Need to organize a debutante ball soon and have no idea how to go about it? Read this CelebrationJoy post to understand the varied nuances that go into planning this ball to ensure a grand experience.
Debuting in Style
Many people hire a professional event planner to organize this event. This not only saves the hassle of planning, but because the event planner has connections in the professional world, one may get a good deal on the prices as well.
A debutante ball marks the entry of a young lady (usually 18 years of age) into society, and hence, considered an extremely important event. This ball is almost always a very elegant and formal affair, marked by ballroom dances and music, formal gowns, black tie ensembles, and a three-course meal.
Being such an important event, planning for the ball should ideally begin several months (some even recommend a year) in advance―which is what we will be focusing on in this CelebrationJoy article. Through this piece, we will help you understand how to prepare for a debutante ball, and how to organize one successfully.
How to Organize a Debutante Ball
Traditionally, a debutante ball is held in honor of a debutante (a lady of 18 who hasn’t been introduced to society yet); however, in recent times, there are several themes and variations that are adopted as well. Like, instead of the ball being held for one single lady, it could be organized for several young ladies, who may or may not know each other. In some cases, the debutante ladies may be between 16-18 years as well.
Let the Venue Do the Talking
Choosing or deciding the venue, ladies and gentlemen, is a very important step when it comes to organizing a debutante ball, something you cannot afford to bungle up. Remember, this is not your regular party, so the venue needs to be elegant, spacious, and rather grand―after all, an event such as this one will not repeat itself over and over again for your little darling.
But first things first, the choice of venue will depend on the kind of event you plan to host. Is it going to be the debut of just one person, or are you planning a ball for many ladies? Once you’ve decided this, you will have to undertake the rather tedious task of drawing up the guest list. Once the guest list is made, you’ll get an even better idea about the kind of venue to choose.
Bring in the Elegant Decorations
These days, debutante balls have varied themes, themes that run into ‘An Evening in Paris’ or ‘A Day in Venice’, and the like. If you chose to have a theme for the ball, the style and type of decorations will be decided likewise. However, most people still prefer the traditional, ballroom-esque decorations that call for huge, elegant chandeliers and satin drapes, silk table cloths and lace covers, shiny wooden frames, and row upon row of flower arrangements, all brought together rather perfectly with the warm glow of candles.
Send Forth the Invitations
The invitations should ideally mirror the decided theme of the ball. So a traditional ball will have a very formal style of invitation wordings and elements used, whereas, if you have chosen a specific theme, the invites should indicate that theme. In cases where the ball is meant for one lady, you can opt for informally-worded invitations as well. The samples provided above will give you an idea of the style and design your invites.
Zero in On an Elegant Dress
Most debutante balls are black tie events that expect their patrons to deck up in formal wear. When it comes to the ladies who are making their debut into society, the patent white gown is an absolute must. In fact, it is the very identity of a debutante ball. The debutant lady dons a satin, flowing masterpiece that makes her look like a bride too young, but a bride nonetheless―which is the basic idea. The decking is taken a notch further up by donning a tiara or a crown.
While some people revel in traditions, others foray into other differently-hued gown choices. So it’s not uncommon to come across a ball that has its debutant beauties donning elegant lavenders and soft pinks.
… Don’t Forget the Escorts
And speaking of gowns and the accessories that go with it, let’s not forget the most important accessory of all―the escort. Every debutante is escorted by a male companion to the ball, and tradition demands that these young strapping men be decked up in formal wear as well. So bring out those tuxedos, formal shirts, silk trousers, ties, and bow ties. And don’t forget to slick up the hair with gel and get some girls swooning.
Dine in Style
Traditionally, and this is a practice that is followed even today, the food at these balls is a lavish affair. Nothing less than a three-course meal is considered polite, anything further extravagant is always welcome. But that is not where it stops, of course, the dinnerware has to complement the food as well. Classy crockery and plates are a must, and so are the satin napkins and the centerpieces.
Dance and Sway the Evening Away
And after the debutantes have been formally introduced to society and the first dance has been danced, the floor opens to the entertainment of the evening―more dancing. In many of these debutante balls, professional bands are a prerequisite. These traditional bands bring out the classy music that draws up the stage for the debutantes and their guest to dance to.
With great ideas like these lined up for the taking, there is simply no stopping the debutante ball from becoming a huge, huge hit, and your little princess making her formal entry into society with absolute style… a diva in the making.
