Preparing for father's funeral - would like advice on what to wear with my new kilt

[Willie T]

My father has been in very poor health over the last year. We don't know how much longer he has but we're making preparations for when the time comes. He has requested that I sing and play the bagpipes for his funeral. An 8-yard heavyweight Mackintosh Hunting Modern kilt should arrive any day now. My father is LDS/Mormon and there is no tradition of wearing black at Mormon funerals but it is probably best to avoid bright, pastel, or light colors. I'm leaning towards darker colors and I want to avoid silver/chrome for buttons and accessories. I'm thinking of ordering a charcoal tweed argyll jacket and waistcoat and wearing a simple black leather day sporran with dark hose with black shoes. I don't want to wear black hose and I'm thinking navy blue would look better with my kilt. Normally I would go with more of a contrast but since it is for a funeral I'm opting for darker colors. Here is an image of the Mackintosh Hunting Modern tartan. I'm interested in hearing some feedback about the choices I'm considering or if anyone has some suggestions that might work better. I'm looking forward to my new kilt but this time the jones is bittersweet.

[Willie T]

MacKintosh_Hunting_Modern_Colours_Pure_Silk_3.jpgMackintosh Hunting Modern

[Jock Scot]

I wish that I could come up with sage words for you about your father' s predicament, but words fail me. Sorry.

I know many on this website will have difficulty with what I am about to say, mainly because they fail to understand the differences between Saxon attire and highland kilt attire.

Anyway what you are proposing to wear to a funeral is actually very traditional in the Highlands of Scotland, for some denominations. A tweed kilt jacket, not necessarily black, white shirt and black tie is usual, with the kilt and hose of any colour you like, other than white or black, plain day sporran, with black well polished brogues is just fine.

[Walkman]

My sympathies, Willie. I think that what you’re planning is entirely appropriate for an American funeral. It is what I would do in your situation, unless LDS believe that you shouldn't wear black/darker colors at a funeral. I don’t see how anyone could be offended with your kilt either, the brighter colors that is, as your father has requested that you play the pipes and the two go hand-in-hand.

[Liam]

I have worn a kilt to a number of funerals and chose to wear grey hose with black flashes and a grey tweed jacket. I did wear a black tie, but what you have chosen will do your Dad proud. My heart goes out to you.

[John_Carrick]

My best regards at this difficult time.
John

[ctbuchanan]

Sorry to read about your father's health, but I think you are doing the correct thing planning ahead for what will certainly be a difficult time.

My mother passed away at the age of 95 after a long and full life, so the circumstances may be different. She was born in Scotland and very proud of her Scottish heritage. She grew up Church of Scotland but in the US attended the Church of Christ. She was a Watt which is also a sept of the Clan Buchanan and her funeral was an amazing display of the bright, bold and beautiful Buchanan tartan. No wearing black for her! We have a very large family and we all wore our kilts to honor her heritage - the jackets varied based on what each member of the family had on hand so there was really no standard.

It was quite a celebration of her life.

The photo is from the church the day of her memorial service.

[David Dubh]

Sorry to hear about your father. What you are proposing to wear as has been said sounds very appropriate. Jock is always someone to listen to on these matters. Not knowing the exact condition of your father he may have an opinion on how you should be attired, perhaps you could ask him, at the end of the day a funeral is the celebration of the life he lead and may want you to mark it more colourfully. Just a thought
David

[JohntheBiker]

Sorry for your father's condition. You seem to have a good sense as to what is appropriate.

[Willie T]

I wish that I could come up with sage words for you about your father' s predicament, but words fail me. Sorry.

I know many on this website will have difficulty with what I am about to say, mainly because they fail to understand the differences between Saxon attire and highland kilt attire.

Anyway what you are proposing to wear to a funeral is actually very traditional in the Highlands of Scotland, for some denominations. A tweed kilt jacket, not necessarily black, white shirt and black tie is usual, with the kilt and hose of any colour you like, other than white or black, plain day sporran, with black well polished brogues is just fine.

Thank you, Jock, for your kind words and response. In my youth I was a very dedicated Highland Dancer and I had a wonderful teacher from Scotland. I've always had tremendous respect for the culture and traditions of Scotland and the heritage of my Scottish ancestors. That appreciation always inspired me to strive for excellence and authenticity whenever I performed or competed. Although I knew what was appropriate for Highland Dancers when I was a dancer years ago, I knew that there was much that I didn't know about civilian Highland dress. I came across this forum about a year ago and have since perused countless threads. It has been quite an education for me. Thank you, Jock, for all of the great and insightful comments you've made in this forum. I'm listening and learning.