See list of recommended hotels on the accommodations tab. Edinburgh is an extremely walkable city and there are tons of hotels and Airbnbs to chose from beyond the list of recommended hotels. June tends to be a busy month resulting in higher than usual prices, so please feel free to search for the best deal! The neighborhoods within City Centre that are great options include New Town, The Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and West End.
June is known for being one of the nicest months in Scotland with temperatures typically ranging from the upper 40s to the mid 60s (°F) and it is one of the drier months of the year. However, Scottish weather is known for being unpredictable, so we recommend packing layers and waterproof clothing/umbrellas.
Thursdays History/Pub Crawl: Come as you are! Comfortable shoes recommended as there are lots of stairs and cobblestone streets in Old Town. Welcome Party: Cocktail party attire (Sport coat, slacks, nice shirts appropriate for guys). Kilt/Scottish attire optional. If you are feeling up to it, embrace the local culture and traditions! You could rent a kilt (when else will you have the opportunity to try this?!) or opt for a plaid pant, vest, belt, etc. Ideas for ladies include a tartan sash and brooch, plaid pieces, or plaid accessories like a bow, ribbon, belt, or scarf. Have some fun with it!! Slàinte Mhath!! Wedding Ceremony/Reception: Black-Tie Optional
For those brave enough to don a kilt for the Welcome Dinner, we recommend using A1 Kilt Hire Edinburgh (URL: https://www.a1kilthire.co.uk/ ) as we have found this to be the best priced and easiest option. You can chose from a number of kilt styles and either pick up in store or they will deliver to and pickup from your hotel. Rental includes entire outfit (shoes, socks, jacket, etc.) and start as low as $50. We recommend you secure your rental sooner rather than later because June is a busy month and they may run out of styles/sizes, however there are a number of kilt rental shops in Edinburgh so text us if you need any help finding one that works. Photo examples on the "Kilts and More!" page.
While the traditional kilt is associated with Scottish men, women have been wearing kilts since the 1800s (often referred to as “kilted skirts”)! Unfortunately, women’s kilts are not available for rental in the same way that they are for men. If you are able to get your hands on a kilted skirt, please wear! Women in Scotland often wear tartan sashes to celebrations and events. This sash is usually a bit longer than a scarf, comes in a tartan (plaid) pattern, and is draped across the torso and secured with a brooch. If you would like to wear a tartan sash, you can use the same company that the men use to rent kilts, but you will need to email info@a1kilthire.co.uk to request your tartan sash rental. Photo examples on the “Kilts and More!” page. If you are looking for ways to incorporate Scottish dress for the Welcome Party, some ideas include tartan headbands, bows, and scarves!
The walk from St Mary's Catholic Cathedral (ceremony) to the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (reception venue) is a short 8 minute walk. You'll find that Edinburgh’s city center and New Town are absolutely bursting with cocktail bars, cozy pubs, and iconic architecture!! Check out The Conan Doyle for a classic UK pub feel that is literally 10 steps away from the Church. (71-73 York Pl; <1 min walk from Church) On the direct backside of the church there is The Botanist, a swanky cocktail bar with great ambiance. (1 Little King St; 1 min walk from Church) The W Edinburgh has a number of great bars. We recommend the W Deck, an upscale rooftop bar with 360 degree views of the city. ***You often need a reservation in advance to be able to get a drink here ***(1 Saint James Square; 5 min walk from church) Head to Rose Street! A charming, cobblestone lane that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has lots of shopping and over a dozen cozy pubs! (~11 min walk from Church) The Queens Arms is a basement bar named after Mary Queen of Scots with an authentic, cozy atmosphere and a great selection of local ales and whiskeys. Highly recommend! (49 Frederick St; 15 min walk from church but only 5 minute walk to reception).
Feel free to reach out to Caroline (781) 467-8579, Will (704) 534-1811, or the both of us with any other questions!