looking for a formal look but not the price

[macwilkin]

Another detail that wasn't mentioned: when do you need the formal rig? For a wedding or another event this year? Or just to have it for the future? If the latter, I would advise (for what that's worth) not rushing into anything and regreting your first purchases down the road. Let me use an example from Civil War reenacting:

When I first started doing CW reenacting in college back in the early '90's, I was an "impulse buyer" at the sutler (vendor) tents at reenactments -- I didn't do any research, and burned a hole in my pocket with items that I didn't need and/or were not correct for the impression(s) I was trying to do -- as a result, I had to replace much of that gear with quality items down the road, which only cost more money! I learned a hard lesson that I applied to my Scottish kit later on. Granted, I need to be as accurate as possible, since I was actually presenting a historical impression, but it's good to look at your options (as Matt suggested) and make decisions that are best for you.

If you really want formal "kit", then my advice is to go slow and do your research, in particular listen to Matt's advice. You may not get the full kit in a year, or even two, but if you go slow and buy the essentials first, and then add a wee bit each year, it won't take you long to collect it. And please don't sacrifice quality for price -- you'll only regret it later on. Yes, there are ways to save on items -- sales, checking with the local Scottish society, etc. -- take advantage of those, by all means. Remember the old saying:

"The ox is slow, but the earth is patient."

Just some advice from a bluff old traditionalist! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd