Destination wedding help?

[CMcG]

My cousin is getting married this summer on his new property in Saskatchewan. I'd like some advice from the rabble about what to wear, especially from those who have experience with any similar sorts of situations.

The location is right in the middle of the Canadian Prairies. His property is an acreage and is 50 KM from the nearest village. The land is raw: no buildings or amenities and they will bring in a tractor from some neighbors to mow down a space in the field. There will be just porta-toilettes, tents, and a gas-powered electricity generator.

The weather is likely to be around 25 Celcius during the day but will drop down to 15 degrees in evening. 2:45 PM ceremony with reception to follow in the same location.

Suggested dress is khakis or jeans and sundresses but my cousin said the kilt is also appropriate. Boots are strongly recommended. There will be some people in Western wear: jeans, cowboy boots, wide brimmed hats, bolo ties, western shirts, etc. Other men will wear khakis, button up shirts, maybe a vest and/or a tie, maybe a sport coat. I doubt anybody except the wedding party will be wearing suits. Let's call it "Prairie Smart Casual."

What kilted outfit would you wear?

[Mike_Oettle]

The answer depends on what you have, obviously. But by the sound of it, boots are a must.
Up to you whether you wear sloppy-joe socks with that or proper long socks (with or without flashes).
As for the kilt, if you have one in a hunting colour scheme, that would probably be best, but anything short of an arisaid dress tartan would seem acceptable. An arisaid would likely show dirt pretty quickly.
Top that off with a casual shirt (don’t feel obliged to make it khaki), and a day coat over it. I have a brown corduroy jacket that I plan to have converted to kilt use when I have a kilt – it would probably serve.
But a bomber jacket or any short zip-up would probably work.
Bonnet? I think for the evening, at any rate, especially since everything will be out of doors. But again, daywear, not fancy.
Tie or no tie? Up to you, but again nothing fancy.
Regards,
Mike

[Kornkob]

I'd agree with Mike except I'd encourage you to dress at the 'upper end' of his suggestions. One can always remove a tie or take off a jacket if it turns out you are slightly overdressed but it's harder to make one materialize if you've not brought them along.

[CMcG]

<snip>Let's call it "Prairie Smart Casual."

What kilted outfit would you wear?

The answer depends on what you have, obviously. <snip>

I thought briefly about writing a list of my options or an inventory of my kollection but decided against it. By asking what other people would wear, I might get ideas that I wouldn't otherwise have considered!

[wildrover]

If I owned the stuff...a muted "hunting" tartan, tweed vest and tattersall shirt, brogues ("ghillie" or not, nbd...probably not), dressed-down sporran, tie that works for you, hat if you got one, no hat if you don't, hose that work, not scrunched, no matchy matchy or overly bright/bold stuff except the tie and flashes.

[CMcG]

Thanks for the suggestions. The one that stood out to me was the hunting tartan. I don't have one, but that's an interesting idea that I hadn't thought of.

My flight is this evening and I'm starting to pack my bags. The weather is looking a little cooler but sunny (hi 22 Celcius, low 7 or 71.6 and 44.6 Farenheit).

From the ground up:
- Canadian Army parade boots, properly shined
- lovat green hose and grey flashes
- burl wood, full tang sgian
- Douglas Modern tartan, 4 yard, 16 oz, wool kilt
- plain kilt pin
- black leather hunting sporran
- black duty belt
- khaki, mandarin collar shirt
- lovat green, Harris Tweed day jacket

Sort of matchy, but the jacket and hose are two different shades of lovat green. I'm on the hunt for a bargain on a tattersall shirt, which I might swap in if I can find one in time... I'll bring some other gear just in case.

Back up kit:
- brown Tilley hat (in case the sun is really beating down)
- silver/grey necktie
- black waistcoat
- white shirt

Any last minute recommendations?

[denmcdough]

Colin, sounds pretty good to me, this "prairie casual" look. Have fun.

Pics to follow?????

[CMcG]

Colin, sounds pretty good to me, this "prairie casual" look. Have fun.

Pics to follow?????

Pics will surely follow!

[Mike_Oettle]

The Douglas tartan (I presume that to be the black and green one) is a master stroke.
Not so sure about the mandarin collar, but the colour of the shirt is spot on.
And the standby kit is probably worth taking in case you are ambushed with dress outfits.
Enjoy the wedding.
Regards,
Mike

[CMcG]

The Douglas tartan (I presume that to be the black and green one) is a master stroke.
Not so sure about the mandarin collar, but the colour of the shirt is spot on.
And the standby kit is probably worth taking in case you are ambushed with dress outfits.
Enjoy the wedding.
Regards,
Mike

Thanks Mike.

The mandarin collar is an untraditional touch but I like how it can look dressy without the need for a tie. And yes, I do want to be ready with back-up kit in case people are really going to get dressed up!

Here's a pic of my tartan: