What to Expect at a Military Ball

Before we start, let me explain that this post is about my experience at my very first military ball. I’m a new Army wife, and I was excited to attend my first ball with my husband. This post is about my experience. I’m sharing it with you for two reasons: to show my family what it was like and to give others who are preparing for their first ball an idea of what to expect.

I was really nervous as I prepared for my first ball because I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t good friends with any spouses who could tell me either. I’m sure that each ball is different, but here’s an idea of what my first ball was like and hopefully it will give you a better idea of what to expect.

What to Expect (My Experience at a Military Ball)

The military ball we went to was at a very fancy hotel in a beautiful ballroom. We decided to spend the night at the hotel (they gave everyone attending a discount) because my husband had to help set up, I needed a place to get ready, the hotel was almost two hours from home and it was our five-month anniversary — I think that’s enough reasons!

Our hotel room was beautiful. I spent some time getting ready — be sure to read Ways to Prepare for a Military Ball. I helped my husband straighten his bow tie and we headed downstairs for the cocktail hour. They had cash bars set up throughout the hallway. This is a time to meet lots of people, shake lots of hands, chat with friends, and my favorite part — check out all the pretty or not-so-pretty dresses. Here’s what my dress looked like.

Next, we headed to the receiving line. This is where some of the higher ranking officers stand in a line with their wives and everyone walks past shaking their hands and greeting each other. The commanders and sergeants major are usually the ones in the receiving line. I was a bit nervous about this part because there are a few rules and you want to do it right. The woman is supposed to stand in front of the man during this — remember your etiquette! Also, don’t try to shake hands with the very first person in line. This is the adjutant, a person you tell your name to and he will introduce you to the commander. This actually was pretty simple and everyone was nice. I had already met almost everyone in the line, so that helped make me more comfortable.

Once you are through the receiving line and in the ballroom, find your table but do not sit down. Everyone is supposed to remain standing until the receiving line is finished. In fact, I believe we stood all through the cocktail hour, through the receiving line, waiting in the ballroom, during the welcome, invocation, posting of the colors, honors to the nation, and ceremonial toasts — that’s a long time to stand! That really was my only complaint through the whole process — my feet were getting sore, so I definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes (as comfortable as you can get while still being fancy).

Once everyone is inside the ballroom, someone will do the welcome and invocation. I was glad to hear a prayer at the beginning of the evening — it’s always the perfect way to start an event if you ask me. Next, they had the posting of the colors, which means they brought in the American flag. It’s humbling being in the middle of so many soldiers standing at attention. I felt so much respect and pride during this ball.

After the flag is in position, different people from around the room will present toasts — “I propose a toast to the United States of America.” … “To the United States.” … There were a total of 10 toasts.

Finally, you are able to sit down! 🙂 Someone will give some opening remarks and then the youngest and oldest soldiers at the ball will cut a giant cake with a large sabre (aka a sword!). That was fun to watch, but unfortunately I never did get a piece of that cake.

Dinner was then served while a picture slideshow of the different companies was played. For dinner, we had bread for the table (this made me happy!), a small salad, steak, chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and cheesecake for dessert. Please know that they do have a vegetarian option you can request when buying your tickets. Here’s the beautiful table setting. I meant to take a picture of our dinner, but I was so hungry that I didn’t remember to take a photo until my plate was already empty! Oops!

After dinner, they usually recognize different people and give some awards out. Then, the speaker for the evening is introduced. The speaker speaks, and everyone is then asked to stand again. The soldiers sang three songs together, which I loved listening to for some reason. You keep standing for the retiring of the colors, where they take down the American flag. At that point, everyone can leave or stay and dance. My husband and I didn’t stay because he doesn’t like dancing. We went up to our room for our own party. 🙂

My Biggest Advice: If this is your first military ball, or maybe even your tenth, my biggest advice for the evening is to have a good attitude. We sat at a table with a woman who seemed to be having the worst time of her life. She didn’t smile and complained about everything from the location to the food. I honestly felt bad for her and her husband. What a waste of what could have been a very enjoyable night. Please, attend the ball with a good attitude. Be positive, find the good parts, enjoy yourself. Or in other words, see the sunshine.

What was your first military ball like? What advice would you give others about what to expect at such an event?

Be sure to check out Ways to Prepare for a Military Ball and my Pinterest board Military Life.