Grooms Max and Yorgos turned to Stirling-based Clan Kilts to craft two custom-made Highlandwear looks that felt connected yet completely their own – and the results were showstopping
Photography | Marc Millar Photography
Expert guidance from Clan Kilts had grooms Max and Yorgos dressed to the nines – and feeling like tens – all day long.
Max and Yorgos married on 14th June 2025, each wearing a personal take on Holyrood tartan kilt outfits created by the expert team at Clan Kilts in Stirling.
Now they share a first-hand account of their groomswear shopping experience and don't leave out any details...
Breaking from convention
Tradition often dictates that the spotlight is on the bride, but Max and Yorgos saw their wedding as a chance to showcase menswear in all its glory.
“Even in everyday shopping, we try to buy from stores that don’t relegate menswear to the back corner,” laughs Yorgos.
“So when it came to our wedding, with no bride in the picture, we felt it was a great opportunity to stand out for all the right reasons and create two outfits that were just us.”
The couple wanted attire that honoured tradition while embracing individuality – and finding the right balance became part of the joy.
What do you wear when you're husbands-to-be? We hear from two sets of real grooms about their wedding day outfit experiences
Inspired by setting and season
The grandeur and heritage of their castle venue naturally steered them towards Highlandwear. “It wasn’t about being overly formal,” says Max. “But the setting had such presence that it called for something rooted in tradition.”
Choosing a summer date gave them freedom to play with colour. “Blue became a guiding thread,” explains Max. “It felt meaningful – it’s in both the Saltire and the Greek flag, so it symbolised both of us.”
A pivotal moment came at the Scottish Wedding Show. “It opened up a world of options we hadn’t considered,” Yorgos remembers. From there, they explored groomswear boutiques across Scotland, gradually refining their ideas.
“We wanted outfits we’d helped create ourselves – something that matched the style and importance of the day.”
Falling for Highlandwear
“In the summer of 2024, we were invited to the King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse,” says Max. “It came last minute, so we hired outfits – and went for Highlandwear.”
It was their first experience wearing kilts.
“We loved it,” grins Yorgos. “It felt so different to a suit – there’s a whole ritual to putting it on. Even learning how to tie the ghillie brogues was fun”
That moment sparked their decision to wear kilts on their wedding day. “We’d learned what worked for us,” says Max.
“We never jumped at anything straight away – we liked to let decisions settle. If we still loved an idea days later, we knew it was right.”
Discovering Clan Kilts Stirling
They soon found their match in Clan Kilts, whose display at the Scottish Wedding Show caught their eye. “Unlike the very traditional setups, their work had bold patterns and a modern elegance,” says Max. “We kept coming back to it.”
Their first appointment with owner Stuart Reid lasted more than three hours. “It was incredibly thorough,” Max recalls.
“We looked through magazines, books, swatches and samples, building everything piece by piece. By the end, we’d chosen our tartan, matched jackets and laid the foundation for our full looks.”
The process was collaborative and intimate. “We attended fittings together until the last one,” says Yorgos. “We didn’t want to see each other in the finished outfits until the big day.
I waited in a café while Max had his fitting – and he did the same for me. We discovered some great coffee spots in Stirling that way!”
Going bespoke meant hundreds of decisions: fabrics, pleats, linings, stitching, brooches and sgian-dubhs.
“We thought we were prepared, but Stuart always had more ideas,” laughs Yorgos. “He was fantastic”
After viewing countless tartans, one stood out: Holyrood by Marton Mills, a striking blend of blues and golds that captured their personalities perfectly.
The big groomswear reveal
Max chose an Argyll jacket and waistcoat in Cheviot tweed (shade Heath Sea) lined in cream and gold paisley with real antler buttons. His kilt was pleated to the sett and finished with a walnut-capped staghorn kilt pin.
Yorgos opted for the same jacket style in Flintstone tweed with navy and gold paisley lining, his kilt pleated to the stripe. The grooms’ accessories mirrored each other with subtle differences – from sgian-dubh caps to fly plaid fastenings.
On the day, they even pinned their plaids and buttonholes on opposite sides, creating a mirrored effect. “The outfits were the same but different – unique yet connected,” says Max
Seeing each other for the first time was unforgettable. “I thought Yorgos looked stunning,” says Max. “That image will stick with me forever.”
Yorgos agrees: “Max looked like a natural. He just wore it so well. Everything came together beautifully.” Their guests were equally impressed: “People could see how much thought had gone into it,” adds Yorgos.
Creating a connection through the wedding party's outfits
Touches of Holyrood tartan were woven through their wedding party’s looks. “We each had one best woman and one best man,” explains Max.
“We wanted the tartan to create a connection between us all.”
Anestis and Sam, their best men, wore trews in the same Holyrood tartan – a sourcing adventure in itself – while best women Julia and Dimitra wore light chiffon dresses with beautifully woven tartan sashes.
“Those details gave the six of us a real sense of unity,” says Yorgos.
Matching tartan for grooms' dog
No celebration would be complete without their beloved pup, Ollie. “As soon as we confirmed our tartan, Ollie’s outfit was next on the list,” laughs Yorgos.
The two-year-old made a star appearance during the reception, strolling the castle grounds in a cream tuxedo embroidered with ‘Best Boy’.
His collar, bandana and bow tie were all handmade in matching Holyrood tartan – with the bow tie hand-stitched into his 'shirt' just days before the wedding. “He absolutely rocked it!” says Max.
Kiltwear beyond the wedding day
The couple are thrilled their kilts won’t be one-wear wonders. “They’ll be out for Burns Suppers, ceilidhs, family events – we’re sorted now!” smiles Yorgos.
Looking back, they’re proud of the choices they made. “We dressed to the nines and felt like tens all day long,” says Max.
“That’s thanks to Stuart and the whole Clan Kilts team – their knowledge, patience and creativity were invaluable”
Yorgos nods: “We set out wanting to create two outfits that were truly us. And we did exactly that.”
Experience groomswear shopping at Clan Kilts
“Max and Yorgos first contacted us just over a year before their big day,” says Stuart Reid, owner of Clan Kilts in Stirling.
“They had a clear vision, but wanted guidance to bring it to life – and we were thrilled to help. It quickly became clear that we had the makings of two truly unique outfits.
“In our regular discussions, we refined every detail, carefully selecting accessories and accents that complemented their theme while adding a personal touch to each"
"From our first meeting to the moment they collected their kilts, they were an absolute joy to work with. As their stunning photos show, they looked spectacular. Congratulations to you both from all of us at Clan Kilts!”
From traditional kilts to sharp suits, explore our supplier directory to find your perfect grooms outfit
