Debut--and not a concert...

Please---whenever you plan out a debut bash for someone, do your research. There are a lot of useful information online. Do not just do it your own way to avoid turning the party into a variety show of some sort or a concert sort of. A debut is not an occasion for the debutante to have a concert! It is neither an occasion for the planner or choreographer or whoever to fulfill his or her own dream musical extravaganza. If it's just a series of dances and that's all, then it loses the real essence of a debut party. A debut must carry the characteristics of a real debut celebration--cotillion, debutante's speech, parents' speeches, 18 roses, 18 candles, 18 treasures, the works. Do your research please.

the debut with a pop theme....

Debuts today may come in various themes, depending on the budget and desire of the debutante and her family. However, the traditional mode of debut includes gowns, coats, 18 roses,the cotillion, 18 candles, 18 wishes and other perks like having 18 balloons, etc. When there are just too many of these 18 ceremonies put into the occasion, especially when each requires speeches, the party will become boring. A party is what the word is. It is a party and therefore it should be fun.

Having a debut? This info will help

Debutante (or Deb) (French word for “female beginner”) is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who as reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her “debut” or “coming out.” Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle. This event is traditionally referred to as The Debutante’s Ball.

In the Philippines, a debutante’s ball is very popular and widely celebrated when young Filipina teenager turns 18.

The highlight of a debutante’s ball is known as The Grand Cotillion Dance where the Debutante, with an escort, share a waltz dance with the elegantly-dressed cotillion court composed of her friends of 9 boys and 9 girls. A special cotillion choreographer is normally hired by the debutante’s parent to teach the un-experienced boys and girls to perform a highly-choreographed waltz dance. Practices for the dance can last for 6 months and normally held in the debutante’s residence every weekend.

The other popular dance is The 18 Roses Dance where the Debutante shares a memorable dance with 18 men with each one offering a freshly-cut red beautiful rose. The father of the debutante is typically the first one to dance, often called The Father and Daughter Dance. The Debutante picks the 18 songs to play and the participants normally include relatives, friends, godfathers, neighbors and acquaintances.

Next of the tradition is The 18 Candles Presentation, wherein 18 ladies will light 18 candles to resemble the 18 lights that will serve as guidance to the debutante as she makes her transition to the status of a full grown woman. Sometimes, the 18-lighted candles are the candles that the debutante blows before she cuts the cake. Most often, the mother of the debutante is the last of the 18 candles participants. Each participant also says a word, a congratulatory note or wishes to the debutante.

A new activity that we have seen lately is what others call The 18 Symbolic Treasures, where 18 participants, mostly family friends and relatives, as well as godmothers and godfathers, offer a gift to the debutante. A perfect gift is something that the Debutante can treasure as she moves on to college and started to live as a young woman.

The last of the tradition is A Word From The Debutante, where the Debutante shares her thoughts of probably one of the most memorable times of here life.

Likewise, a debutante’s ball is a way for the parent to showcase to the society their daughter’s talents or specials sills like dancing, singing or playing instruments and other talents she possesses.

The debutante’s ball normally concludes with hours of dancing enjoyed by both the adults and teenagers.




The following is the typical Debutante’s Ball Agenda

INTRODUCTION OF THE COTILLION COURT, THE FAMILY, ESCORT, AND THE DEBUTANTE

TOAST IN HONOR OF THE DEBUTANTE

WELCOME REMARKS BY THE PARENTS

INVOCATION OR DINING TIME

VIDEO PRESENTATION

THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER DANCE

GRAND COTILLION WALTZ DANCE

COTILLION COURT SPECIAL DANCES

18 ROSES DANCE

18 CANDLES PRESENTATION

SINGING OF THE TRADITIONAL BIRTHDAY SONG

BLOWING OF THE CAKE CANDLES

CUTTING OF THE CAKE

18 TREASURES PRESENTATION

A WORD FROM THE DEBUTANTE

DANCING TIME (Courtesy of www.pacificsounds.com)

