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
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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 Adjutant’s 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