Everything You Need to Know Before Attending a Military Ball
The Military Ball is a formal event celebrating military personnel who have served their country. Several ceremonies are performed during the ball.
The ball will feature great food and drinks, lots of dancing, memorable conversations, keynotes and other activities to bring everyone together for a great night.
Those who attend a military ball for the first time may find it difficult to choose the right outfit and understand the traditions of the ball. Here, we reveal everything you need to know before attending your first military ball.
How to dress for a military prom？
When picking out a prom dress, keep the following in mind:
- Choosing Formal Attire
The Military Ball is a formal event. The dress code here is usually either black tie or white tie formal. This means that the garment you choose must be floor-length. Make sure to avoid flashy or distracting outfits. This is because the focus must be on the military personnel, not the guests.
If you choose to wear gloves, make sure you take off the glove on your right hand every time you shake someone's hand.
Before finalizing your attire, be sure to ask your server first to determine the specific traditions of the prom. Your service member will be the best person to tell you about all of your unit's specific traditions. For example, some balls may require women to cover their shoulders when receiving guests, while others may not.
- Dress Appropriately
Military balls usually require modest dress. Remember to be careful about how much skin is exposed. Try to cover areas such as your abdomen and cleavage, and don't let underwear show through your clothes. If your choice of clothing makes you wonder, "Am I showing too much skin?" the answer is: You probably are.
- Colors
Most women who have attended a military ball choose dresses that are comfortable while keeping the look elegant. Although most gowns are dark in color, there are no particular color restrictions for military balls. It is generally recommended to wear dark and bright shades to match the formal nature of the event. If you are not in the military or have a connection to the military, it is best to avoid wearing white. Feel free to add a bit of color to your gown, but make sure not to overdo it. Some official military colors include:
Army – Gold and Black
Marines – Gold and Scarlet
Air Force – Silver and Ultramarine
Navy – Gold and Blue
Coast Guard – Red, Blue, and White
The safest colors include dark colors, neutrals, and jewel tones. Many guests will match the color of their attire to the uniform of a military member
- Prioritize Your Comfort
To enjoy your time at the Military Ball, it is crucial to prioritize your comfort. You will be wearing your dress and shoes all night. There will also be a lot of dancing and standing up. Make sure you find a gown that allows you to move freely without restricting your comfort. Remember, it is cold outside. So, don’t forget to bring a scarf to cover your shoulders and keep you warm.
- Don’t Neglect Your Hair and Makeup
When it comes to your hairstyle, the safest bet is to stick to a well-groomed and understated look. At some point during the dance, there will be a formal photography session. To make you look your best in the photos, be sure to apply your makeup before the photo session.
Accessories
Like your clothes and makeup, your accessories must also be understated and elegant. If your outfit is simple, you can add a statement necklace to enhance your look. Alternatively, you can keep the look simple with a pair of pearl earrings.
What can you expect to see at the event?
Each military branch has its own formal ball traditions. However, certain traditions at most of these events remain the same. Here are some of the things you can expect at a Military Ball:
In the reception line, the first person you meet is the person being honored. Handshakes and introductions are required as you move through the line.
Drinkers. What needs to be remembered here is to balance food and alcohol. At military balls, dinner is usually served very late, which is why it is recommended to eat before the party starts.
In one of the main traditions, you will see the flag raised along with the national anthem. Be sure to take part in the flag parade.
During a keynote speech, you need to remain quiet while the speaker is delivering his speech.
Before We Part
Okay, that's everything you need to know before attending your first military ball. Now that you have a general idea of what outfits you have to match, it's time to take the first step. Explore WADAYUYU Dress and discover a vast collection of designer dresses for military prom.