1. A Night Out! Customs and Courtesies for Military Events Presented by: Becky Willis

2. Invitations and RSVPs Important point of protocol Respond in the manner requested within 24-48 hours of receipt, unless a specific date is listed Explanations of why not attending not required Unless their name is on the invitation, do not ask to bring them this includes children

3. Formal Event Military Personnel: Dress Blues / Mess jackets Civilians: Ball or dance White or Black tie (men) Formal gown (ladies) Dinner Tuxedo/bow tie (men) Long dress, blouse/skirt, or evening slacks (ladies)

4. The Military Ball

5. Cocktail/Social Hour About an hour before receiving line starts. Mingle Have a drink Have photos taken

6. Overview of the evening Cocktail/Social Hour Receiving Line Find your seats Posting of the Colors Invocation Introduction of Guests Toasts Dinner Service Guest Speaker Awards Presentation Benediction Retiring of the Colors Formal part of night is over Dance begins

7. Receiving Line Do not shake the Adjutants hand Ladies go before their date Gentlemen introduce the ladies Female Soldiers Same Sex Couples Place clutch or purse under left arm No drinks, no cigarettes, or anything else in your hands while in the receiving line Keep introductions short and sweet, keep the line moving.

8. Finding Your Seats Find your place card, put things in your chair and mingle. Do not sit until head table has came in and sat down. Do not move your place cards to sit next to a friend.

9. Posting of the Colors Everyone stands and faces the direction Color Guard is entering. Playing of the National Anthem, hand over heart for civilians, stand at attention for Soldiers

10. Invocation Prayer given by Chaplain White Table Ceremony

11. Toasts Toasts are assigned prior to event and are rehearsed, do not make your own toasts. Follow along in program for proper response. Examples: I propose a toast to the Commander in Chief Response: To the President I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades Response: Raise glass remain silent, and do not drink Final Toast will be: I propose a toast to the Ladies Response: (Gentlemen seat your ladies and STAY STANDING) To the Ladies

12. Dinner Service Staff will bring out dinner plates Do not eat until head table has been served Remember proper dining etiquette When done, place napkin on your plate to single staff they may take your plate

13. Dinner Service

14. Guest Speaker The Guest Speaker will say a few words Stay seated, only getting up from your table if necessary

15. Benediction Closing prayer

16. Retiring of the Colors Stand, facing the Color Guard

17. Formal portion is over, Dance begins You will be released for the evening Option to stay for dance portion or to leave.

18. Now you know what to expect What to wear?? Tasteful Elegant Classy Modest cut Business function

19. Can I Wear This?

20. Can I Wear This? No -To much back -To much leg

21. Can I Wear This?

22. Can I Wear This? Yes -Classy -Modest -Can wear to multiple events

23. Can I Wear This?

24. Can I Wear This? No -Above the Knee -To much leg

25. Can I Wear This?

26. Can I Wear This? NO -To much cleavage -Low cut

27. Can I Wear This?

28. Can I Wear This? YES -Modest Cut -Floor length -Stands out from other dresses without being to flashy

29. Can I Wear This?

30. Can I Wear This? YES -Modest Cut -Floor length -Bright color but tastefully done

31. Can I Wear This?

32. Can I Wear This? NO -Above the knee, to short -Low cut -Prom style dress, not formal business event

33. Questions