Kilts and special events.

[Farley]

First, I am a new to kilt wearing, and have only one in my wardrobe. My first question is; "Is it okay to wear a kilt to a friend's wedding? When is it not okay to wear a kilt to a wedding or family function.

[Jordan]

First up

Second, It depends where you are in the world. Im in scotland so almost all the males wear a kilt for weddings and its almost expected, but some of our members in America feel they need to ask to wear their kilts to such events.

Some more info would be helpful.

Jordan

[KFCarter]

There are differing opinions about this in the States. I do wear a kilt to most formal fund-raisers, banquets, etc. and don't feel the need to get "clearance" in advance. I would give special consideration when it comes to a wedding, though. Others on the forum have made the point that there would be potential that a kilt could upstage the bride...not a good outcome.

There are so many factors involved, the tastes of the couple, the sensibilities of their families, the setting for the event... it's hard to have a generic answer. Best bet if you're in doubt: ask the couple and make sure they understand that you won't be offended if they ask you to wear some other attire.

If they embrace the idea, then go for it, but do make an attempt to match the level of formality of your kilt kit with that of the other guests. In other words, if it's a relatively casual, afternoon affair, then a formal PC or doublet based outfit would stick out like a sore thumb. No worries, though, the kilt is as flexible a man's garment as there is. With the right jacket and sporran, a kilt can fit right in to any level of formal or casual setting. For a great view of this flexibility, visit the thread "1 Kilt 10 Looks: A Visual Guide to Formality in Highland Attire" in the General Kilt Talk Forum.

If you could give some more specifics about your particular situation, I'm sure you'll get some great suggestions here.

[Farley]

It's a casual affair, groom's dad is going to be wearing a Hawaiian shirt with dress slacks. No-one else will be wearing a kilt, so asking the couple is a fantastic idea. I'm in Canada, in a community with Scottish roots.

[xman]

I'm in Canada, in a community with Scottish roots.

Then I think you should have no problem. I wouldn't go any dressier than a charcoal Argyll jacket although tweed would suit better and maybe waistcoat, but probably not. One rule:

DON'T OUTSHINE THE BRIDE!

[Kornkob]

Regardless of other conditions, qualifiers or suggestions, the one hard stop in the conversation is this:

. One rule:

DON'T OUTSHINE THE BRIDE!

Only 'that guy' does that (and if the groomsmen do their job that guy gets a talking to).

[Nighthawk]

Regardless of other conditions, qualifiers or suggestions, the one hard stop in the conversation is this:

DON'T OUTSHINE THE BRIDE!!

Only 'that guy' does that (and if the groomsmen do their job that guy gets a talking to).

That's the only real rule of thumb. Personally, I am of the opinion that a kilt is never out of place. If you have a modern black kilt, for example, a simple tie, sweater vest, white shirt, proper hose and shoes should be fine. That is a nice understated outfit that won't stick out much. It will, of course, raise a few eyebrows, but shouldn't raise all that many for all that long. Keep things low key and understated and you should be fine.

[Charlie]

It is an easy decision in Britain whether to wear a kilt at a wedding. If everyone is formally dressed ie tail coats etc then wear the kilt if informal then still wear kilt but with "day" jacket.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Actually, it is the bride's parents who traditionally host the wedding and invite the guests. Since you are technically their guest, you should check with them, not the bride, about what should/should not be worn by guests at the wedding.

Personally, outside of Scotland, I would only attend a wedding in my kilt if the wedding party (groom and groomsmen) were also kilted.

[McClef]

And if in Scotland, what would you do they if they were not kilted MOR?