16th century Elizabethan period

A sure grand theme for a debut is one inspired by 16th century costumes, make-up, props. The Elizabethan period type of theme would surely bring in the queens and princesses from far and wide. The gowns would need lots of space for the cotillion, the venue would appear like a castle, and the food would be set in long, long tables with long candles. Plus, if the participants would please go British in language for this evening. The invitation would be in scrolls of the 16th century type. Hmmm....let the guests do their research so they can have their gowns and suits tailored after the period of the great Queen Elizabeth of England. For entertainment, you can have court jesters and belly dancers. Hmmm....

more perks to a debut

A good host can easily come up with fun tricks to give life to the party. Lulls, gaps, or dead air can be filled up with some brief interviews or quick chats with some important guests. The host can hop from one table or group to the other to ask a few interesting questions having to do with the party. But always remember that the focus of attention here should be on the debutante.

it's Dec. 1, her birthday is on the 6th and the debutante still has no emcee

That can be scary for the emcee holds the failure or success of the program. However, said the debutante, she has a friend who will do it for her but she is asking for a script which the emcee can read. Okay. No debut is like any other. I mean, each debut celebration should be as distinct and as unique as the variety of personalities that host or attend parties. For one, debutantes are different individuals with different tastes. Therefore one cannot just pattern this party from another's party. The host or emcee should make the party as unique as possible. The script therefore should depend on what the debutante wants to happen during her big day. If she wants it to be fun or very classic or formal, then everything should be woven around that mood that the host would like to have in her party. The emcee first of all should have a good command of the language that she will be using during the program. If it's English, then she must be very good at it so that whatever happens she can always come in with lines that will "save" the party or lines that will minimize dead air or gaps. If she has a good command of the language, all she needs will be a list or an outline of the flow of the program and she can do everything extemporaneously.

on paying talent fees

What you pay to a pro host is considered a "tf" or talent fee. Some people, especially those in the government, have this bad habit of giving the talent fee far too long after the event. The organizers of the show or program, whether it's a government agency or not, should make sure that talents are paid RIGHT AFTER the show and not make the talents go back to collect days or weeks after the work. This is rude and unprofessional on the part of the organizers. If there are papers to be prepared where the talents need to affix their signatures as proof of payment, this can easily be done days before the event.

Hosting any show or party is not a walk in the park. For one, the host or emcee spends for what he or she wears for the occasion, make-up and everything. She prepares or writes out a speech and has the huge responsibility of seeing to it that everything will perfectly fall into place. If there are untoward incidents that will happen, it is the emcee's duty to see to it that the show must go on. She fills in the gaps and sees to it that the show or party will have a happy ending. And by the way, a party or program (beauty pageant or debut, or whatever) lasts 3 to 4 hours. That's a lot of sleepless time. So dear, be more professional and fair. Pay the host, emcee or talents on the same evening after the show or event.No one would like to collect fees after a show. That's insulting both ways.

from flat shoes to high heels

Another beautiful ceremony that can be added to a debut bash is the girl's transitioning from flat shoes to high heels which can be done in a most dramatic fashion. At one point,on cue, someone brings in the pair of high heels and the father of the debutante removes the flat shoes and replaces them with the high heels. They can then follow this with the girl's first dance with her dad.

masquerade theme for a debut

It sounds like fun to be going to a gala party where everybody is dressed formally, as in gowns and coats but I do not know if the wearing of masks especially if it's a debut bash would not rob the party-goers the comfort of not having anything that covers the face. For one, masks can be very cumbersome especially those that do not fit well. They can make the wearer feel uncomfortable because it can be hot after a while, and also, its smell can actually suffocate the wearer. Another thing, when one starts to sweat, the make-up would most likely run and ruin the beauty of the wearer when the time to remove the mask comes. One more drawback is the unwanted appearance of gatecrashers or uninvited guests---you never can know. A masquerade party works well during halloween or maybe a JS prom for a change, but for a debut, I don't think the idea will work.

Programme for a debut

There are actually no hard and fast rules as to how a debutante's party ought to flow. It all depends on how the debutante wants it to be celebrated. First of all, the family should decide on a party theme or motif which should serve as a springboard for all the numbers that will happen during the debut. If it's a "fairy tale" type of party or a "pop star" or "rock and roll" type of party, then the programme should be based on that theme.

