Swearing In Ceremony

What an exciting event! A reverend reader writes,

At the picnic on Sunday, I was approached by one of our members who has been nominated for the state chancery court – largely a court that rules on corporate and business, but has also made some important rulings on segregation and other matters. A “national” court, I’m told. This is a HUGE honor for my congregant. I was thrilled that he asked me to give the invocation at his swearing-in if he’s confirmed.

But what to wear? There may be TV cameras (the glam!) and I started thinking my usual quickie make-up job wouldn’t cut it. Since I can’t fly up for an in-person consult, who would be good to ask locally about make-up? The Clinique ladies really scare me. I also wondered if I should robe. If that would be out of place, then what to signify that I’m clergy, and Unitarian Universalist clergy. Gotta represent! What do you think?

Any ideas would be welcome.

Dear lady, what a lovely honor for both you and your congregant!

I felt I should ask Boy In the Bands (aka Scott Wells) for advice on the robing question, as he is my go-to guy on such matters. Scott said,

In that situation, I’d call the clerk of court for the custom, or
failing that, an elder minister in the same denomination who might
know the drill.

But I’d say to gown if the judges themselves gown, and not if not. Not
because church apes state (or vice verse) but because the occasion
sets the form of dress.

THE OCCASION SETS THE FORM OF DRESS. Great quote and one we should all remember.
If you don’t robe (“gown”), I would wear a very fabulous suit (with skirt, not slacks), amazing pumps with a 2″ heel, a collar and a stole. If you wear the stole only for the ceremony, a collar would obviously signifiy that you are ordained clergy for the rest of the occasion.

I am not of the opinion that we should “represent” for our specific denominations or religious traditions upon such occasions. In fact, my sense is that denominational symbols might even be a little bit tacky in such a setting — too much like a logo, if you see what I’m saying.

As for the make-up, don’t freak. Since you won’t be under lights on a studio set, you don’t need to do too much. I would apply a sheer base with a damp sponge for good coverage that isn’t cakey. Make sure to add a pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks, but BLEND. The camera does tend to wash one out.
You don’t need a big lipstick, and that’s not your style anyway. So I would go with something sheer in a nice peach tone — reds and wines can read really weird on television, and there’s a reason those female news anchors glob on the lip gloss.
As for eyes, you don’t need much (and you’ll be wearing your glasses, anyway). If you have an eyelash curler do use it, and do a couple of coats of mascara. You might use a bit of liner on your top lids but I really don’t think you need more than that. Do dot a creamy concealer with a sponge wand around the eyes to erase any shadows on the lid or the undereye area, but make sure that you don’t look like a panda when the lights hit you. Blending is key here, too.
Really, blush is the thing. Blush and smoothing the hair (I see you in a chignon). Button earrings, nothing dangly.
And that wonderful smile of yours!!

Let us know!!

Kiss of peace, PB