Whether you picture yourself in full Highland dress or a sharp tailored suit, every groom has to decide one thing: hire or buy? Here’s what top groomswear specialists say about finding the right fit for your big day
When it comes to what to wear on your wedding day, the modern Scottish groom has almost as much to think about as the bride. Kilts, tartans, jackets, suits – and the all-important question: should you hire or buy your wedding outfit?
Thankfully, in Scotland, there is a wealth of groomswear specialists who can steer you in the right direction – whether you have £100 or £1,000 to spend, and whether you want a one-off look for your big day or an outfit you’re investing in for life. We asked the experts for their guidance on kilt hire, Highlandwear and tailored wedding suits in Scotland.
When to start planning your groom’s outfit
Timing is crucial. The earlier you begin sourcing your outfit, the better the choice of tartans, sizes and styles will be.
Kiltmakers recommend starting fittings around 12 weeks before the wedding, or earlier if you’re investing in a bespoke outfit.
Leaving it late can mean fewer size options or styles available, particularly during busy wedding seasons. Even if you’re hiring, it’s worth scheduling a fitting well in advance – and revisiting your outfitter closer to the day for alterations if needed.
Hiring your wedding kilt or suit
Hiring is the easiest route for many grooms and groomsmen. It’s budget-friendly, convenient and guarantees a coordinated look across the party.
MacGregor and MacDuff’s Holly Nicholl notes that hire ranges are designed to suit every style and schedule. Packages usually include the full outfit – from jacket and waistcoat to belt, sporran and accessories – and are typically hired for three to four days, with extensions available for a small additional fee.
Expect to pay £95–£125 per outfit, depending on location and stock availability.
The main limitation of hiring is fit: off-the-peg sizing can’t match the precision of bespoke tailoring. However, experienced outfitters like Eight Yards go the extra mile to make sure each groom looks sharp, offering adjustments and styling advice to achieve the best result within standard sizes.
Get the best of both worlds with MacGregor and MacDuff's 'choose any tartan' kilt hire (from £300 for the whole outfit). A new kilt will be made in your chosen tartan to your exact measurements and you can even purchase it after your event for just £150
Buying your own kilt or bespoke suit
If you’d like a look that’s completely personal, buying your own outfit offers limitless options. It costs more, but you’ll own a made-to-measure piece that you can wear again for formal events and family occasions for years to come.
“Buying is more costly but if you’re looking for a standout piece to wear on your big day, it’s an investment that’s truly worthwhile,” says Holly Nicholl at MacGregor and MacDuff.
A fully tailored kilt outfit typically ranges from £1,500 to £3,000, depending on your chosen fabric and level of customisation.
Eight Yards highlights the longevity of a custom kilt: with proper care, it can last a lifetime and even be passed down through the generations. With thousands of tartans to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something that reflects your personality and your wedding’s colour palette.
For those leaning towards a tailored suit, Slater Menswear points out that buying gives you access to more contemporary styles – like double-breasted jackets or wider lapels – with alterations made precisely to your body shape.
What to invest in
Even if you’re hiring, it’s worth purchasing a few key accessories that add individuality and can be reused later.
MacGregor and MacDuff recommend investing in tartan bow ties, ties and pocket squares, while Slater Menswear suggests classic accessories like cufflinks, lapel pins, pocket watches and hip flasks.
These pieces instantly personalise a hire outfit and become keepsakes you’ll wear again for formal events, black-tie evenings or anniversary celebrations.
How to make your outfit your own
If you’re opting for bespoke or buying, subtle details can make your outfit stand out:
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Embroidery: Add your wedding date to your jacket lining or inside pocket.
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Contrast lining: A bold colour or tartan accent adds a personal twist.
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Embossed straps: Initials on your kilt straps are a discreet finishing touch.
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Statement sporran or fly-plaid: Distinguish the groom from the groomsmen.
Eight Yards recommends elevating the groom’s outfit slightly beyond the rest of the party – think a coloured waistcoat, different tie, or premium sporran to subtly signal your lead role.
Personalising an outfit takes it to the next level – like these detailed MacGregor and MacDuff kilt straps
Try before you buy
If you’re unsure you’ll wear a kilt again, hiring first is a smart move. MacGregor and MacDuff even offer a loyalty scheme: after your first hire, you’ll receive 15% off future hires.
Many wedding parties mix approaches, with groomsmen wearing their own kilts but hiring matching jackets and sporrans for a coordinated look that still feels individual.
Find Scottish groomswear suppliers
Looking for your outfit? Explore our Scottish groomswear directory to find kilt hire, bespoke tailoring and wedding suit specialists across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Inverness and more. Whether you’re after classic Highlandwear or a contemporary suit, Scotland’s expert outfitters can help you look the part.