A debut however usually has the following segments:

(1) debutante's dramatic entrance & introduction (the debutante's father should present his daughter to the public
(2) changing the flat shoes to high heels (the father personally does this---the debutante is seated while the father changes her shoes
(3) cotillion
(4) 18 roses

(4) 18 candles

(5) 18 well-wishers

(6) 18 treasures

(7) 18 balloons

There is no ready-made script for such an occasion. The host or emcee takes charge of seeing to it that the segments are presented in the most interesting and fun way. Otherwise, the celebration will turn out to be a drab.

If you do not know how to go about the whole show, better hire a professional emcee to provide the magic for you.

After all, its success depends greatly on how well the host or emcee is able to turn the evening into an enchanting one.

a car? or a grand ball?

A girl who was turning 18 was asked by her dad what she wanted for a birthday gift: a car? or a grand debut party?

She opted to have the latter and she got it----one grand evening of pure ecstasy where she was the center of attention, when she was treated like a princess. The debut party was held by a poolside with the pool covered by pink and white balloons, a huge pink swan at the center.

when a girl does not deserve to have a debut

This post seems to raise controversy since we know from experience that all girls turning 18 look forward to celebrating their debut. Not all, says one noted columnist who wrote an entire essay on when a girl deserves to have a debut.

In this essay he pointed out the fact that throwing a grand debut party is not a joke. Parents spend a fortune to follow all the nitty-gritty requirements of a fabulous debut bash. It's practically like throwing away hard-earned savings of many years on a daughter's turning over.

18 is supposed to be the girl's age of formally being introduced to society. It carries with it a lot of meanings and one of them is at 18 the girl is now allowed to entertain suitors and maybe have a boyfriend. She is now free to socialize with boys her own age, get to know them, and maybe go out with them. However, much of this is broken today. Girls today date and have boyfriends before 18. This being the case, the author of the essay said, what is the point of spending half a million when the essence and meaning of the celebration is no longer there? The debut party will turn out to be more of a farce than fun.

A simple party to mark a girl's transition from childhood to adulthood would be more like it if the girl has been socializing and entertaining suitors and having boyfriends before 18. But a real grand debut? Uh-uh------you no longer deserve one, girl.

gowns galore!

Three occasions in which every woman wants to look her dazzling best are during her debut, prom night, wedding day. A woman now can actually have several options when it comes to the choice of her gown. She may want to:

a) rent one (there is a gownmaker in town who makes a gowns at a reduced price provided that after use the gown is returned at the shop. The gown is supposed to be made for you but you rent it from them), or you can choose from their already existing gowns.

b) borrow one/recycle from close of kin or friend

c) buy or order readymade from online gown boutiques or at your nearest department store

d) have one made for you by your favorite couturier (expensive but you get to keep the gown and choose the material to be used)

Well, well, well. The gowns displayed above are from some of the online boutiques I found on the net, particularly from Onlygowns . You will view more of their gowns if you click here.

cotillion de honor

The cotillion is a formal dance which originated in France and is now popularly used in high society gatherings (ballroom dancing), especially in a young lady's 18th birthday party or debut. The girls here wear floor-length gowns while the boys wear the tuxedo. Ideally, in a grand deb ball, a cotillion should be composed of 18 pairs. But since this is very hard to do the cotillion de honor is performed by 9 pairs with a total of 18 dancers.

Coming up with 18 pairs is an impossibility for it means looking for 36 people to compose the cotillion and who can be present during practices. It is not easy to get a hundred percent attendance in practices so this can be one problem that may affect the total performance of the group.

Budget for the cotillion dancers' gowns should be considered too. If the family decides to rent the gowns and suits, well and good. You can opt to rent the gowns and suits.

toasting

Toasting is a simple act of drinking wine turned into a ceremony. It is a show of hospitality, friendship, and good faith. Special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, promotions, debuts etc. would be made more meaningful with a toasting ceremony. A toast should be made in direct and simple language and usually ends with "Cheers" as goblets are raised and clinked.

