Real groom kilt outfit shopping at Eight Yards

Photography | Steph Nicol Photo with second shooter, Juno Wedding 

David married Dione at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club on 15th June 2024, wearing a custom kilt outfit from the Musselburgh branch of Eight Yards.

Now he shares a first-hand account of his groomswear shopping experience and doesn't leave out any details...

How can a groom create a custom wedding outfit? 

"From the very start, I knew I wanted a wedding outfit that truly reflected my individuality. As someone who loves a DIY approach, creating a custom kilt felt like the perfect fit.

"My journey began in January 2022 at the Edinburgh Wedding Show, where I first came across Eight Yards. At the time, my fiancée, Dione, and I were finalising our venue choice, and I was also torn between two tartans – Hebridean Thistle and Hebridean Ice.

"Once we confirmed Dalmahoy as our venue, it was time to turn my attention to my outfit."

Set against the luxurious Brisbane House Hotel in Largs, we showcased the latest suit and kilt styles, with everything from bold tartans to monochromatic outfits 

How do you choose the right tartan for your wedding kilt? 

"Without a family tartan to guide my decision, I approached the selection process with an open mind.

"I had seen both tartans in Eight Yards’ catalogue and loved them, but I needed to see them in person. I brought Dione along to the Musselburgh branch to ensure my choice would coordinate with her bridesmaid colours."

What goes into designing a custom kilt outfit? 

"I’d hired kilts before, so I had an idea of what to expect in terms of the trying-on experience, and Eight Yards had let me know that all I needed to bring with me was an open mind. 

"Assistant manager Natalie Hughff led us through the appointment. As soon as she started showing me outfit ideas and colour combinations, I felt incredibly inspired with what was possible.

"At this stage, our wedding theme was still undecided, but I knew I wanted to incorporate purple – a meaningful colour for both Dione and me, as well as a tribute to my late grandad. 

"Initially, I considered a classic grey jacket, but when Natalie suggested the Islay Twilight Crail jacket, everything clicked. The deep purple shade perfectly complemented the Hebridean Thistle kilt and helped me stand out from my groomsmen." 

Four real grooms elevate their wedding day style – now they tell us how and why they did it 

How can grooms personalise their wedding kilts? 

"I wanted my outfit to represent my personality and the people who matter most to me. Eight Yards’ meticulous attention to detail allowed me to achieve this vision. 

• Custom jacket + waistcoat: "The grey/silver paisley lining matched the back of the waistcoat, and the epaulettes featured an inversion of the kilt pattern. Brown horn buttons added a refined finishing touch. 
  
  
• Kilt modifications: "To honour my dad, I incorporated Anderson Ancient tartan into the waistband and triple fringe. Purple accents – matching flashes and wool belt loops – were a nod to Dione.
  
  
• Hidden feature: "The ultimate personal touch? An embroidered, purple version of Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ heart grenade on the inner front panel – a tribute to my favourite band."

What accessories complete a groom’s kilt outfit? 

"The accessories completed my vision of blending heritage with individuality: 

• Sporran: "Crafted from chinchilla rabbit fur with a pewter Celtic design and kilt-matching lining.
  
  
• Sgian dubh: "Featuring an amethyst stone – a subtle yet significant purple detail."

What does it feel like to see your wedding outfit for the first time? 

"I wanted this to be a one-of-a-kind kilt, and to make other grooms aware of what they can do to express their individuality, and I can honestly say the entire experience with Eight Yards went so far beyond my expectations.

"Natalie was excellent at keeping me informed and calm all the way through the whole process – especially as the time for the full reveal crept closer.

"The fittings had been straightforward, but I didn’t pick up my outfit until the Monday before the wedding, and I felt a lot of nerves when I tried on the full outfit for the first time. It was at that point that the reality of becoming a husband sank in. 

"I honestly felt overcome with emotion when I looked in the mirror and saw myself – but luckily for my wife, I saved the tears for the wedding!" 

"On the big day itself, Dione told me she loved the unique look and feel I had created.

"For me, it was fantastic that even as the groom, I got to experience the feeling of standing out, and getting so much special attention too."

Experience bespoke groomswear shopping at Eight Yards

“From the start, it was clear David was looking for a fully customised outfit,” says Natalie Hughff, assistant manager of Eight Yards Musselburgh.

“His vision brought together two techniques we hadn’t previously used in our made-to-measure designs: special embroidery and the use of two tartans in his kilt.

“From his creative twist on Green Day’s heart grenade logo to his familial tartan tribute, the entire outfit was a thoughtful combination that perfectly reflects his vibrant personality. 

“To ensure the process was enjoyable and as memorable as possible for everyone, we booked a dedicated appointment to take David’s measurements, chat customisation and get his groomsmen fitted at the same time.”