The Royal Caledonian Ball

[creagdhubh]

Greetings,

Whilst perusing the website of The Royal Caledonian Ball, of which the 165th recently took place on 3rd May 2013 at Grosvenor House Hotel in London, I came upon many wonderful photos of the attendees that may be interesting to the rabble. They can be found in each magazine issue located in the link below. I did notice on page 25 of the 2013 Magazine, a particular chap dressed in a rather loud tartan doublet (I should prefice by saying that I am fond of tartan doublets) that was an entirely different tartan than his kilt and looked a wee bit over the top, but I know it's all in good fun! In addition to the photos of the Ball, there is a plethora of articles that may also be of interest to you, such as an article regarding Kinloch Anderson beginning on page 34 of the 2013 Magazine.

You will see variety of dress present; however, the Ball details explicitly state the manner of dress for both men and women. They also warn that if you are not correctly dressed, you will be refused entry. I have never attended this particular Ball, but I have enjoyed many a reel at similar events within the Clan Macpherson Association. I would love to attend The Royal Caledonian Ball someday and dance the night away! The dress code details are as follows:

"Ladies

Full length dress

Gentleman

Highland evening dress, or

Evening tails with white tie, or

Mess kit

No dinner jackets


In detail

Ladies - essential

Floor length evening dress, or

Mess dress (for those entitled to wear it) with full length skirt

Ladies – optional (but encouraged)

Tiaras

Clan tartan sashes

Orders and Decorations


Gentlemen - essential

Highland evening dress comprising kilt and sporran, evening jacket of black broadcloth or coloured velvet, white evening shirt and black bow tie or lace jabot, or

Evening dress, comprising black evening tail coat, white shirt with wing collar, white bow tie and white waistcoat, or

Mess dress, worn according to regulations, with, preferably, where permitted, any more formal variation such as stiff shirt, wing collar and black bow tie


Gentlemen – optional

Orders and Decorations

For the set reels gentleman taking part must wear highland evening dress or mess kit, tail coats only if part of mess dress, and ladies must wear clan sashes."


Here's the link:

http://www.royalcaledonianball.com/annual_review

Cheers,