Advice for wedding Officiant

[kennethrmc]

I'm conducting a wedding service Saturday at a Celtic Festival. I've officiated Scottish-style weddings before,where the parties have been dressed formally and therefore I've worn dress jacket and waistcoat to match formality with the wedding party.

At this wedding, however, the groom will wear a ghillie shirt with his kilt and the bride will wear a nice-but-not-formal dress. I think if I wear a formal jacket/tie/waistcoat that would appear incongruous with the bride and groom---too formal. Yet, I don't want to wear my own ghillie shirt (I feel like the official should look rather more...official?) (BTW, I'll be wearing a bespoke 8 yard kilt and nice daywear sporran).

So, for this ceremony...Button down shirt? Tie or no tie ? Waistcoat but no jacket? Or....??? Fellow X Markers, I appreciate any advice you can share with me.

[tripleblessed]

I agree with looking "more official". I think I'd go in a non-white shirt with collar stays and tie. Contrasting waistcoat with Argyll in the car just in case. I'd have it if they prefer, but not wear it unless asked, as weather may be warm. The first wedding I did, I was sweating more than the bride and groom put together.

Edit: I might even have the ghillie shirt with; it occurs they might prefer.

[Jock Scot]

I assume its going to be quite warm? How about a white shirt and tie for the service and if needs be, the tie can come off after the main event?

[Spartan Tartan]

I'm in the button down shirt and tie camp. If it's too warm, you can always remove the tie.

[fluter]

I'd start with jacket and tie. If the bride thinks you look too stuffy, remove the jacket.

[EagleJCS]

I'd go with a collared shirt and waistcoat - no tie. The waistcoat seems to me to be a little bit dressier, but leaving the tie out doesn't elevate the formality too much.

Wearing a coat & tie with your kilt when everyone else is wearing relatively casual clothing is like wearing a suit when everyone else is wearing denim.

[Dulcius ex Asperis]

I think it's perfectly appropriate to wear a white button-down shirt and a tie. Personally, I think the waistcoat is a nice touch as well: It tips toward the formal in this case but that's OK. Officiants are neither guests nor members of the wedding party...and kind of both at the same time--kind of a class by themselves.

[Chas]

I don't understand. Surely, for the ceremony you will be wearing your robes?

I cannot speak for all religions, but in the UK, in the Roman Catholic church and the Church of England, the robes cover all other clothing. In the Free Churches (Baptist, Methodist, Wesleyan etc.) the Minister wears a dog collar and the colour of shirt prescribed by his Church.

After the Mass, or the funeral, or the marriage, or the baptism or the service, the Minister retires to the vestry and divests himself of his robes. He puts on his day attire and continues with his day.

Are things different in the States?

Regards

Chas

[Jock Scot]

Good question Chas, perhaps its an American thing?

Another question ,if I may, I note that a couple of you have stressed "button down" collars, are these considered more or less formal than a non button down collar in America?

[Mark Stephenson]

A button down collar is considered to be less formal. As for what pastors wear, it depends greatly on the denomination and also on the circumstances. Many would wear "street" clothes. So, if the wedding was not kilted, what would you wear? Sport coat, suit, shirt and tie, sport coat and open collar shirt, etc. That could help you decide what would be analogous to the kilted wedding. To me though, the greater question is... ... what color hose to wear! <grin>