Wedding in Scotland

**josephkirkpatrick** · 6th June 11, 07:11 AM

Hi!

I did search for 'weddings,' but couldn't find specifically what I was looking for...

My sister (we're American) is marrying a Scottish fellow in August. Were all flying to the UK for the ceremony, which is quite exciting. My dad, the father of the bride, doesn't know what to wear, and frankly, neither do I. I'm a kiltie, but my dad is not, and were not sure about protocol.

The wedding is 2 pm, and a very simple affair. The only two kilts we know of are on the groom and his single groomsman. Is it appropriate for my da to rent a kilt? He wants to, but doesn't want to put anyone off.

For me, I'll be in a 6 yard synthetic (wool aversion) and probably an argyll jacket.

**BEEDEE** · 6th June 11, 07:33 AM

I would start by asking your sister what the groom's family and guests are wearing.

Brian

**piperdbh** · 6th June 11, 07:37 AM

I would say "not", unless the kilt is part of your father's heritage and custom. Remember, too, that wedding attire in the UK can be different from wedding attire in the US of A. The bride and groom need to discuss this thoroughly and explain it to the guests so that everyone will be comfortable to enjoy the day. The groom's family will probably be able to answer any questions about dress and protocol. However, if it's a small, simple ceremony, then some of the "rules" can be bent or even broken.

Make sure you post lots of fotografias!

**josephkirkpatrick** · 6th June 11, 08:01 AM

I was hoping to defer to my sister or the grooms family... However, the response I got from both was 'eh, whatever'.... Which seemed strange. This whole this came together much more quickly than originally intended... Visa troubles, you see. The wedding will be fewer than 15-20 with a reception in the evening of about twice that size. They're sort of winging it...

**piperdbh** · 6th June 11, 08:04 AM

Well, now, here's the next battery of questions:
Will it be an outdoor or indoor, religious or civil, traditional or nontraditional cermony? All these come into play. However, since they've said "Whatever", I'd say as long as you don't go overboard and wear outrageous outfits, you should be alright.

**CMcG** · 6th June 11, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by josephkirkpatrick

<snip>

The wedding is 2 pm, and a very simple affair. The only two kilts we know of are on the groom and his single groomsman. Is it appropriate for my da to rent a kilt? He wants to, but doesn't want to put anyone off.

For me, I'll be in a 6 yard synthetic (wool aversion) and probably an argyll jacket.

Originally Posted by josephkirkpatrick

I was hoping to defer to my sister or the grooms family... However, the response I got from both was 'eh, whatever'.... <snip>

If the groom is kilted and the response to a dress code clarification request was "whatever," then I assume a kilt would be fine. If your dad wants to rent, make sure he doesn't get a formal evening outfit (i.e. Prince Charlie jacket and black bow tie) because this is a daytime wedding. Your plan to wear an Argyll jacket sounds about right.

Also make sure he gets a tartan that is appropriate, because the Scots at the wedding might take a dim view of your dad wearing another clan's tartan. He should wear his own clan or a universal tartan.

**josephkirkpatrick** · 6th June 11, 08:17 AM

Ok well... Indoor, religious, traditional. I think the groom is wearing an argyll, (my sister doesn't know if it'll be argyll or pc) so I'll probably go a step down from that- tweed I guess? The non-kilted guests will be wearing semi-formal daywear, more sport coat than suit. I understand the reception to be a more casual affair with the grooms friends and extended family.

**josephkirkpatrick** · 6th June 11, 08:21 AM

We are colquhoun, so that's what well be shooting for... I have to get a new one because Ive gotten tubby! I'm waiting to find a kilt shop that will rent our tartan.... He'll probably end up in a universal.

**CMcG** · 6th June 11, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by josephkirkpatrick

Ok well... Indoor, religious, traditional. I think the groom is wearing an argyll, (my sister doesn't know if it'll be argyll or pc) so I'll probably go a step down from that- tweed I guess? The non-kilted guests will be wearing semi-formal daywear, more sport coat than suit. I understand the reception to be a more casual affair with the grooms friends and extended family.

A tweed Argyll would be perfect