military ball!! help with ettiquette :)

emreed14

Soo this is my very first Military Ball with my FI and I anticipate many many more. He hopes to make a career out of the Air Force (now he is thinking a Marine). What are the the basics of the ball. How should I act as a guest?? I want to make him look good and do NOT want to do anything to embarass him. The recieving line sounds kind of scary His ball is on November 4th on a cruise ship off of Navy Pier in Chicago. Should I buy a nice dress coat? Should I bring a clutch? How should I do my hair? Am I thinking too much into things? lol Any advise would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

SamiJoeB

I've never been, but I think you may be over thinking things.  I know that Stan and FTL have been to a few Military Ball type type events.  Do you have your dress yet? We looovvee dress porn!!

firsttimersluck

Simple elegance is key.
I have been to QUITE a few dining in, dining outs, balls, Christmas parties, etc.
The only things you need to make sure you do is say hello to his direct superior, as well as any superior that may be important to him. It's not REQUIRED but it definitely shows that you have great courtesy and military etiquette. Consider them the "hosts" of the night, and you would ALWAYS say hello to the hosts, no?
keep the gown floor length and classic and you will be golden! Don't stress the hair and makeup! How would you wear your hair and make up out on a special date with your fi? Do that!
Definitely show us some of the dresses you're considering! We love dress porn like SamiJ said, and are always up for helping you pick, if you need it!

emreed14

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Long-Chiffon-Strapless-Dress-with-Beaded-Bodice-54602_Special-Occasions-Shop-By-Occasion-Formal-Long-Dresses

This is my dress I LOVE IT!! hate to brag but it fits like a glove haha

firsttimersluck

That's a great choice and very appropriate.
I think you'll be just fine.

kyrgyzstan

That dress is very pretty, I suggested it to a friend last year. Have fun, be respectful, don't talk during any ceremonial parts.

iluvmytxrgr

You are overthinking.  Like Stan said, be respectful and act like a lady.  They tend to place lower ranking with people who are a rank or two higher.  Take your ques from the ladies around you.  If they all stand, stand.  If not, stay seated.  Eat when everyone else eats.  Don't get wasted. 
I don't like dress coats and will never wear one again if I buy one for ball.  I have a few nice shawls.  I will pick one of those to wear over my shoulders when we walk from our hotel to the convention center.  Then again, it really doesn't get that cold here. 

TeamBaby

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_military-ball-ettiquette?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:13Discussion:ff73caf6-5243-4cac-a52e-c17e9b933657Post:8c34d2a5-0f24-474f-89ed-c50483313ced">Re: military ball!! help with ettiquette :)</a>:
[QUOTE]You are overthinking.  Like Stan said, be respectful and act like a lady.  They tend to place lower ranking with people who are a rank or two higher.  Take your ques from the ladies around you.  If they all stand, stand.  If not, stay seated.  Eat when everyone else eats.  <strong>Don't get wasted.</strong>  I don't like dress coats and will never wear one again if I buy one for ball.  I have a few nice shawls.  I will pick one of those to wear over my shoulders when we walk from our hotel to the convention center.  Then again, it really doesn't get that cold here. 
Posted by iluvmytxrgr[/QUOTE]

THIS!! :)  Seems like a "no-brainer," but you'd be surprised.  As for the receiving line:
- Do not have a drink in your hand
- No gum
- Keep your right hand free for hand shaking (avoid carrying a lot of stuff in general.  A purse is fine, just hold it in your left hand)
- Do not shake the hand of the FIRST person in the receiving line (the person who you give your name to).  They'll usually keep their hands behind their back just to aviod confusion, but if not, just remember that you don't shake their hand.

Relax and have fun!

crownsuperstar

Agree with everyone.  Oh yeah and I triple agree with don't get wasted.  Also, don't get all caught up in the gossip. 

I do love the dress!  Good job.

firsttimersluck

Team baby nailed that one on the head! Man I forget to give those types of tips because I just don't think about it anymore.
soo true on the don't get wasted thing... Keep it to a two glass max if you're not 100% positive on where your tipsy point is.
You come off sloppy to a superior and that looks baaaaaaaad on your fi.

WestCoastGirl05

Ha.. I would say your over-thinking it... but I can relate to the stress... I can remember the first time I was to meet FI's superiors, I asked him in a panic if I was supposed to salute anyone..... wow... talk about a blonde moment..he just laughed at me..firsttimersluck and Teambaby gave all the info I would have... but I just thought I would make sure you didnt feel like a crazy person for thinking to much... it can be a stressful thing, but mostly it's a good time. So enjoy yourself, and tell your FI thanks for his service to our country!!

sallysoccer952

thanks ladies! im glad i found this stirp cause i was wondering too