Good news

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 10, 03:03 AM

Alright, now is the time to do your reconnaissance! Find a person who KNOWS what they are talking about and HAS BEEN to this event before. HOW FORMAL is formal? Black tie? White tie?What do the ladies wear?Long dress? Long skirt and blouse? How warm? How cold? What not to wear!!!!?? Do that as soon as possible. When I used to go to those sorts of events and I was going for the first time to a new venue it is perfectly normal to ring some one who has been, to find these things out. I probably get ten or twenty of those types of phone calls a year even now from people who really do know, but they are just checking. Oh and don't cut corners! Likewise don't go over the top! It will ruin your evening, as YOU WILL KNOW what corner you have cut, or, crikey, I wish I was not carrying that sword, and you WILL spend all evening worrying about it. Trust me, I know!

It is also quite normal to beg and borrow from friends certain bits of kit to replace yours that has suddenly shrunk, or you are going to an event that you don't normally go to. Please, please ALWAYS return the kit as soon as possible. It sounds obvious doesn't it?Believe me, over the years, I have known firm friends fall out over kit not being returned. Beside you may want to borrow the kit again. Have fun.

**BEEDEE** · 2nd March 10, 04:56 AM

I second Rex's suggestion of renting the first time around. Matt has the National Millennium tartan as well as Black Watch and I would recommend the National Millennium. The attendants at our wedding wore this.

One hubby finds out how great he looks and how much attention he gets, persuading him to get his own kilt will be so much easier. Good luck,

Brian

**CMcG** · 2nd March 10, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

<snip>
I'd line up a rental right away, then spend the interim looking for alternatives to purchase at about-the-same price.

I say strike while the iron is hot! If your man has agreed to wear the kilt one time, it will be far easier to make it happen again if he has the kit. You can keep the cost down with some help from the "for sale" part of the forum, eBay, your own sewing skills, borrowing from a friend, etc.

I was asked to wear a kilt to a wedding last year and challenged myself to cobble together an outfit without spending much more than the cost of a rental. It can be done

**bricelythgoe** · 2nd March 10, 07:38 AM

Here is what the website says about formality:

The evenings dress is formal or semi-formal. Kilts are prefered but not required, Seating is limited. Pre-paid reservations only. NO tickets at the door.

Based on that, this is what I will wear. Assuming I have it, I will wear a converted jacket and tie. Looking at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread done earlier, I will be wearing either a #6 or #7 (refering to Panache's numbering). If I don't get a jacket, then just a white shirt and tie.

Brice

**auld argonian** · 2nd March 10, 09:11 AM

From my perspective, you might think about having the gentleman wear the Argyle and vest with the tux shirt and the bow tie rather than the Prince Charlie. If he's at all squirmy about how he's going to look, the Argyle get-up is sorta more like a "normal" men's jacket and tie than the PC...might put him more at ease if this is his "maiden voyage".

Best

AA

**ali8780** · 2nd March 10, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Alright, now is the time to do your reconnaissance! Find a person who KNOWS what they are talking about and HAS BEEN to this event before. HOW FORMAL is formal? Black tie? White tie?What do the ladies wear?Long dress? Long skirt and blouse? How warm? How cold? What not to wear!!!!?? Do that as soon as possible. When I used to go to those sorts of events and I was going for the first time to a new venue it is perfectly normal to ring some one who has been, to find these things out. I probably get ten or twenty of those types of phone calls a year even now from people who really do know, but they are just checking. Oh and don't cut corners! Likewise don't go over the top! It will ruin your evening, as YOU WILL KNOW what corner you have cut, or, crikey, I wish I was not carrying that sword, and you WILL spend all evening worrying about it. Trust me, I know!

It is also quite normal to beg and borrow from friends certain bits of kit to replace yours that has suddenly shrunk, or you are going to an event that you don't normally go to. Please, please ALWAYS return the kit as soon as possible. It sounds obvious doesn't it?Believe me, over the years, I have known firm friends fall out over kit not being returned. Beside you may want to borrow the kit again. Have fun.

Yes, thank you Jock! **putting a list together, don't get overwhelmed now Ali!**

Ok, I think I'll do some recon and come back with ideas to get some more advice...

**The Barry** · 2nd March 10, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

From my perspective, you might think about having the gentleman wear the Argyle and vest with the tux shirt and the bow tie rather than the Prince Charlie. If he's at all squirmy about how he's going to look, the Argyle get-up is sorta more like a "normal" men's jacket and tie than the PC...might put him more at ease if this is his "maiden voyage".

Best

AA

***, This is how I do black tie. I wear my black argyle, 5-button waistcoat, shirt, and tie.

One suggestion: I would have found that "formal" kilt attire much more intimidating than casual wear. Unless he often wears a three piece suit (and I mean often enough to be stone cold comfortable in it) he might find it easier to "ramp up".

Plus, you can use this tactic to get him to wear the kilt sooner, and more often! ;)

**Jdot84** · 2nd March 10, 12:13 PM

I would think that a rental would be the best option for you and your husband. Probably a Argyll and vest. If you have the funds avalible then you could check with Jerry at Stillwater and look at his heavy weights or the PV's at Rocky's (They are not a tank but they are really good). You could get him one of those to try around the house. I'll bet that once you get him started he will be hooked.
Good luck!

**Old Hippie** · 2nd March 10, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by ali8780

I sat down with my husband today, I looked into his eyes and put my hand on his knee and said: "darling, I want to see you in a kilt. Will you please take me to the Utah Scottish Association Ball?"

So um, now what do I do?

Probably the most important thing to do, is once you're at the Ball, you reach over and put your hand on his knee again, smile sweetly, and tell him he's the best-looking guy in the room. I expect you don't need a guidebook for what follows that.

He'll be kilted for life.

:ootd:

**Detroitpete** · 2nd March 10, 05:33 PM

Ahh--this one is easy

Step one: Call Matt Newsome. Tell him your tale and listen to his advice.
Step two: Take Matt's advice.
Step three: Rent the finery your lucky husband needs from Matt.
Step four: Its going to be worth what you pay so don't worry about it. Memories are priceless.
Setp five: Enjoy a wonderful night with your husband at the ball!