My husbands dance is in September and I dont know how formal I should dress. is it like prom?
2007-07-24 23:48:53 · 11 answers · asked by Isadora Marie's Mommy 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The military is still more formal than the civilian sector.
Your escort/hubby will have to wear the AF version of a dress uniform (in the Army it's either his class A's or Dress Blues with a bowtie after 6pm or Mess Dress if you own them). So you will want to complement him.
You should receive an invitation prior to the ball with dress stated in the lower corner. HOWEVER even if it states semi-formal that is NOT a short dress or cocktail dress in the military. Although you will see women wear them (short spangly things) the proper dress is a formal gown (floor length). Semi-formal in the military is tea length (ankle) with nice shoes, etc. Most balls/dining outs ARE formal occasions with ladies in ball gowns (not as young looking as a prom dress), some even wear gloves. Nice updos,etc. Absoloutly no pants or everyday clothes!
Check out your version of the military wife handbook and talk to the commander's wife about what she will be wearing.
Have fun! We have one in Oct - If you have a Dillard's near you you can get smokin deals on formals when they are on sale. If you can't afford that, check the base thrift shop or have a formal swap at the unit! Borrow one. It's your night to be Cinderella/Princess!
There is also specific protocol to the dinner - in the Army it's posting of the colors first, toasts, invocation, etc. You won't dance until late - after above, dinner and speaker, anything specific the unit adds. I think you will really enjoy it - just remember it's not an occasion to get drunk and stupid even when others do!
2007-07-25 02:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by ArmyWifey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air Force Ball
2016-11-07 05:55:56 · answer #2 · answered by atleh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband just had his Army ball not long ago and the little black dress is perfect. There were people that wore the frilly prom dress, one wore her wedding dress (I don't know why) and some wore sun dresses (we are in Cali - but still it was not dressy enough) The biggest thing that I noticed is that there was way too much inapporpriate cleavage. There is a difference between tasteful and tacky cleavage, be tasteful. You shouldn't be Amish by any means, but simple eligance is key, There will be a lot of standing, toasting, and sitting. There will probably be a recieving line (I was really nervouse about it - but everyone is really cool) Mind your manors when eating (I think anyone that dresses up pretty much minds their manors when eating) I am sure that your FGR will have a etiqitue meeting - they are great to go to. Have respect for your husbands superiors and you will be fine (you don't have to salute them, but just act they way you dress - simple eligance. You also want to be comfy - so break your shoes in before and don't get 4 inch heals - you can have fun dancing in those. Mind the flowing alcohol - they usually offer an non-alcoholic alternative as well. If you are concered (which you are by posting this question) then you will be fine. You don't have to spend $400 on a dress either - I got mine on e-bay for $30 and it is a little black dress that I can wear to church or dress up with pearls and heels that looks great. Good luck and have fun
2007-07-25 04:02:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is formal, but not like prom. A prom dress would be too "young". You would need either a nice cocktail dress or floor length gown, something someone would wear to a formal wedding (but probably not as part of a wedding party). Since this is your first ball, I would ask the other wives you know if they have gone and what they have worn. You may even be able to borrow a dress! If you end up buying, I usuall recomend a dress in the "little black dress" variety with a very classic style. The reason being you can then wear it to other events, changing the look with different jewelry and accessories .
2007-07-25 00:41:19 · answer #4 · answered by Annie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well most ladies will wear very formal gowns, that is the ones that go to the ankle. Some do though wear tea length gowns.
The Balls are very traditional and all about ceremony. There will be speeches with meal and then dancing.
Enjoy.
http://www.armywives.com/index.php/content/view/915/9/
This is a really good website with a bunch of military wives that can also help in other situations:
http://forum.cinchouse.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/883607776
Good luck and have fun.
2007-07-25 06:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by ckamk1995 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Military Ball Attire
2016-12-12 10:34:10 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's like a prom only without all the multi-color tuxes. All the guys will be in their dress blues and non-military men usually wear black tuxes. You won't go wrong with a classic black evening dress. Stay away from to much frill. A little is OK. Small black purse, black shoes. Keep the jewelry simple and stylish. Nothing big.
2007-07-25 00:42:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
do you have any friends that are going? talk to them see what they are doing or have your husband as k his command what is appropriate, but when I went to the Navy ball it was more like fancy homecoming just short of the big ball gown for prom but if he has to wear he really formal dress blues you may want to go a little more formal and even if you think you might be over dressed if you think you look great tehn work it!!!!
2007-07-25 02:21:39 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't quite the prom, but most women show up in formal gowns. There are some who wear a nice black dress, semi-formal at times, but dress it up quite a bit with accessories and extras.
2007-07-25 00:02:27 · answer #9 · answered by AmyMelissa 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like prom, and I loved it. I went to several Navy Balls and it was like the prom I never went to.. Sounds funny, but it was great. Always need a good reason to get all dressed up!
2007-07-25 06:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