Ironically, the origin of toasting was far from what it is now. It was used by the Greeks and Romans to poison enemies and unwanted husbands, wives, children, and thieves in the 6th century B.C. This was their way of dealing with social problems by poisoning the wine to be drank by their enemies.

Toasting today has become a popular way of expressing our wishes and happiness for the hosts or celebrants. It is one way of developing trust among members of the family and circle of friends.

invitations

Today, invitations for a birthday party, wedding, debut, or anniversary can be easily made from a variety of choices with regards to the type of paper to be used, graphics, lay-out and design. With the computer, anything is possible. You can make your invitations personalized by having a photo of yourself on the card. However, a simple party may only need simple invitation cards that are available in stores selling school supplies. You may even get them free if you hold the party at Jollibee (for kids' party).

However, a well-thought of and well-written invitation always earns the admiration of people. Invitations with no more than the 5 w's and the h will not be as valuable as an invitation that contains a well-written note from the parents asking guests to be present.

debut

When a girl turns 18, her world opens up to a rainbow of possibilities. Eighteen is the age of maturity, when a girl is formally introduced to the public. This occasion is otherwise known as a girl's "coming out", her first taste of what it's like to have her first dance with a man.

One writer with a very conservative view of what a debut ought to be said that a girl who , before 18, can say that "she'd been there and done that" does not deserve to celebrate a debut. A girl who already had a boyfriend before `18 should not demand to have a grand debut celebration for it defeats the real purpose of celebrating a girl's debut.

A debut is a girl's first formal introduction to the world of adults, particularly to eligible gentlemen. It means she is now allowed to entertain suitors and even have a boyfriend if the right one comes along.

But preparing for a grand debut is not like a walk in the park. Planning should start two months before the affair to allow for practices and preparation of the program, food, invitation, etc.

The debutante can use the help of friends and family to contact people who will have parts in the program. The success of the program depends on choosing the right host or MC for the party. The host or emcee will control the flow of events, how the whole party will start and end. It is important that coordination between the host and the debutante will be made long before the party in order to allow for changes to be fitted in.

18 roses, 18 candles (goes with 18 wishes), 18 balloons, 18 treasures, 18 cakes, 18 "lechons"...the list could be endless. The debutante should choose the events she would like to happen and say so.

If you have any questions as to the flow of the program, you may leave them here under comment and I promise to answer.

like a princess

To look, feel, and be treated like a princess is a dream-come-true of every debutante. That is why the event of turning 18 is a much-look-forward- to day by girls of all types. After all, a girl is only 18 once that is why today, the debut is one of the most popular social events which cost parents a fortune. One girl who was approaching 18 was asked by her dad what she wanted when the day came. She was given only two options: a car or a grand debut. She chose the latter. Her dream debut venue was at a poolside where everything unfolded like a fairytale coming to life. Pink and white balloons floated on the pool and the debutante came out from an arc of balloons where she was met by the members of the cotillion who were all dressed elegantly to complete the fairytale effect. It was one fantastic night for everyone.

planning is the key

The success of any event lies in the planning which should happen months before the big day. If it is a wedding or debut, many months of planning is needed for a smooth and successful celebration. Those who can afford it might opt to hire a planner or organizer or coordinator to do all the worrying. But this may prove to be a lot more expensive than if you do the planning yourself with the help of your family and friends. A list of the things you need to consider months before and involving willing relatives might be of help. First, the date. If it is a church wedding you need to coordinate with your parish or pastor about the date to avoid conflicts. You don't want to share the limelight with another couple. If it is a birthday, such a debut, the date of the celebration is also important. Certain engagements and schedules might run in conflict with the actual birth date of the debutante so much so that an adjustment will have to be made on the date of the celebration. I would like to point out a certain dilemma which happened to one debutante whose birthday happens to fall on a day before a final examination that she and her friends and classmates will have to take and pass. She could not sacrifice her whole future for one single birthday. However, she wanted to celebrate her debut so much that she had to make a decision, and that was, to move her party 3 days after her final exams. By doing so, she was assured of the full attendance of her classmates and best friends on this very special day of her life. How did the party go? I was the host so I should know. I will talk about it in my next entry.