What to wear to a Ceilidh?

[davedove]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

I think this is more a problem of the people just wanting to get use out of their gear (and not knwing any better). The only time they wear a kilt is for special events, so when the kilt goes on, so do all the other things as well. Thus, you get Prince Charlie's at a ceilidh, Scottish festivals, etc. Remember, the average American is not as well informed about kilts and their wear as those on this forum.

[Jock Scot]

I think this is more a problem of the people just wanting to get use out of their gear (and not knwing any better). The only time they wear a kilt is for special events, so when the kilt goes on, so do all the other things as well. Thus, you get Prince Charlie's at a ceilidh, Scottish festivals, etc. Remember, the average American is not as well informed about kilts and their wear as those on this forum.

Yes ,I think you are right there. Also"Under dressing" and the understated look does not seem to be, in general, a natural American,Canadian thing to do, either.

[ziggy]

You say that, but I work for one of the larger banks in North America and we have this yearly rewards gala, and you have a hard time getting people to dress up for it! It's at a fairly posh hotel, and the list of VIP's is long....

Now personally i will wear my kilt, probably with a black argyll jacket and I will most likely be overdressed, that's fine though as i wish to make a point. Just saying.....sometimes.... like this thing should almost be black tie!

[Arlen]

It really depends on whether it is a genuine Ceilidh, a semi-formal dance or a ball.
For a ceilidh back in Scotland I would assume it was a bit of fun but would dress semi-formal. (Tweed or black Argyle jacket, shirt and tie with my Kilt.)
If it was a semi-formal dance, the same. If it were a ball I'd be sure to be in my best.
If I were to be assured that it was just a fun Ceilidh and nothing more then I'd probably wear a shirt with no tie.

Over here, even if it is just advertised as a Ceilidh I try to be at the very least semi-formal because there seems to be a completely different idea here of what a Ceilidh is. (There's often hardly any dancing!!!) And it can range from an informal talent show to a formal ball.

[KD Burke]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

Two countries separated by a common language? Another point to consider:
The Scots laguage, is much less familiar to Americans than to Scots. A ceilidh sounds to our ears very exotic and foreign. Which we Americans tend to equate to fancy and formal.

[JRB]

...A ceilidh sounds to our ears very exotic and foreign. Which we Americans tend to equate to fancy and formal.

A good point. I would say that the vast majority of attendees at American Scottish events, upon seeing the word ceilidh, immediately conjure up images of traditional highland etc., etc., etc. It's all in the language.

[Nighthawk]

Two countries separated by a common language? Another point to consider:
The Scots laguage, is much less familiar to Americans than to Scots. A ceilidh sounds to our ears very exotic and foreign. Which we Americans tend to equate to fancy and formal.

That makes a lot of sense. I never thought of it that way. Personally, I use the word to refer to any party that I'm attending- given the fact that the people I party with tend towards the New World Celt persuation. (With the exception of the Denver Vikings guys... ) My coworkers see a get together as an opportunity to get drunk and go to jail, so I avoid their parties. I usually party with my reenacment group, the Renaissance Scots, so our parties always have a Scottish flare to them. (Please note that I referred to them as having a scottish flare and not as actually being Scottish.) These parties are never formal, or even semiformal. There have been the occasions where clothing itself has become optional... Don't ask. Or... well... I guess you can. If you want to.

[Sir William]

sigh. There is always one comedian in the group and lo and behold we now know who it is! Take that man's name sarn't major!

Sah!!!

You miserable article! Ten'shun! About turn. At the double - left, right, left, right, left, right...

[Nighthawk]

Sah!!!

You miserable article! Ten'shun! About turn. At the double - left, right, left, right, left, right...

Which one of those is hay, and which is straw?

[Jock Scot]

Which one of those is hay, and which is straw?

Ah, the old hayfoot, strawfoot thing! At a guess hay= left, straw= right?