Proper attire for a funeral

[McMurdo]

Ron
I could not agree more. Every time I've worn a kilt to a funeral, the family has thanked me for dressing the way I did.

[dfmacliam]

Sound advice... White shirt and black tie... I lost my Dad to cancer a couple years ago, so I understand how you feel about the situation.. We were able to talk to Dad about what he wanted... and we honored his wishes..

[Peregrine]

Chris made an interesting point regarding how the kilt is worn in Scotland; one well worthy of consideration.

I was raised to "wear your best" to a funeral as a show of respect. (Its sad how may don't even make an attempt these days.) Based on Ron and McMurdo's experiences, I wonder if perhaps that's how the kilt is perceived here in North America. I think for most of us it is our best. I own a custom tailored kilt, not a custom tailored suit. I would certainly view the kilt that way, but as a kilt wearer my opinion is biased, and not necessarily that of the general public.

[Jock Scot]

Chris made an interesting point regarding how the kilt is worn in Scotland; one well worthy of consideration.

I was raised to "wear your best" to a funeral as a show of respect. (Its sad how may don't even make an attempt these days.) Based on Ron and McMurdo's experiences, I wonder if perhaps that's how the kilt is perceived here in North America. I think for most of us it is our best. I own a custom tailored kilt, not a custom tailored suit. I would certainly view the kilt that way, but as a kilt wearer my opinion is biased, and not necessarily that of the general public.

I am not quite sure what point you are alluding too, so forgive me if I have the wrong end of the stick here.

I think you are meaning that Chris is pointing out that the kilt is not often worn to funerals in Scotland, he is quite correct. It is perhaps more common(still not that common) in the Highlands, the home of the kilt, which is also an area where the least number of people live. The lowland Scots, the largest majority, are not and never have been kilt wearers by tradition.Wearing the kilt to a funeral in Scotland is therefore not common.

[Stravaiger]

I am not quite sure what point you are alluding too, so forgive me if I have the wrong end of the stick here.

I think you are meaning that Chris is pointing out that the kilt is not often worn to funerals in Scotland, he is quite correct. It is perhaps more common(still not that common) in the Highlands, the home of the kilt, which is also an area where the least number of people live. The lowland Scots, the largest majority, are not and never have been kilt wearers by tradition.Wearing the kilt to a funeral in Scotland is therefore not common.

I agree with both Chris and Jock, that the wearing of a kilt to a funeral in Scotland is not common. It is however, what I normally wear to a family funeral, and I have never had any comments either positive or negative - it has simply been accepted that that is what I wear. Personally I choose a white shirt & black tie and try to be understated and not to stand out too much. For a funeral where I am simply one of the congregation & not particularly known by the family I have worn a suit in order to avoid the risk of offending.

[Jack Daw]

Chris made an interesting point regarding how the kilt is worn in Scotland; one well worthy of consideration.

I was raised to "wear your best" to a funeral as a show of respect. (Its sad how may don't even make an attempt these days.) Based on Ron and McMurdo's experiences, I wonder if perhaps that's how the kilt is perceived here in North America. I think for most of us it is our best. I own a custom tailored kilt, not a custom tailored suit. I would certainly view the kilt that way, but as a kilt wearer my opinion is biased, and not necessarily that of the general public.

The only time I have worn the kilt to a funeral, other than piping, was when I knew the departed and family had an appreciation for it.

[Kilted Rogue]

there are some times where i wish there was a local Scottish store. So i could drop down and get a simple black leather sporran.

[McMurdo]

there are some times where i wish there was a local Scottish store. So i could drop down and get a simple black leather sporran.

Could you get it shipped from the Scottish Tartan Museum? It could be there in a day or two.

[csbdr]

Condolences to your friend. As he knew you as a kilt werer, I see no problem with it. I have also noted the "stealing the show" concerns/posts with respect to weddings, and have attended several kilted. I have yet to steal the show from the bride, even in one wedding where I was an usher and right out in the thick of things. I feel that concern is understandable, but overestimated.

[mrtackytn]

if you need a black daywear sporran - Jerry and his crew ast SWK offer a very nice one -black leather, with leather tassels - for a very economical price. Order on-line & pay by
credit card and you could have one in 2-3 days (they ship everything Priority Mail).