How should I dress when visiting a Freemason Lodge for the first time?
My thoughts on visiting a Freemason Lodge to make a good first impression
So many times men are uncomfortable visiting a Masonic Lodge. One of the big reasons, they are this way is because they don’t know what to wear.
Hopefully this article can help a potential candidate to consider what to wear on the first visit to a lodge. My recommendation is call the lodge officers: Worshipful Master, Secretary, Senior Warden or Junior Warden. These officers will be able to answer this question, but what if you can’t get a hold of these officers – what should you do next?
Consider Your First Impression when visiting a lodge for the first time
My advice is be over dressed versus under dressed for the occasion. Some lodges wear tuxedos for only the officers while others all the members must be dressed in a tux. Other lodges, enjoy a casual attire – polo shirts and suit pants.
Yet, I have seen others where dark suits where considered appropriate attire. My reaction is simple – this is an interview between yourself and the lodge brothers. You both want to make the right first impression to each other.
So here is my suggestion on what to wear to your first Masonic Meeting! (Here are My Freemason Lodge First Impression Ideas)
A Man’s Masonic First Meeting Attire Advice from a Past Master of a Blue Lodge
Here are examples of appropriate outfits for men going to a regular meeting. Potential candidates should always default to wearing a suit. All clothes should fit well and be free of stains.
- If you go with a suit go with a conservative solid color:
- navy
- black
- dark grey
- Think about wearing a long sleeved shirt that is white, light blue, or color coordinated with the suit
- Wear a Leather belt that matches your suit
- Wear a Tie
- Wear dark socks and conservative leather shoes that compliment the suit
- Consider wearing a nice watch but try to limit the amount of jewelry to just a few pieces
- Get a good haircut that makes you look neat and professional
- Limited amount of aftershave and/cologne
- Neatly trim your fingernails
- Bring a portfolio with a pen to take notes and place Masonic Brochures and Business Cards into
- Carry Breathe Mints in your pocket
A Man’s Masonic First Meeting Attire Advice for a less formal or informal meeting
Here are few examples of appropriate outfit attire for a less formal event or meeting. Potential candidates should always default to wearing a sport coat.
- Go with a traditional Blue Blazer
- Wear Khaki Pants
- Select a leather belt that compliments the leather shoes
- Go for socks that match the khaki pants
- Wear a button down shirt – blue, white, or a color that is complimentary of the Blue Blazer
- Make certain your hairstyle matches your conservative attire
- Bring a pocket calendar and a pen to write down upcoming activities and/or notes
- Of course breathe mints in case the food is spicy and could leave you with bad breathe
Here are few examples of appropriate outfit attire for a informal event or meeting. Potential candidates should always default to wearing a sport coat.
- Go with a traditional Blue Blazer
- Wear a polo shirt and keep it tucked in to your pants
- Wear Khaki Pants or khaki shorts if it is an outdoor summertime event
- Select a leather belt that compliments the leather shoes or top slider style footwear
- Go for socks that compliment the khakis
- Make certain your hairstyle matches your conservative attire
- Bring your smart phone to jot down upcoming activities or to take notes with
- Of course breathe mints and share them with the brothers – it is a good conversation starter plus it shows you are a person who likes to share
Tips for Millennials wanting to become Masons – Visiting a Freemason Lodge & Making a First Impression
- Gum is okay but don’t chew with your mouth open or snap the gum – if you can’t remember to do that – dump it.
- Coffee – bring it and enjoy it. Alot of Masons love coffee so it is a great conversation starter
- Soda – bring it and enjoy it but remember to ask about recycling the can or bottle before you throw it in the trash can. Masons like to help keep the environment in good shape too.
- If you have lots of piercings, be prepared to talk about them, Some older Freemasons probably want to learn about why you have them or so many of them
- If you have tattoos, don’t cover them up. These are seen as ‘cool’ to alot of Freemasons and they will want to see them and share their tattoos as well. I know a bunch of Masons with Square and Compass Tattoos as well as Scottish Rite Tattoos also
Tips for Busy Professionals wanting to become Masons – Visiting a Freemason Lodge & Making a good First Impression
- Wear your business attire to the first meeting
- Add a little fresh deodorant prior to arriving
- Bring business cards so the Lodge Brothers can follow up with you
- Take time after the first meeting to send a thank you card / email to people you have met at the meeting
I hope this article helped you with getting ready for your first Masonic Meeting and what you should wear – now get ready to make new friends in Freemasonry. And continue to enjoy the Freemasonry Report!