Going to a wedding. to kilt or not to kilt that is the question?

**Phil** · 20th July 11, 04:37 AM

Being Scottish I have to go along with Jock here. Unless the wedding was to be in Scotland I wouldn't automatically go kilted. I have been to weddings in England where the invitation stated Highland Dress but otherwise would have considered it inappropriate.

**McClef** · 20th July 11, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by Schiehallion

The same with me Trefor, and as I don't own a formal suit,.so a kilt and Argyle with shirt and tie is my formal attire for a wedding. As for asking "if it is ok to wear....." we should all, as guests get clearance, as some of the outfits I have seen at weddings, would not get mine.

I wonder if Princess Beatrice ever got clearance in advance for that hat!

**Chas** · 20th July 11, 05:21 AM

I agree with McClef and Schiehallion on this. If you are known as 'Jason - the kilted guy', then people would expect you to be in a kilt. On the other hand, if you are 'Jason - the lifeguard', no one would expect you to turn up in swimming trunks!

Regards

Chas

**seanachie** · 20th July 11, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Zardoz' standard response to the 'wedding question' version 2.0

Why worry about wearing your best to a friend's wedding? As a guest I will dress appropriately for the time and venue of the event, wedding or otherwise. This 'appropriate' dress will currently include a kilt.

I've been to plenty of weddings kilted, I have never felt the need to ask the bride, (who has enough to worry about) or the bride's family, (technically the hosts) or anyone else to get permission to dress in my usual manner. Do you think the wildly inapproprately dressed folks who always seem to show up at these events asked if it was OK to wear their tube-tops, shorts and crocs?

I am definitely with you on this. I have not as yet sought permission, and as you said was dressed appropriately kilted. In the most recent instance a month ago it was a very large wedding so we had maybe 30 seconds to even speak to the bride. (but she did compliment me on the kilt) I could not agree more about the wildly inappropriately dressed. There were a few in that category and to my mind really stood out in the crowd. Interesting you mentioned the parents. The mother of the groom sought me out and wanted to learn about both kilts and tartan. This a woman I had never met before.

**Steve Barclay** · 20th July 11, 11:33 AM

SUBTLEY get the couples' opinions beforehand, in such a way so as not to make them feel obliged to agree to it, any doubt at all, wear a suit or sports jacket instead, it is common courtesy for wedding guests to blend into the background, as it is not their special day.

**The Thirsty Viking** · 20th July 11, 01:25 PM

I know that if I were attending the wedding of my closest friends (Which I will be, in March) then it would create more of a stir if I was NOT kilted, rather than the other way around. All of my friends, and most people I am even partially aquainted with, know that I am a Kilt Wearer at even the most casual times.

I have yet to ask permission to wear a kilt, appropriately to any event, and have always been met with approval from the people that mattered. But I must agree that you do not want to outshine the groom, so keep your personal dress tasteful, and not gaudy, but not too casual.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 20th July 11, 02:19 PM

I've no idea where you live, but if it were I, and the wedding was taking place somewhere other than Scotland, I'd not wear Highland attire. The exception would be a "themed" wedding (something that seems to be popular in the USA) in which case I'd try to "blend in" with the theme (however, I draw the line at Star Trek, Pirate, and Harry Potter themed weddings).

**davidlpope** · 20th July 11, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

If it were me and assuming the event is outwith Scotland, I would wait to be asked and if the request does not arrive then don't wear the kilt, find an alternative.

Originally Posted by Chas

I agree with McClef and Schiehallion on this. If you are known as 'Jason - the kilted guy', then people would expect you to be in a kilt. On the other hand, if you are 'Jason - the lifeguard', no one would expect you to turn up in swimming trunks!

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

I've no idea where you live, but if it were I, and the wedding was taking place somewhere other than Scotland, I'd not wear Highland attire. The exception would be a "themed" wedding (something that seems to be popular in the USA) in which case I'd try to "blend in" with the theme (however, I draw the line at Star Trek, Pirate, and Harry Potter themed weddings).

***.

**xman** · 20th July 11, 04:58 PM

"It is better to beg forgiveness than ask permission".

**Damocles** · 25th July 11, 04:59 PM

i asked of the bride. she was delited that i asked and was vary happy to grant my request to ware my tradtional Formal dress (Kilt). found out i wouldint be the only one. the groums father is a scott and will be waring his clan atier. she did not know what clan he was part of
Paul Baswell