the car, or for train travel. One of the most lovely uses would be to welcome a new baby to the clan, by using it to bring your new baby out of hospital or on their christening day. These are just a couple of uses for your Tartan Shoulder Plaid after your wedding.

Plaid Brooches

Plaid Brooches are usually pinned through the plaid and into the jacket lapel to hold the plaid in place and add some silverware to the wearers outfit. Plaid brooches come in a variety of styles and designs, they can be generic or clan crested, and some incorporate coloured stones to compliment or contrast to the tartan plaid.

How a Shoulder Plaid should be Worn

The Shoulder Plaid is easy to wear. The stitched edge should pass through the left shoulder epaulette of the wearers jacket. This end can be fastened to the front of the jacket with a Plaid Brooch or a Simple Pin

Australia Wide kilt hire has plaids to hire that match most of our generic tartans and can also have them made to purchase in any tartan you would like to match. We also have a range of Plaid Brooches to compliment your plaid.

Kilt Jackets

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 03:05:03 GMT

Different Styles for different occasions .....

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.

Bonnie Prince Charlie Jacket

Bonnie Prince Charlie Jacket (or Prince Charlie) is the most formal style of kilt jacket, think the kilt equivalent of a 'black tie' outfit.

Where to Wear Your Prince Charlie Jacket

This jacket is made in Barathea wool, and is heavily decorated, featuring ornate buttons on the front, sleeves and tails at the rear. It usually has satin lapels and silk braided epaulettes. As such, it is usually only worn to special occasions like weddings and formal dinners. Prince Charlie Jackets are available in Black and now Navy – which has become a very popular choice for School Formals recently.

How to Wear your Prince Charlie Jacket

Prince Charlie jackets are normally worn with a matching three button waistcoat. The waistcoat features the same level of decoration as the jacket, with ornate buttons and satin lapels. They are traditionally worn with a wing collar shirt and black bow tie.

They may also be worn with a higher-fastening five button waistcoat to complement a Rouche tie for a more contemporary look. Wearing a full-dress sporran complements the formal nature of your Prince Charlie jacket.

Argyle

Argyle Jackets are the most versatile, being the equivalent of a traditional dress suit.

Where to Wear Your Argyle Jacket

They are less formal than the Prince Charlie but can still be worn to formal and casual functions alike. Think formal, but not too formal - perfect for attending a wedding. The traditional Black Argyle Jacket is most suited to evening occasions, while a tweed version (see below) would be worn at day functions.

While less formal than the Prince Charlie, the Argyle jacket is still decorated with polished buttons on the pocket flaps and gauntlets (but not on the jacket's back). The lapels and epaulets are usually plain and made from the same material as the jacket, although some manufacturers use a braided epaulet.

How to Wear your Argyle Jacket

Pairing the Argyle jacket with a vest isn't necessary but is rather a matter of style and occasion. Normally, an Argyle would be worn with a standard collar shirt and regular neck tie.

For a slightly more formal look, the Argyle jacket can be worn with a high-fastening five button waistcoat, wing collar shirt and Rouche Tie.

Argyle jackets can be worn with either semi dress sporrans or full dress sporrans for formal function or even a leather sporran for a more casual look.

Tweed Jacket

Constantly increasing in popularity, Tweed Jackets are now the go to choice for an all-round modern and casual look and can be worn with or without a 5-button waistcoat.

Where to Wear Your Tweed Jacket

The flexibility of a Tweed Jacket means that is can be worn at both day and informal occasions. You can wear a Tweed Jacket to complete a Highland Kilt outfit for day events like weddings, highland games, funerals, ceilidhs, parties, dinners etc. A Tweed Jacket can be worn like a sports jacket, even with jeans, chinos or trousers – giving you a 3 in 1 jacket!

A Tweed Jacket is suitable for almost any occasion but should NOT be worn to a Black-Tie event.

How to Wear your Tweed Jacket

Tweed Jackets should be worn with plain, tweed or tartan ties or a Rouche Tie in a colour to compliment your jacket colour or kilt colour and can be worn with or without a traditional five button waistcoat.

The best choice of shirt to match with a Tweed Jacket is a standard collar shirt. For some weddings, a wing collar shirt can be worn with a Rouche tie. We recommend you wear a semi dress, day or dress sporran depending on your shirt and tie option. When choosing your kilt hose, you should pick a colour similar to that of your jacket for example you may choose grey or black, however cream kilt hose should not be worn with a tweed jacket.

