Plan a debutante ball six to eight months in advance.
Traditionally, young ladies between the ages of 16 and 18 are presented in a debutante ball to celebrate their entry into adulthood, confirm their entry into society or represent their completion of study in community service areas. Hosting a successful ball requires a lot of preparation, including selecting a theme, sending out invitations, decorating the venue and selecting the music and refreshments, which is why it pays to start planning eight to ten months in advance.
Instructions
1. Decide on a suitable date for the debutante ball. Because the purpose of the ball is to introduce or debut young girls into society, time it between November and January, when bachelors are home for the holidays. Depending on personal preference, you can also arrange for the ball to be on the young lady's birthday. Also set out a budget so you know how much money you have to work with.
2. Draft a guest list as soon as you can. Although you can add to the list as you remember names, having a preliminary guest list allows you to choose the venue and decide the scale of refreshments accordingly.
3. Select a venue large enough to comfortably accommodate the guests. Depending on personal preference, you can have the ball in the debutante's home if it is spacious enough, or you can rent a large hall. Be sure to book a caterer and discuss the menu in detail. Most rented halls provide or recommend caterers for different events.
4. Decide on decorations for the ball. Because such affairs are meant to be elegant, stylishly decorate the venue using the traditional black-and-white theme or a monochromatic theme such as white or gold.
5. Select the music for the ball and prepare it in advance. Depending on what the debutante prefers and the potential cultural influences on her ball, hire a local DJ or local orchestra to play music, or use a stereo system with a collection of music CDs.
6. Send the invitations eight to ten weeks in advance. Include an RSVP card and envelope so guests who will not be able to make it can inform you on time.
7. Decorate the venue according to your selected theme. Use elegant ice sculptures, streamers, fresh flowers and tulle in theme-related colors. You can also display floral bouquets given to the debutante by friends prior to the ball to add a personal touch to the space.
8. Present the debutante to the assembly before serving dinner. Traditionally escorted by her father, the debutante usually walks to her dinner table after making a grand entrance. Lay a white or red runner for her to walk on just before she enters.
