Level(s) of formality

[ThistleDown]

BY Golly father Bill. usually I'm not into full mask or fur sporrans but the one pictured has definitely changed my mind in that regard. What was the size of the interior pocket, does it have a fair bit of room? Can you show the site where you purchased it from.....I might like to get one as well

That's K&M, Terry. I suspect they breed these little guys so they should be readily available.

[Jock Scot]

As you are asking Bill, in my experience the full "rodent" style sporran would get you by for most black tie events , but really won't do even these days, for the rare but ultra formal "white tie" event. It is really the proper time for the "family silver" to come out of the bottom drawer and anything else really won't do. Personally I would follow Steve's route and wear white tie and tails if you are "making do" with your kilt attire. Sorry.

[Father Bill]

BY Golly Father Bill. usually I'm not into full mask or fur sporrans but the one pictured has definitely changed my mind in that regard. What was the size of the interior pocket, does it have a fair bit of room? Can you show the site where you purchased it from.....I might like to get one as well

I’ll let you know when it scampers my way, Terry.

[Tarheel]

I think you have made a good choice. Other folks that are following this thread will have to decide which is the more formal sporran to wear. There is the option of rental for those that can not afford the long term cost of owning a full face sporran or silver cantle fur front sporran.

The folks like myself that can or will make their sporran, try to provide a quality item for the event. It is easier to defend our choice.

[OC Richard]

I know nothing about all of this stuff, but I do have a large number of vintage photos.

Here are the only ones I have showing gents wearing white ties.





But usually the men in the most ornate dress are wearing lace jabot. Where does that fit in with levels of formality I wonder?









Now before somebody chimes in telling me that I shouldn't be telling people how to dress etc please note that I never told anybody anything. I'm just sharing old photos. If we speak of "traditional" might it not be fitting to peer into the past?

Oh, and here's an old catalogue that puts mask sporrans with the Day Dress sporrans

[Father Bill]

Richard, that’s much appreciated and it gives some context.

This is actually an odd event inasmuch as unlike what Steve was describing where all wear white tie, this is not a uniform event but rather a strangely “ranked” one. The members at large will wear dark lounge suits or Highliand dress. The officers and installing officers will wear black tie and dinner jacket or Highland dress and as Installing Officer, I have the option of black tie & dinner jacket, or white tie, or Highland Dress as my station is unique and senior. Similarly the officer representing the national body has the same options as I do.

It isn’t really therefore, a white tie event under the normal definition, but one at which I may wear white tie and tails, or very formal Highland wear or merely formal Highland wear.

It’s an odd-duck event!

[kingandrew]

The curious nature of the event kind of makes it a "choose your own adventure" opportunity. So your full mask sporran and whatever fancy Highland gear you wish to sport sounds like it's OK. If you go with the looks OC Richard posted, there are quite a variety of directions and combinations that might work in this unusual context.

Have fun!

Andrew

[David Dubh]

I know nothing about all of this stuff, but I do have a large number of vintage photos.

Here are the only ones I have showing gents wearing white ties.





But usually the men in the most ornate dress are wearing lace jabot. Where does that fit in with levels of formality I wonder?









Now before somebody chimes in telling me that I shouldn't be telling people how to dress etc please note that I never told anybody anything. I'm just sharing old photos. If we speak of "traditional" might it not be fitting to peer into the past?

Oh, and here's an old catalogue that puts mask sporrans with the Day Dress sporrans

Interesting that almost all of the sporrans are either horse or goat hair. Not sure I could actually afford a silver cantle or justify one either. I think the roadent looks good
Best regards David

[Hirsty]

From what I have been told, mask sporrans are acceptable for all occasions depending upon how they are adorned.

You can use a mask sporran unadorned from white tie down but an adorned one wouldn't look right with day wear.

[piperdbh]

The real question, Father Bill, is "what new textile do I need to commission for Christmas?"
Since your lodge had decided who wears what, and since you're in charge of doing things at the event, wear the best-looking sporran you have, whether silver, rodent, or horse. And post pictures.