Though you do not have to be Scottish to use tartan, brides or grooms who are will almost surely want to include this iconic plaid in their weddings. If the groom is a Scot, he may wish to wear a kilt in his family tartan instead of a regular suit or tuxedo. You can research your lineage online to determine which tartan belongs to your clan, and custom order kilts in this family plaid. The great thing about a kilt is that it is appropriate for any style of wedding, even the very formal when it is worn with the full Scottish regalia (the jacket, socks, and so on).



If the groom is wearing his family tartan, it would be wonderful symbolism for the bride to wear a bit of the tartan of the clan which she is joining. A nice way to include just a dash of plaid is for the bride to order a sash when the groom orders his kilt. This way, the tartan will be an exact match. The sash can be stitched to the gown, or pinned with a fabulous brooch. The classic looks of pearl bridal jewelry are perfect when the gown has a strong accent on it.

Another easy way to add some plaid to your wedding is with the ceremony flowers. Lush bouquets with trailing greens would look magnificent with wide tartan taffeta ribbons flowing down. Or wrap the handle of a simple nosegay with a ribbon in your favorite tartan. A small bit of the same ribbon can also be used to secure the boutonierres for the men in the wedding. Give the boutonierres a Scottish flair by using heather and thistle in combination with your signature flower. This is also a great idea for the bouquets.

For a holiday wedding, tartan can be gorgeous for the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. Too much plaid can be too much of a good thing, so if all of the men are wearing kilts, limit the tartan to an accent on the dresses. A black velvet knee length bridesmaid dress would be striking when trimmed with a tartan band along the hem. A piece about three inches wide would be just the right amount. This same detail can be used along the top edge of the dresses, if you like, and even used to make tiny tartan spaghetti straps on the bias. Any good seamstress should be able to make these alterations, and what a fantastic way to personalize your bridesmaid dresses.

When the men are not wearing kilts, you can go with more tartan for the bridesmaids, especially for a Christmas wedding. Tartan taffeta ballskirts would be regal and festive for attendants. Pair them with fitted bodices in a solid color taffeta or velvet. This would be a stunning look for the bridesmaids at an evening wedding in December. Simple pearl bridal jewelry, such as drop earrings and strands of pearls, will finish off the tartan dresses perfectly.

Don't forget about your reception! Tartan table runners can be laid over plain white linens to give them style. The favor boxes can be decorated with tartan rosettes (easy to make yourself if you are crafty). And don't forget about plaid sashes for the chairs at the reception. All of these great tartan accents will add up into one unforgettable wedding design.