Etiquette

The Birthday Ball is a formal event and as such requires a high level of proper etiquette. It is important to realize it's not a high school prom or fun free for all. While there is a good deal of enjoyment to be had, it is crucial to realize the need to do so in a respectable, tasteful fashion. The following are some basic guidelines to assist in making sure you have a wonderful time and make a positive, lasting impression.

Introductions - Your Marine should be the one to introduce you. Usually, a female date is presented to a male. It should sound something like "Jane, I would like you to meet Captain John. Captain John, this is Jane, my wife". If a female Marine is introducing a male date the guideline is more flexible. She has the option to introduce her date, or the other male first. If, for whatever reason, your date does not introduce you two things may occur. One, the fellow Marine introduces him/herself to you. Or, you simply introduce yourself. In either scenario just say your name, offer a fairly firm handshake, and smile. Keep it simple and elegant.

Pictures - The majority of Marine Corp Balls, if not all, offer the opportunity to have formal pictures taken. This is a lovely opportunity to have a souvenir of the night. By the time you arrive there is always a line that seems to have formed. Pictures are offered over several hours so you don't have to take one right away. However, you might want to as your hair, make-up and dress are certainly at their best right when you arrive. Head to the end of the line and grab an order form. Select the picture package you would like. The photographer will pose you and make sure your angles and hand positions are right on, so don't worry about that. In my experience, they take three pictures. Then you head over to a computer monitor and choose the one you like best. You hand in the form and all is over. Head off to enjoy the rest of your evening!

The Open Bar - Be careful. Be careful. Be very careful. This is where I've seen some people really lose it. Etiquette, decorum and often self-respect go out the door. It is supposed to be a lighthearted evening. But that does not translate to you getting highly intoxicated, stumbling around the room and speaking your mind to every person you encounter. If you think I'm joking, I'm not. It happens. Don't be this woman/man. Give your self a limit. If you know you get tipsy after two drinks, have two drinks. If your tolerance level is higher, fine. But never, ever embarrass yourself or your date. Be tasteful. Be classy. The bar is generally open throughout the entire evening. Space your drinks and you won't have a problem. If you really want an intense night of drinking, save it for the after party. While you are at the ball please remain conscious of your intake. And yes, tip the bartender if only a few dollars. It's part of having a touch of class.  

The Ceremony - The most important part of the evening for the Marines. The ceremony commemorates the history of the corps and is by far the most formal part of the evening. There can be several different elements to the ceremony which is discussed further in the series of events section. There will be a great deal of standing and sitting. For the most part, just follow the lead of the room. You will all stand and sit together. Do not talk and chatter away at the table while the narrator is speaking, the commanding officer is presenting, the cake is being cut and so on. Exercise common etiquette principles here. Be quiet. Listen. Look interested. Appreciate all the effort that has gone into the evening to make it possible. Be respectful at all times. Even if you find this portion of the night a bit long, don't show it. Your date will appreciate your positive attitude, as will everyone else at the table.

The Dinner - Here is an easy part. You don't have to worry about using the right silverware or holding your glass a certain way. By this time everyone is pretty hungry and relaxed. As long as you keep your hands off the plate, put your napkin in your lap and don't chew with your mouth open you'll be just fine. Dinner can have multiple courses so don't feel the need to eat everything on the plate if you have a small stomach. I have never been to a buffet style ball but I know they do exist. If this is the case, just ask for the food(s) you like and walk back to the table. Dinner is also a great time to make small talk and get to know others at the table. Keep the subjects light and festive. Avoid serious matters like religion, politics and so on. Always smile, be polite, be respectful and look interested in what the person is saying. Leave a good impression as you very well might see, if not be seated with, the same people next year.

Dancing - This is not formal ballroom dancing. This is typically modern style dancing with a DJ playing party and current songs. There might be an electric slide, a Cha-Cha slide, the Cupid Shuffle and modern favorites. In my experience, everyone has a lot of fun with the dancing. There is often little modesty and some of the guys really just go all out, especially the younger ones. So have a good time. As long as your not dancing on the stage, or in a huddle of young gentlemen your OK. There is a good deal of laughing, smiling and mingling. This is where you really get to enjoy your self and join in the festivities. And yes, the bar is still open. So grab an after dinner drink if you'd like and dance the night away!

Don't -  Drink more than you can handle. Ramble on and on to some poor soul. Take your shoes off during dinner. Fix your make-up at the table. Try and be the center of attention. Tell embarrassing stories about your date. Use your "at-home only" pet names. Exhibit copious amounts of PDA. Roll your eyes at anyone. Text or have your cell phone on during the ceremony. Bring any silverware or food you may drop on the floor back onto the table (just leave it!).