what formal events do you attend, and...

[MacLowlife]

Alan, others have seen that your question is really a two-parter:
1) Do you go to black and white tie events , and
2) Do you get really dressed up in your kilt?

Like JSFMcL, I don't do as much of that sort of thing as I used to, but I wear (Saxon) white tie once or twice a year. It is definitely worth having your own, just to avoid the cheesy rental shirts. We are really talking about one more coat and a good wing-collar shirt, along with the white tie and vest. The trousers are your regular tux pants.

My black tie participation varies greatly. In my neck of the woods, plenty of weddings are black tie, or at least held at the time when black tie would be appropriate. Again, I don't do as much of that as I once did, being in that trough between your own friends having fancy weddings and your own friends' CHILDREN having fancy weddings.

I can't remember being much more frustrated than when I had to rent nasty made-up "formal wear" to match other groomsmen in a couple of weddings. There is something very sensible about a groom who says "We will all wear our own tuxes."

But I have rambled on and risked missing out on this very important point. As brother McLean already implied, the answer is HAVE YOUR OWN BLACK TIE FUNCTION. If you want to go to black tie parties, host one and see what happens next.

As for kilted black tie, my local group of miscreants have two events, around St Andrew's day. They bracket what we sometimes call Dress Up and Drink week. Monday is our Annual Meeting, which is black tie and stag. Saturday is our Tartan Brawl, which is black tie ( and not stag .) In the days between, several unrelated (Non- Scots) organizations have parties that also happen to be black tie. It is a rough week for the liver.

[auld argonian]

Mulling this thread over, I thought that I might throw in my thoughts about when you wear the "conventional" dress outfits versus when you wear the kilt.

In my case, I wear both (not at the same time, obviously) just to make the point that when I wear the kilt it is by CHOICE. I think that this is important because it makes it clear to the folks around you that the kilt should be considered a normal part of your wardrobe otherwise the assumption may be that you are just wearing it to draw attention, be contrary or to make some kind of abstract point. I'm sorta more into trying to make kilts part of the norm an not some kind of exception and mixing it up seems to accomplish that end.

I've mentioned one couple that I know who got very weird about my showing up at their events kilted...this being pretty odd to me since the husband is of Welsh Ancestry and seems to be very proud of it. I've stopped wearing it to their events. It takes a while but eventually one or the other of them will ask why I'm not wearing the kilt. My reply is very straightforward: I know that it makes them uncomfortable and even though I feel that by wearing it I'm honoring their hospitality by showing up in what I consider to be my "best", I will make them feel more comfortable by wearing "conventional" dress at their functions and save the kilt for other functions where it's more welcomed. This has been the best reverse psychology ever. Now they're actually starting to feel insulted that I'm not showing up in the kilt.

So I suggest that you mix it up just to keep them on their toes.


Best

AA

[Chas]

I go to a couple of white tie events every year. This is a ticket for the next one in two weeks time.



Formal black tie events are far more frequent; St Georges Day and Sovereign's birthday to name but two.

The informal black tie events are the most fun. Until really quite recently men wore a dinner suit (tuxedo) when going out to dinner. Once a month my wife and I go out to a restaurant. I wear my dinner suit and she wears - well something nice, I always like it. We book in advance and take a taxi. We have always received the very best of service. I cannot count the number of free bottles of wine (with the compliments of the management sir) or something special from the sweet trolley (the chef just made these and was wondering if you would give him your opinion on them) that we have been given.

I would not give up going to white tie and black tie events - they are too much fun.

Regards

Chas

[JSFMACLJR]

The informal black tie events are the most fun.
I would not give up going to white tie and black tie events - they are too much fun.

Regards

Chas

I'm in full agreement with you, Chas!

[Standard]

I go to a couple of white tie events every year. This is a ticket for the next one in two weeks time.




Chas

Very interesting Chas. My wife and I get dressed to go out on occation, but not as often as you do it seems. I've a couple of questions about the invitation that you posted as I'm not familiar with some of the terms used. Bottom left corner "Table Banners"? As to the times on 7 for 7.30 and carriages at 10:30? Thanks for the information.

[jhockin]

one caution I'd like to add, for Alan, or anyone else thinking of getting rid of something you already have:
from my own past experience ( i once moved 8 times in 5 years, and because of this, got rid of a LOT of 'stuff', that i had been 'saving in case i need it'), it sems to be a corollary, of Murphys Law, that once you get rid of something, it won't be long before you are slapping your forehead, because NOW really need it

[Chas]

Very interesting Chas. My wife and I get dressed to go out on occation, but not as often as you do it seems. I've a couple of questions about the invitation that you posted as I'm not familiar with some of the terms used. Bottom left corner "Table Banners"? As to the times on 7 for 7.30 and carriages at 10:30? Thanks for the information.

Hi Standard,

A table banner displays ones coat of arms and sits on the table in front of you. The coat of arms represents the person so if you know the arms, you know who the person is. This is mine. You will notice that it is the same as my avatar.



7 for 7:30 - Dining starts at 7:30. From 7:00 on-wards, pre-dinner drinks will be served. The host is telling the guest that he is expected to arrive between those times; earlier and the host and his servants will not be ready to receive the guest; later and the guest will embarrass themselves with their lateness.

Carriages at 10:30 is old fashioned, but again is politeness for the guest. The dinner will be fully finished by 10:30. If the guest knows the finishing time, he knows what time to tell his driver to arrive.

This invitation is more or less standard. Other information is sometimes included - 'Dancing', 'Live Music', 'Charity Auction', 'name of royalty if attending', 'other activity'. It is all designed to give the maximum information to the guest.

I hope this helps

Regards

Chas

[Smayniac]

I attend, usually in a working capacity, several events each year that would most probably be considered in the "Black Tie Optional" category. I have worn a kilt to some of them with a conventional necktie. I do own a wing collar shirt and black bow tie, made for me for my wedding so many years ago, but haven't even tried them on lately.

I haven't chosen to own a conventional dress kit as most customers are happy with a coat and tie from technical types. I have selected a few events to wear the kilt to and have had overwhelmingly positive comments.

Bob

[Standard]

Hi Standard,

A table banner displays ones coat of arms and sits on the table in front of you. The coat of arms represents the person so if you know the arms, you know who the person is. This is mine. You will notice that it is the same as my avatar.



7 for 7:30 - Dining starts at 7:30. From 7:00 on-wards, pre-dinner drinks will be served. The host is telling the guest that he is expected to arrive between those times; earlier and the host and his servants will not be ready to receive the guest; later and the guest will embarrass themselves with their lateness.

Carriages at 10:30 is old fashioned, but again is politeness for the guest. The dinner will be fully finished by 10:30. If the guest knows the finishing time, he knows what time to tell his driver to arrive.

This invitation is more or less standard. Other information is sometimes included - 'Dancing', 'Live Music', 'Charity Auction', 'name of royalty if attending', 'other activity'. It is all designed to give the maximum information to the guest.

I hope this helps

Regards

Chas

Thanks Chas, that is what I thought the times meant, however I was totally unfamiliar with the table banner. Hope you have an enjoyable evening at your event.