Those who serve in the military receive an invitation, and each service member may bring one guest. Also, the guest can be a date, a spouse, or a girlfriend/boyfriend.
A lot of different people are invited to or attend military balls. Let's start with the most obvious attendees on the guest list. The unit or organization hosting the ball will invite all of its service members. Unless specified, everyone in the unit is invited and allowed to bring a guest.
This is not acceptable dress for this event. You will be allowed to change out of uniforms and formal wear for the dance. Must I have a date? - It is not necessary to have a date to attend the Military Ball. It is perfectly acceptable to come by yourself and meet with other friends at the ball.
Here's what to wear if you are attending a military ball: Military personnel will wear their class A uniforms. Some women who are serving may be allowed to wear formal gowns, as allowed by their Commanding Officer (CO). Female guests should stick to formal wear such as formal, classy gowns.
Marine Corps Ball Don'ts
Twerking, grinding, dry humping, butt-slapping and everything in between can be a lot of fun, but fun can still happen without it. Be respectful of the fact that unit leaders will be attending as well as a guest of honor.
So try to cover underwear, cleavage, and the midriff. If you have to ask, “Is this showing too much?” the answer is probably yes. Wear something comfortable. This includes dress and shoes.
Dresses must be floor length in both front and back. Additionally, dresses should not be revealing in the front and should be cut no lower than the bra line in the back. Females who opt to wear such attire should not be permitted entry to the ball.
Those who serve in the military receive an invitation, and each service member may bring one guest. Also, the guest can be a date, a spouse, or a girlfriend/boyfriend. In some cases, local community leaders receive an invite, as well.
DON'T wear loud colors or patterns. At military balls, service members traditionally wear their uniforms. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to stick with the same color scheme, but you'll want to consider their formal attire when choosing your own dress.
Yes, a ball is also a dance. After the ceremonies and dinner are over, there is usually a DJ, lights and dance music.
Again, be prepared to shake hands! Always leave your right hand free to shake hands by holding your drink/appetizers (and purse if you have one) in your left hand. Once you are introduced by your date, extend your right hand, say “hello,” and introduce yourself using your first and last name.
*Age Limit: There is no age limit for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball Ceremony, however please keep in mind the ceremony has a few ceremonial solemn moments.
Military Ball Dress Code: Cover Your Shoulders
In the past, military tradition has dictated that women must cover their shoulders during the official receiving line or during dinner. Today, those expectations have slowly been going away.
No PDA. PDA, or public displays of affection, is considered unprofessional, and a big no-no while in uniform. However, each unit, branch, and area treat this rule with different severity. This can include hugging, kissing, holding hands, and even holding children.
Public display of affection (such as holding hands, kissing, or close bodily contact) is prohibited. with and respect the laws, regulations, and customs of their host nation insofar as they do not interfere with the execution of their official duties.
The short answer is YES! Most people can visit a military base with no issue. However, it's not like visiting grandma where you can just pull up and walk in. You must bring all required documents and be willing to submit to a background check.
Don't be limited by just navy and black. Look at the colors of your date's ribbons for more inspiration. Contrasting colors are also an option. Particularly if the uniform involves navy, orange-ish shades (like salmon or rust) on the opposite side of the color wheel from blue can look good, too.
During a Military Ball attendees honor Prisoners of War and Soldiers Missing in Action, give toasts to military leaders, and uphold traditional military customs.
Do the young ladies wear corsages? Yes. You may choose to purchase a corsage for your cadet's date on the online registration form.
Mila Kunis, Kim Kardashian, Justin Timberlake, and Kristin Cavallari are among the celebs who have attended Marine balls in the past.
It's not customary to shake that person's hand, but you should shake hands with the guest of honor you're introduced to and give a brief greeting.
Correct Wear
Synthetic variants of pearl or diamond earrings are acceptable if they meet color and size requirements. Only one earring may be worn per ear, centered on the earlobe.
You can wear a strapless gown to the military ball, some units still follow tradition that shoulders are covered during the receiving line, so bring an evening wrap or bolero jacket, if you are not sure.