Ideas for Debutante Balls
An Old World tradition, debutante balls, (also known as cotillions), mark a girl's entrance into society and her transition into womanhood. Traditionally, there is always a waltz that is part of acknowledging her becoming an adult. Though Sweet 16 celebrations and quincenearas have mostly replaced this rite of passage, debutante balls still occur, especially in America's South. Like other parties, themes can help plan decorations and the menu. Does this Spark an idea?
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White Ball
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Debutantes typically wear white dresses that look like wedding dresses. Traditional debutantes wore white dresses that were not unlike wedding gowns, as well as pearls and gloves. Set an elegant, old-fashioned mood by asking everyone to wear white in the invitations. Men can either wear white tuxes or regular tuxes with white cumber buns and white ties. Both the debutante and her female guests should also don white gloves and pearls. Additional touches include white feathers in the hair and faux pearls wrapped around French twists and buns. Fill the room with bouquets of white roses, baby's breath, daisies and lilies. Have an arbor wrapped with fake or real white roses at the ballroom's entrance. For dessert, serve a white wedding cake.
Fundraising
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Some girls choose to turn their debutante ball into a fundraising event for charity. Many debutante balls are now fundraising opportunities. Choose a charity and then solicit local caterers, florists, decorators and party planners to see if they will either donate their services or give discounts. Assure them that they will be credited for their donations. One way to raise money is to simply ask for donations on the invitations, or put together themed gift baskets with donated items that guests can bid on throughout the ceremony.
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Southern Belle
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For a southern belle debutante ball, fill the room with magnolias. Since debutante balls are especially popular south of the Mason-Dixon line, throw a ball with a southern theme. Have a debutante dress specially designed so that it has a hoop skirt and a corset. Consider taking a cue from Scarlett O'Hara and have a replica made of the dress she wore during the famous barbecue scene. A southern belle debutant should also wear gloves and carry a fan. Instruct female attendees to also wear dresses with hoop skirts. Decorate the venue with magnolia blossoms and camellias. Set up cardboard cutouts of plantations. Southern cuisine to serve includes fried chicken, pecan pie, peaches and iced tea. If possible, give female guests such favors as parasols. Instead of a traditional orchestra, hire a jazz band for a New Orleans flair.
High Society
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Turn the ball into a high society affair by wearing real or fake diamonds. As debutante balls tend to be mostly enjoyed by the rich, throw a ritzy soiree. The debutante should wear a white dress, but it can be overlaid with gossamer silver fabric. She can also wear real or fake diamonds and a tiara. Consider laying out a red carpet at the entrance. Drape the walls with silver fabric and decorate with white and red roses that are tipped with silver or gold glitter glue. Table centerpieces can be silver candelabras or crystal bowls filled with large fake diamonds. Serve beverages in champagne flutes and have the menu include expensive food items such as caviar. If possible, hire a live orchestra to play the waltz.
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