Fly plaid etiquette?

[Cyd]

Thanks Tomak. You are smart to purchase a plaid with your kilt to make sure they match in colour and sett. I do the same, I just don't generally find an event where I am important enough to justify the plaid.... at least until now after I have moved to the US, when it looks like I can wear it. I just need to figure out when.

I know the rules are different. Just trying to figure out what the rules here are. I had a similar experience to you at your Burn's supper. That would never happen in Scotland! When I graduated from University (English) the first time, no fly plaid. When I graduated from university the second time (Ph.D., Scottish) fly plaids were expressly prohibited. Only the Chancellor and vice-Chancellor wore fly plaids. When I graduated from university the third time (law, American) nobody cared.

Similar for weddings. I attended a wedding in Missouri. The groom was Scottish and at least half the male attendees wore highland dress, most with pc and at least half with fly plaids! In Scotland, showing up the groom like that would be the height of poor taste. Only the groom and those he elects are supposed to wear fly plaids. It is a different world, and it is somewhat amusing to read the threads on dress etiquette here when it obviously varies so much from country to country.

I'm not looking to make or change rules, just follow them. I don't want to feel under/overdressed and I don't want anyone cringing when I walk into the room. The take home is be aware of local custom and when in doubt, ask. So I am asking.

[Damion]

In Scotland, showing up the groom like that would be the height of poor taste. Only the groom and those he elects are supposed to wear fly plaids.

I've always been of the opinion that if the bride and groom can so easily be outdone by a guest then they didn't put enough effort into their own clothing.
In regards fly plaids, if someone can feel they're being upstaged by a piece of tartan draped over the shoulder then their own efforts must be minimal and perhaps that is what needs to change - away with the bare minimum and in with some real traditional attire.

[Cyd]

Setting aside for a moment how "traditional" a fly plaid might be... If you insist on wearing traditional garments in a non-traditional way, whether in the name of personal freedom or otherwise, you are mocking the tradition.