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As a wearer of the Fèileadh Breacan or Belted Plaid and Highland style sporan (sporran) every day, I can advise on, rent or make for you traditional clothing for the groom. I can also advise on traditional clothing for the Bride and Maids (The Arasaid), or perhaps a ladies' sporan.
| Big & Little Plaid | Ladies' Arasaid | Sporans (Gentlemen's) | Sporans (Lasses) | Plaid Brooches and Kilt Pins |
The Fèileadh Beag and Mòr were the forerunners to the modern, military dress kilt. If you are looking specifically for a Kilt, then let me know. I can recommend an excellent Argyll kiltmaker.
The belted plaids differ from the kilt in that they are not stitched, but simply a large piece of cloth wrapped in a special way (I show you how this is done). The lack of sewing in them means that they are considerably less to purchase than a kilt: 60-120 pounds in plain wool and 125-200 in Clann colours. A Kilt is 300 pounds and upwards.
Some plain plaids are available to rent from me for about 30 pounds. If you are looking to wear traditional dress for your wedding, talk to me, without obligation, and I can advise before you spend money.
The Arasaid is the womens' belted plaid (pronounced "ah-rah-sedge"). It is tied verra like a man's great plaid. Here is pictured a dark green one, worn over a full gown and clasped across the breast, and a Fraser of Lovat worn with a skirt and blouse. The upper 'shawl' can be worn in a number of ways. (A Lasses sporan can also be seen, in brown). Some images will enlarge if cliked on.
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Glen and Jeana's handfasting renewal of vows
~ These sporans are intended for everyday use, so they're tough.
~ They are handcrafted, in the old way, using only hand tools.
~ Each one is unique, made to order with your custom colours
and finished with Welsh Silver Celtix Beads by Black Dragon.
~ By comparison to small Victorian "Dress Sporans", I make them in large or medium capacity.
~ There are two costs of Sporran. The single coloured medium sack/front (as in the Black above) and more than one colour sack or in larger capacity.
See Exchange page for costs
There are two ways to attach a man's sporan:
~ By the belt loop (shown left and centre below), normally worn on the hip or to the side,
~ By the rings for your own chain-strap (right below, strap not supplied).
While, the sporan is traditionally worn by men, there's no reason why the lasses can't partake. All my sporans are suitable for either, but subjectively this grey suede seems more feminine, for example. There's no difference in their features, but you can request details and colours that suit. The Lasses sporan comes with an attached, adjustable plaited strap (Right, above).
Click to enlarge
For a Feileadh Mòr / Arasaid a brooch is required, at the breast. The brooch is a penannular type, made to hold a wool cape closed and is therefore stronger than a jewelry / decorative brooch. I keep a few in stock because they are difficult to find.
Note: My stock of kilt pins is very small. Some have semiprecious stones - Agate, Malachite, Lapis and Moonstone. When ordering from me, you can specify in the comment box your preferred stone, but no guarantees! Order from the Fees page.
Keeping it CelticThese pieces come from our small Celtic sister nation, Kernow. They are made by St. Justin Pewter. The sporan beads are also from a Celtic nation, Wales. Keeping it Celtic!