Advice for the newby -- HELP!!

**BenTheScott** · 24th May 04, 12:23 PM

Hello, folks. I'm new here, but I'm glad I found you. I am going to my cousins wedding, and it's a kilted affair. These people she's marrying are real historical types; ya know, great kilt, traditional stuff, even some SCA people, etc. My question is, I've purchased my great kilt (it's a cheater with the pleats sewed in -- I don't want to spend an hour dressing!), but what am I supposed to wear with it?

I have a glengarry, but will I look silly with the old style kilt?

I've had a pair of white kilt hose for quite a while. Is that what I should be wearing?

I know I need a sgian dubh, but do I need a dirk?

Flashes? I don't suppose that has anything to do with welding.....

Shoes? I've got a brown pair, boat shoe style. Is that OK, or will I be thrown out of the wedding party?

Do I really need a kilt pin as I will be going regimental (I'm strange that way)?

What about those things that join the fabric at the top over the shoulder?

Obviously, I'm at a loss here. I've only ever worn the smaller type of kilt before, and that only once at my brother-in-law's wedding. I've got to give this girl away as next of kin and I don't want to look pretentious or even remotely idiotic!

I am, by the by, a 2nd generation American of Scottish ancestry, so I suppose I've got the right to wear the garb.

Thanks in advance for your help!

**Freelander Sporrano** · 24th May 04, 12:54 PM

Welcome first of all.
DON'T PANIC Myself and the others here will no doubt help you.

1)I would go bare-headed for starters

2)I'd go for natural cream white or Tartan

3)sgian dubh Maybe, not a must. mine has a broken top so I don't use it at the moment.

4) they are the small bits of material on elastic that peep out from under the fold in your sock in the same Tartan as your kilt or plain, Picking out a colour from your Tartan. You can make them yourself.

4)Buy a Brogue type or Ghille if possible.(your asking for problems otherwise)

5)going regimental and kilt pins have nothing to do with one another NEVER PIN THE APRONS TOGETHER you can tear your Kilt that way

6) A brooch will do if it's not to ott.

Best of luck

**GMan** · 24th May 04, 01:07 PM

Ben,

Welcome to the forum!! You have found a great bunch of guys and a few nice ladies to keep us on our toes. I went to echo what Freelander said and for reference most everyone here will agree about J. Charles Thompson's book SO YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR THE KILT.

Once you find out about the joys of kilt wearing you will want more. Do keep us informed as to the events that transpire, and enjoy the kilt.

Again welcome.

Glen

**BenTheScott** · 24th May 04, 01:14 PM

Thanks much for the advice fellas. As for going without a hat..... I don't know if I can possibly do that. I always wear a hat in "real life" anyway (no, not a baseball cap -- that's a cop out), so I must, MUST wear headwear! I say "in real life" but I may enjoy wearing the kilt. You never do know....

I went to echo what Freelander said and for reference most everyone here will agree about J. Charles Thompson's book SO YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR THE KILT.

You've jogged my memory. I actually have this book somewhere in my vast collection of books. Just where, I can't tell at this point, but I'll make an exhaustive search.

**bubba** · 24th May 04, 02:53 PM

I'd leave the Glengarry at home and get a Balmoral instead if you must wear a hat. The Glengarry is primarily used by pipers and military.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 24th May 04, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by bubba

I'd leave the Glengarry at home and get a Balmoral instead if you must wear a hat. The Glengarry is primarily used by pipers and military.

I would second that. The Balmoral is a bit more authentic (closer in time) to the rest of the gear you plan on wearing.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 24th May 04, 09:10 PM

I agree with GMan about the book I do however think it's a little out of step with modern kilt usage. For Tradition it's the Bible of Kilting.

PS.I hope you find it. [/quote]

**Casey** · 25th May 04, 06:24 AM

Ben,

I ould suggest two actions for you.

1. Surf some of the kilt sites and see who's wearing what.

2. Ask the Bride and Groom.

Most of all wear what you will with pride.

Casey

**BenTheScott** · 25th May 04, 06:38 AM

2. Ask the Bride and Groom.

Now, why hadn't I thought of that before?! I'll shoot her off an email shortly and see what she says.

Thanks all for all the great advice. Until I found this forum, I had actually never thought of wearing my kilt as an everyday thing. I might just stir things up and do that.