That's a great (and popular!) question.
This will be a semi-formal event, with comfort and ease of mobility a top priority for attendees. Temperatures should be in the 60s, and if the weather is on our side, we’ll spend much of the day outside. Ladies will likely be most comfortable in mid- or full-length gowns.
For guys, we encourage ye to honor your English, Irish and/or Scottish heritage by incorporating elements of it into a stunning ensemble. Of note, Irish tartans are generally categorized by county while Scottish clans by family. Here's a great site to help locate the perfect tartan for you.
Kilt Purchase
If you're interested in purchasing a kilt that pays homage to your lineage, we highly recommend Atlanta Kilts. Atlanta Kilts has proven to be a great resource for men's kilts, jackets and women's accessories. Pricing is very reasonable, with kilts ranging from $45 for an acrylic rental to $80 for an acrylic purchase and $380 for a wool purchase. They expect an 8- to 10-week lead time on custom tartans, so be sure to contact them with measurements no later than early May. Their website offers a measurement guide to get the fit just right, if you don't want to make the trek up to Suwanee, Ga.
Kilt Rental
McCalls of Edinburgh is a great option for those who want to skirt the issue of kilt ownership, as well as those who don’t want to sacrifice precious cargo space in their luggage. McCalls offers three rental packages that range from 60 to 100 pounds and are available in about a half dozen tartans. The store requests you provide sizes in advance of arrival, and rentals should be reserved ASAP to confirm availability. Contact: Mark at Edinburgh@McCalls.co.uk.
If you're still not sure about the whole kilt thing and are indifferent to the choice of tartan pattern, feel free to make it a game time decision. There are plentiful stores in Edinburgh that offer kilts for rent or purchase.
The wedding date is smack dab in the height of travel season for Scotland. This is great news for itinerary mapping, and not-so-great news for finding a homestead.
Additionally, there's:
The Royal Wedding, May 19 ::should be cleared out by July 25::
British Open golf tournament, July 19-22
Edinburgh Arts Festival, July 26-August 26
For accommodations Tuesday, July 24 and Wednesday, July 25, we recommend staying:
In Edinburgh if you'll enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of a new city, will be interested in a nightcap one or both nights, and aren't keen on the idea of a serene, kick-back-and-enjoy-the-quiet-scenery start to your day.
In a B&B in the greater East Lothian area if you'll enjoy a leisure start to your day, plentiful walking trails, countryside landscape rife with rolling hills and sheep, and quality time chatting with B&B owners/staff. Several guests are staying in the cottages at Overhailes Farm, and others will be taking up residence at Adniston Manor and Tweeddale Arms.
There are also plentiful AirBnb options in East Lothian and Edinburgh.