Hand Fasting

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 07:41:00 GMT

An ancient Celtic tradition, still suitable for your wedding today.

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.

There are many rituals that have lasted centuries that symbolise a couples love and commitment. The handfasting ceremony dates back to the time of the ancient Celts. It was used to acknowledge the beginning of a trial period of a year and a day during which time a couple were literally bound together - hand fasted. It was however a temporary agreement which could be made permanent after the trial period if both parties agreed.

Nowadays, the handfasting ceremony is only used symbolically, as marriage according to the law in Australia is a lifetime commitment. The bride and groom’s hands are joined together, usually holding hands so the wrists and pulses are touching, or holding hands in whichever position the bride and groom prefer. Then with a ribbon or symbolic material, the wedding celebrant or a selected family member or friend should loop the Hand-fasting ribbon over the bride and groom’s wrists/hands and tie in place. I would recommend a rehearsal so that everyone is familiar with the ritual before the ceremony day.

The words spoken usually express that the couple are bound by their love and commitment for one another and like the cord, which has two individual ends, they are two individuals. Yet, in essence, they are one.

The bride and groom usually remain joined by the looped ribbon until after the marriage vows are exchanged - not for a year and a day!

Hand-fasting ribbons can be made single sided in one tartan or in a beautiful gesture of 2 clans combining at the wedding, both tartans can be incorporated into a double sided ribbon, using the 2 different clan tartans.

Australian National Tartan

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 04:12:34 GMT

Is there an Australian National Tartan ?

The Australian National Tartan is a stunning tartan designed with the colours of Australia's past and present in mind. Each thread colour and the thread count have been carefully created and woven into a tartan that truly represents our great nation.

Designed by Betty Johnston of the House of Tartan, Canberra, to be a national tartan for Australia, with permission to use the description 'national tartan for Australia' having been granted by the National Symbols Officer of the Protocol Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet on 22 March 2002.

RED, WHITE and BLUE :

These colours stem from our National flag and from the time that Captain James Cook first raised the flag (Union Jack) on Australian soil. The six white stripes represent the Southern Cross constellation, which is unique to this hemisphere. This also includes our Federation or Commonwealth Star. Red and White stripes represent the Red Cross of St George (England) on a white background.

WHITE :

White Diagonal cross represents St Andrews (Scotland) on a dark blue background.

RED :

Red Diagonal cross represents St Patrick (Ireland).

GREEN and GOLD :

Green and gold were formally proclaimed by the Australian Government as National colours in 1984 after many requests were made to have traditional sporting colours.

BLACK :

The Black stripes in the tartan represents Australian's early beginnings as a convict settlement- a dark area of our history.

Pleated to Sett or to Stripe

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:19:59 GMT

2 different looks for the back of your kilt.

We are often asked this question, and whilst visually the difference can be clearly seen, it is important to understand how the 2 different looks are achieved, especially if you are keen on having a kilt made for yourself.

Basically it’s all about the pleats.

This is a kilt pleated “To Stripe”

This is a kilt pleated to Sett

The difference is quite dramatic and very impressive, and now we will explain how this look is achieved.

To Stripe

To stripe is to have every pleat identical with a vertical tartan stripe centred on each pleat. This way the back looks different to the front. This is traditionally the way that military kilts were made and it was said they were made this way to give a more striking and uniform effect. This method was also more cost effective as in some tartans more pleats per metre of fabric can be achieved by pleating "to Stripe".

To Sett

To Sett is to have a continuation of the pattern of the tartan through the pleats so that the front looks very similar to the back. This is the most popular way to have a Kilt made . The size of the sett (pattern) in your chosen tartan will affect the number of pleats you have and the mark of a quality kilt maker is amongst other things their ability to match the tartan in the pleated area.

Really it’s up to personal preference which way you would like to have your Kilt made. To Sett is the most popular but can take a little more time and fabric than to Stripe. In addition some people prefer the look of the ‘swish’ in a kilt made to Stripe than to Sett.

However, depending on the sett size not all tartans look good to Stripe so choose your tartan first, speak to your kilt maker for advise, then decide how you want to have it made.

Choosing a Tartan

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 03:50:43 GMT

The first step in arranging your outfit.

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.

Why wear a kilt?

jennifer@sydneykilthire.com.au (Jennifer McAdam) — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 05:11:46 GMT

Is it ancestry or style?

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

One of our recent brides admitted she was skeptical when her fiance dropped the "k" word the first time. But she has told us that is brought him into the planning phase in such a special way. "He did't approach this in a typical male fashion".