Special Occasion Dress Guidelines Suggestions

So, having joined Macartney Lodge, your husband has told you that there are several social events each year that wives and partners are invited to: sounds fairly painless, doesn't it?

If you're lucky (!) your beloved will also tell you that the Ladies Festival is 'Black Tie' and the other events are either 'Semi Formal', 'Smart Casual' or likely to be 'Fancy Dress'.

If you're unlucky (sigh), he won't say anything until the day before an event and then he will spring on you the fact that you're supposed to be wearing full evening dress...

Many new Masonic wives already know what to expect (and what is expected!) but for those ladies who have never attended these kinds of events it can be a bit daunting: don't' panic!

The following suggestions have been offered by some of the more experienced ladies of the Lodge.

White Tie
Ultra formal and rarely required unless the Lodge is holding a themed event: for instance, at the Ladies Festival held during Macartney's Centenary year, the Festive Committee wore 'White Tie'.

Men:
Think of Fred Astaire dancing in 'tails'. This means a short, black jacket that doesn't fasten in front, with two long black tails (often referred to as a tailcoat jacket). A white, wing collar shirt, white vest and white tie (yes, that's why it's called 'White Tie') are also worn along with black socks and 'dress' (shiny/patent leather) shoes.

Women:
This calls for long gowns, like those worn at the BAFTAs or the Oscars.  A tiara (!) is optional but the look is as formal and expensive as you can afford to buy, borrow or rent so you may want to go down that path. The idea is to look classy and elegant, using accessories such as small bags, sparkly jewellery to enhance the whole effect. If you think of Princess Diana at a royal ball: diamonds, matching sparkly shoes and clutch bag etc.. you get the idea.

Men frequently hire formal wear and there are many companies that offer ladies formal wear for hire too. This can be just the dress or the whole outfit from top to toe, including accessories.

Black Tie - (as worn at the Lodge Ladies Festival)
This means Dinner Suits for the chaps and long/cocktail dresses or Tuxedo trouser suits for the ladies.

Women:
A 'Black Tie' event means glamour and glitz so evening/long dresses, which can be either strappy or strapless, or cocktail dresses can be worn. You can also wear a Tuxedo trouser suit: at Macartney Lodge functions, many of the ladies wear trousers teamed with sparkly blouses: bear in mind that this is not the case everywhere.!

Men:
A Dinner Suit is also referred to as a Tuxedo.  The most usual 'look' is a black jacket with satin lapels and satin stripes down the trouser legs, worn with black bow tie, white dress shirt, cufflinks & studs (used instead of buttons).

The outfit is complemented by black socks and black shiny/patent leather ('dress') shoes and a waistcoat or cummerbund (the folds face upwards to catch the crumbs - that's why it's nicknamed a crumb-catcher). It's either one or the other: a waistcoat and a cummerbund should never be worn together, apparently!

You can find gents Dinner Suits/Tuxedos in other colours and materials, such as velvet, but they aren't classical 'Black Tie' wear so, if your husband is thinking of buying one, he is likely to get much more wear out of a classic black Dinner Suit/Tuxedo than a blue velvet outfit ..... 

That being said, many of the chaps at Macartney Lodge also have a white Tuxedo jacket that they change into after the meal at the Ladies Festivals. The white Tuxedo is supposed to only be worn in tropical climates (apparently): it is very 'James Bond'!

Again, 'Black Tie' clothing for both men and women can be hired but, as you will probably be attending at least one event like this each year (i.e. the Ladies Festival), it can work out more economic to invest in a 'Black Tie' outfit.or two!

Formal
This is sometimes called - 'Black Tie Optional'; for instance, many cruise ship 'Formal' evenings are at this level.

Men:
For an event like this, a chap can wear a Dinner Suit/Tuxedo but a dark lounge suit is also suitable. If wearing a dark suit, it should be teamed with a white shirt, dark tie, dark socks and (well shined!) dark shoes.

Women:
A long dress, a cocktail dress or a trouser/skirt suit are satisfactory in most circumstances: if your husband is wearing a Dinner Suit/Tuxedo you might want to add a bit of sparkle etc to match his style!

Semi-Formal or Lounge Suit
This is also known as 'Cocktail or Celebratory Casual' and is usually for a Christmas party or wedding etc.

Men:
A dark lounge suit, white shirt and a dark tie worn with dark socks and black shoes are typical for most circumstances however, a lighter coloured suit with a brighter coloured shirt and tie is often acceptable for a daytime or summer event.

Women:
Cocktail dresses, trouser suits or skirt/dress suits are all options for a 'Semi Formal' event: as an example, at the L of I Christmas supper, many ladies are dressed in full cocktail glitz mode but others are dressed less festively.

Informal
Sometimes described as 'Business Attire'

Men:
This usually means standard business wear so it would be appropriate to wear a suit, long sleeved shirt and a tie: shoes, as ever, should be well shined.

Women:
A dress, a skirt and blouse (with or without a jacket) or a trouser suit would be appropriate.

Smart Casual 'Smart Casual' is the one description out of all of the dress requirements that is likely to cause a headache - what on earth can you wear that is both 'Smart' and 'Casual'!?

Men:
A long or short sleeved shirt worn with trousers: a tie is usually optional.  A jacket is not always specified (but is often expected!). Shoes should be in keeping with the rest of the outfit and should be clean and well shined.

Women:
Again, a dress, skirt and blouse or trousers and blouse are fine: a jacket or cardigan could be added as well.

Relaxed Be aware that 'Relaxed' for a Lodge event still means that certain standards are expected...!

Men :
Neither a jacket nor a tie is required: trousers and a shirt/polo shirt are acceptable. Jeans are controversial so it's suggested that chinos or khakis are worn instead if your chap doesn't want to wear informal trousers: this prevents people getting uptight as jeans are still perceived as being work wear by some people. If the wearing of jeans has been approved, then the rule of thumb is usually that the darker wash they are, the better. Casual shoes are acceptable: trainers should be treated with the same caution as jeans and should be clean!

Women:
Trousers are fine and generally speaking skirts should be no shorter than knee length and tops should cover the tummy area. The same rule of thumb applies for ladies as for chaps re the wearing of jeans and trainers.

If in Doubt..

Please, ask! The above are just some suggestions and are by no means a definitive guide! Most of us have had experience of being unsure as to what is expected and we are all more than happy to help.