There are many formal functions that servicemembers and their spouses attend, but by far the most fun is the annual ball. There’s food, drinks, conversations, dancing, and ceremonies that help bring everyone together. Whether you’re attending your first ball this year or just want to chuckle at some other spouses’ stories from their experiences at past military balls, the SpouseLink community has you covered.
Tips for Your First Military Ball or Formal
Preparing for your first military ball or formal can be nerve-wracking. We asked military spouses what tips they had for someone attending their first military ball or formal, and here’s what they had to say:
Wear comfortable shoes. If you have a long dress, no one will see them anyways.
– Jamie C. (USMC BALL)
Make sure to eat breakfast and snack throughout the day. I’ve seen many girls pass out.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Have fun and enjoy the moment together with your spouse.
– Pricella G. (USMC BALL)
Dress like your spouse’s career depends on it, because it does. Keep it elegant and clean.
– Christy V. (NAVY BALL)
Have a group of friends at your table, dress up, and have the best time dancing the night away!
– Jamie C. (USMC BALL)
Eat a snack while getting ready. Depending on how long-winded the guest of honor is, dinner might be late!
– Taylor L. (USMC BALL)
Know what the formal manners are for attending. Don’t show up drunk, be courteous and quiet during the ceremony, and have fun within reason.
– Whitni V. (USMC BALL)
Wear something that is comfortable but yet respectful. Be prepared to dance and enjoy the music after all the military pomp and circumstance.
– Desiree H. (USMC BALL)
Here are 5 of my best tips: 1) You don’t have to spend a fortune; 2) Don’t drink too much; 3) Have a snack or light meal ahead of time; 4) Go for classy over sexy; 5) Wear proper undergarments.
– Andrea S. (USMC BALL)
You’re the Marine’s best accessory, so choose colors for your attire that compliments their blues, not outshines them.
– Renee V. (USMC BALL)
Don’t push your chair all the way in until you start eating. Take your heels off and set them under the table once you sit. Silverware is outside in. Take the selfies. Dance. Ask questions. Take pictures.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Get your dinner wine before you sit down. The bars close for the ceremony/toasts/etc. Also don’t lock your knees during the tolling of the bells. It takes a good while to get through the history of all the submarines lost.
– Christy V. (Submarine Ball)
Make sure you have childcare in case there isn’t any provided.
– Anna S. (USMC BALL)
Get our best tips for what to wear, what happens during the event, and how you may be expected to act. Check out Military Formals 101: What Every Military Spouse Should Know.
Some Things You’re Guaranteed to See
Every ball is bound to be a little different, but there are some things you’re guaranteed to see. If you’re attending your first military ball, you should be prepared for all of this:
Wear something that is comfortable but yet respectful… you are representing your spouse, so be mindful. Be prepared to dance and enjoy the music after all the military pomp and circumstance.
– Desiree H. (USMC BALL)
You’re guaranteed to see a higher-up doing the ‘jump on it’ dance or ‘electric slide’ at least once.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Marines trying to sneak in their own alcoholic drinks.
– Vanessa P. (USMC BALL)
Bare feet on the dance floor by 10pm!
– Chelsea H. (ARMY BALL)
Expect many loud OOH-RAHs during the Commandant’s speech and throughout the night.
– Taylor L. (USMC BALL)
Dance battles.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Tradition, honor and patriotism.
– Ashley P. (USMC BALL)
Some of Our Funniest and Most Shocking Memories
Outside of the typical sights, you’re bound to experience something funny or shocking at a military ball. Here are some of the funniest and/or most shocking memories from the SpouseLink community:
The most shocking and funniest thing I experienced was at our last ball. An elderly man was on the floor unconscious and even though he was being attended to by the paramedics everyone else continued dancing and having a great time.
– Femari E. (USMC BALL)
The XO came out in a kilt and started playing the bagpipes.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
The most shocking thing was during the ceremony, they dropped the cake. The guy tripped on a piece of the dance floor and it just all fell.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
I got a really bad haircut and had to wear a wig for the ball and everyone thought I had cancer.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Most shocking memory was seeing a friend’s husband with another date.
– Jamie C. (USMC BALL)
The funniest memory I have is my husband being totally sober and doing the ‘worm’ all the way across the dance floor as soon as it opened up.
– Chelsea H. (ARMY BALL)
It’s always shocking to see high school girls at a ball because their boyfriends were brand new little Marine babies.
– Jessica D. (USMC BALL)
It’s always fun to see people that are typically reserved let loose and have fun!
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Girls that were clearly picked up that day in Vegas to be dates. Poor things couldn’t remember who they came with at the end of the night.
– Jessica D. (USMC BALL)
Someone got kicked out for wearing UGGS.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
Stories That Will Touch Your Heart
In between the pomp and circumstance, you are bound to walk away from your first military ball with sweet memories with your spouse. Here are some of the most heartwarming moments the SpouseLink community has experienced:
At my last ball, the speaker told a story about visiting a nursing home early in his career to celebrate a WW2 Marine Veteran’s birthday. As much as he thought his presence was unneeded, he went. The Veteran was celebrated by his family and fellow nursing home residents. He had his uniform out and other memorabilia to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Unfortunately he suffered from dementia and even though he was physically there, he wasn’t very present. He barely remembered his family. The nursing home wanted to pay tribute to his service, so they began to sing the Marine Corps Hymn. This Veteran stood up from his wheelchair and sang aloud without missing a beat. I cried. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
– Desiree H. (USMC BALL)
I always enjoy the ceremony. I especially love the presentation of the cake to the oldest and youngest marine… and when they acknowledge the fallen. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the birthday video message. They are always such a reminder of why our husbands do what they do and why our role as their support is so vital.
– Ashley P. (USMC BALL)
I enjoy when the toddlers come out later in the evening. Usually it’s only 1, maybe 2. But they always steal the show.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
The cake cutting for the oldest and youngest Marine is always very sweet.
– Anonymous (USMC BALL)
We always have the best date night. Feels really romantic to be able to get dressed up as an adult for a big event with my husband.
– Jamie R. (ARMY BALL)
For the Navy, something cool I saw our first ball was watching the newest and oldest Sailor cut the cake [and then] pass the baton.
– Christy V. (NAVY BALL)
