Which outfit as a wedding guest?

[Scotty Mc]

I am a guest at a wedding of friends. The bride asked years ago if I would wear a kilt when they got married and of course I agreed.

The trouble is, I don't know which outfit would be suitable. I am a guest at both the ceremony and receptions but not a member of the grooms' wedding party.

Can anyone advise on what outfit I should wear? I was thinking maybe a Trad. Prince Charlie.

Many thanks
Scotty

[Nighthawk]

If the dress code is expressed as formal, then your PC is perfect. Otherwise, a PC may be a little over dressed. The rule is, never outshine the bride. An Argyle, nice shirt, tie, solid (not diced or tartan) hose, and if you're feeling a little daring, a waistcoat of a color different from your jacket would be a most appropriate outfit. This is, of course, assuming this is for a daytime wedding with no theme or dress code.

[ctbuchanan]

My rule of thumb is to imagine what all the other men will be wearing from the waist up and go with something similar. i.e. if they will be wearing black tie or formal, then go with the P.C. If not, then bring it down a notch.

[Tobus]

If the dress code is expressed as formal, then your PC is perfect. ... This is, of course, assuming this is for a daytime wedding with no theme or dress code.

I was under the impression that a PC is not appropriate for a daytime wedding? Or any wedding, for that matter? Where's Jock Scot when we need him?

The OP's location being the UK, they will likely adhere to rules that are more traditional and "proper" than we observe in the USA. I would stick with an Argyll jacket.

[Jock Scot]

There is only one question to ask. As you are not going to be a member of the "inner circle" at the wedding what are the guests wearing? If it is formal day wear with morning suits, then the kilt(tartan I presume) equivalent is the black barathea, silver buttoned argyll and that is the way to go. If the guests are wearing lounge suits then a tweed argyll with waist coat( or,any kilt day wear jacket in tweed) it perfect. If it is more informal then perhaps just the jacket ,or even just the waist coat.

As we only(I think)have day weddings in the UK a good rule of thumb is: never ever a PC for a wedding. The only possible exception is if you were ONLY going to the evening bash, if there is one.

[Scotty Mc]

Bit of a catch 22 with this one. The ceremony is at 5pm and the straight onto the evening reception. I'm also limited to the choice of outfits as I have to hire at present. I'm getting the outfit from jh kilt hire in grangemouth who have the outfits on their website if that is any help?

Cheers

[cessna152towser]

As a Scot, I'd agree with Jock. A black barathea Argyle jacket would be perfect with your kilt. I feel that the Prince Charlie would be rather over formal if you are not part of the inner circle of the wedding party.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Bit of a catch 22 with this one. The ceremony is at 5pm and the straight onto the evening reception. I'm also limited to the choice of outfits as I have to hire at present. I'm getting the outfit from jh kilt hire in grangemouth who have the outfits on their website if that is any help?

Cheers

Wedding Rule #1: Look at the invitation. Unless it specifies Morning Dress, or White Tie, or Black Tie, the correct form of dress is a lounge suit with white shirt and regular necktie.

You need to hire JH Kilt Hire's "13 Modern Grey Thistle Outfit", wear a white shirt, and a regular necktie, and you'll be good to go. (One other thing-- no white socks, please!)

Since the ceremony is at 5PM, the social convention would be that one wears a lounge suit to the wedding, and to the reception that follows. That being the case, #13 from JH Kilt Hire is the perfect choice as it is the social equivalent of a dark lounge suit, the kind that you would wear to dinner at a nice restaurant.

[Scotty Mc]

Thanks for the info chaps.

I like the Grey Thistle outfit but I cannot choose my own tartan meaning I may as well wear a regular suit.

However I have noticed '07 Modern Grey Crail outfit' which means I can choose my tartan.

Please excuse my ignorance, but why no white socks?

[Jock Scot]

Thanks for the info chaps.

I like the Grey Thistle outfit but I cannot choose my own tartan meaning I may as well wear a regular suit.

However I have noticed '07 Modern Grey Crail outfit' which means I can choose my tartan.

Please excuse my ignorance, but why no white socks?

Some think white hose are the mark of a hire outfit and others just think that white hose do not show the kilt off to best advantage and others are not bothered either way.