How to Address a Debutante
According to Judith Martin, better known as Miss Manners, one of the virtues of American society is that there are no rituals or forms of address for our citizens. When you meet a debutante, whether at a debutante ball, a private coming out party or tea, you do not need to learn any formal terms of address. Regardless of event type, you can feel secure that you are addressing a debutante correctly if you follow basic rules of courtesy.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Assess the atmosphere of the party. At an informal tea or small dance, you may approach the debutante directly at any time. At a formal private party or ball, you will need to wait until the receiving line begins to address the debutante.
-
2
Wait in the receiving line if there is one. The debutante will be standing with the host of the party, either her mother or grandmother or in some cities her father or grandfather, depending on who is presenting her and whether or not the debutante is being presented by her family or a cotillion committee.
-
-
3
Introduce yourself to the host first, whether it is the debutante's mother, father or grandparent. Wait for the host to introduce you to the debutante.
-
4
Say hello to the debutante once you have been introduced. Today, even debutantes may prefer to be addressed by their first name rather than as Miss Smith. Use the term of address the host used to introduce the debutante when speaking to her.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Relatives and very close friends may also choose to send flowers or a small gift to the debutante on the day of her party. Either a bouquet or basket of flowers are appropriate to send to the debutante's home.
Debutantes in some cities may receive honorary titles such as Queen or Lady; however, it is not necessary to use these titles when addressing them.
References
- Photo Credit Jason Kempin/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
