My initiation is less than a week away and I’m still trying to figure out what to wear (I sound like a woman, I know lol). I’m aware that such an occasion calls for a suit, but would it be inappropriate to wear a colored dress shirt? I’m planning on wearing a red/burgundy shirt with a black tie. Too much? I read somewhere that a white dress shirt is preferred so I don’t want to make a bad impression.
When I was initiated, I’d asked about whether a light or dark colored suit was more appropriate; the answer I received from my Lodge Secretary was that it was my choice when it came to suit color, and that the only prerequisite was that I arrive with an open mind.
Given this is a matter of preference at the local Lodge level, I suggest you contact the Lodge Secretary or perhaps one of the Brothers that was on your investigating committee and inquire. They should be able to inform you of what is customary at their Lodge.
IMO, simple and conservative dress is appropriate for such a solemn occasion; I would avoid flash or bright colors.
KDM-
I am with CArl on this on, contact your Lodge and see what they say. A burgandy shirt in one Lodge maybe over doing it while in another, it maybe just fine. While my Lodge is a bit more casual than others, the rule of thumb is “whatever you would feel comfortable wearing to church” or business casual if you arent a church goer…... wear what you feel is appropriate, I am sure the Brothers at the Lodge will be able to accept you as you are.
I think I’ll stick with the red shirt, but I’ll call the secretary just to be sure. It’s nothing too crazy, I just think it looks good on me ;). Also, will there be a time during dinner when toasts are given? I want to prepare a little something to say to my future Brethren. Should I keep it short and simple?
I’ll be sure to make a new topic shortly after my initiation to share experiences with all of you.
I really don’t think a toast is necessary. It might make you seem over eager and can be awkward for those present.
My recommendation is to individually approach the officers who were involved in performing the ritual during your initiation, and briefly recognize their hard work and thank them. I think this means more, but at the same time will make everyone more comfortable.
Just my recommendation.
In general, I think it is good to point out to new Masons and perspective Masons how important it is to not overstate your arrival. While your enthusiasm is good, it is best to ease into things. They’ll know you’re there through the work you do for the lodge over the years, not by the toast you gave at your initiation.
Well I basically just wanted to thank everyone there, but I know what you mean. The last thing I’d want the other Brothers to think is that I’m too confident, when in reality I’ve never been more humble.
Thanks for the advice, I’ll just go with the flow.
KDM,
I can understand your excitement as my application is being read in a few short days. After my application is read and voted on in October hopefully I will be on my way!
I’m glad we can share the same excitement. I don’t think anything has ever made me feel this way, it’s almost unbelievable at times. Good luck with your application, I hope all goes well. And Dan, that’s exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I consider next Tuesday to be the best day of my life in many ways, so I appreciate you helping to ensure that it goes well.
For your purposes, what is an initiation dinner? Our lodge has $10 dinners just before the monthly meeting. But we do not have a dinner welcoming the candidate before work to be done. However our dinners are open to the public.
Our lodge always has dinner AFTER our meetings. We open at 5:30 PM and usually get to dinner sometime between 7 and 8.
Sometimes we go out to local restaurants and sometimes we dine in our Grand Lodge building.
In Massachusetts we are allowed to serve adult beverages at our post meeting functions, and the men might like a glass of wine with dinner, so it is best to have the meeting first.
Here is an example of the menu for one of our dinners (actually the upcoming meeting).
Our members each pay $25 towards it, so it doesn’t turn out to be that much for the lodge. Cost for guests is $50.
That’s not a fundraiser. We are doing the 1st degree that night, and that menu is for our dinner after.
In June, we did a lobster and clam bake, and next month we’re probably going to do beef tenderloin with similar appetizers but I might have a bisque or chowder instead of a salad course.
