How to Behave at a Debutante Ball
Debutante balls began as a way for young upper-class ladies to begin mingling in society---in other words, looking for a husband. Today's balls are still formal, but the focus is on celebrating a young woman's coming-of-age.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Start with a good first impression by responding promptly and accurately to the invitation. Make sure to RSVP within the time frame.
-
2
Dress appropriately. That means a tuxedo for a man and a gown for a woman. Unless the woman is the debutante, her gown should not be white or pastel.
-
-
3
Mind your table manners. Use utensils from the outside in (by course), keep elbows off the table, chew with your mouth closed, bring the food to your mouth rather than vice versa.
-
4
Make appropriate small talk. Refrain from swearing, making sexually suggestive comments or talking about controversial topics like politics, religion and money.
-
5
Brush up your social dancing skills. Dancing at debutante balls is traditional partner dancing---waltzes, cha-chas or fox-trots.
-
6
Send a bouquet to the debutante. Gifts are not appropriate for debutantes, but admirers and well-wishers may send bouquets.
-
7
Thank your host and hostess before leaving. You may have already thanked them a hundred times in receiving lines and at your table, but you still must show your appreciation again upon leaving.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The simplest way to remember how to behave at a debutante ball is to make sure that you don't do or say anything that you wouldn't do or say in front of your grandmother, your first grade teacher and your minister.
Real debutante balls are held by social organizations (such as the Junior League) to benefit charities. Etiquette schools and even families may claim that they are holding debutante balls, but that description is inaccurate.
