Gala manners

A fancy party where everyone appears in gala attire: that is, of course, a gala. This type of event is especially popular among student associations that organize a gala from time to time. When you participate in such a fancy party, there are certain rules you must follow. This is the gala etiquette. Unfortunately, the gala etiquette is not always strictly observed nowadays. This is partly because some guidelines of the etiquette are mores, or unwritten rules. To avoid making a considerable faux pas commits, it is wise to at least know which rules apply to a gala. Don't know anything about the gala dress code and etiquette? GENTS explains everything below!

Before the gala

Unlike many other parties, a gala already has certain guidelines to follow before it even starts. The gala etiquette begins with arranging a date. It is customary for the gentleman to ask the lady, unless it is a leap year. Then the roles are reversed and the lady is supposed to ask the gentleman. 

How to ask for a date to the gala

You don't just invite a date to a gala. There are clear gala etiquette rules for asking someone out. For example, the gentleman is supposed to write a blue letter with silver letters. In that letter, the gentleman asks if the lady will accompany him. Then the lady responds by writing a pink letter with golden letters. In it, she invites the gentleman for a cup of tea. This date serves as an opportunity to show what her answer is. 

Once visiting, the gentleman can deduce from the pastry whether the lady wants to accompany him to the gala. According to gala etiquette, this moment shows whether there is an obligation to attend the gala. Additionally, the pastry also immediately lets the gentleman know what to expect. According to gala etiquette, the lady can respond in the following ways:

• Tea with nothing added = no, thanks for the offer.
• Tea with a cookie = yes, but don't expect anything. We're going as friends.
• Tea with a pastry = yes, but you have to ‘conquer’ me during the gala for more.
• Tea with a pastry and whipped cream = yes, please, you have ‘conquered’ me. 

Matching colors according to gala etiquette

If the lady indicates that she will accompany the gentleman, then according to gala etiquette, the lady also lets the gentleman know the color of her dress during the date. This can be done in various ways. For example, it is possible to simply show the evening gown. However, according to gala etiquette, it is also an option to do this subtly. For example, the lady can have a bouquet on the table in the color of her dress. The reason why the lady must immediately let the color she will wear be known has to do with another aspect of gala etiquette. The gentleman must arrange corsages that match.

The right gala clothing

At a gala, fairly strict dress codes apply. According to gala etiquette, it is customary to mention the dress code on the invitation in advance. The formal suit the gentleman must wear can vary. According to gala etiquette, it is possible to black tie or white tie as dress code. For a black tie dress code, you must have a tuxedo at and near white tie you appear in a tailcoatFor ladies, the choice is much broader. It is customary for the lady to wear a long evening gown in a chic color with pumps underneath. Make sure the dress falls all the way to the heel. 

Gala etiquette and corsage

As an extra accessory, the gentleman and lady wear matching corsages. According to gala etiquette, these are always provided by the inviting party. That means the gentleman usually does this, unless it is a leap year. Then it is the lady's responsibility. The corsage is always worn on the left according to gala etiquette. In addition, the lady should wear her corsage upside down.

When the lady has indicated the color of her dress during the date by means of a bouquet, the gentleman then takes a flower in that color with him. The flower can then serve as a corsage according to gala etiquette. Of course, this is somewhat old-fashioned. Nowadays, corsages are quite varied. If you want to act entirely in line with gala etiquette, GENTS still recommends a traditional floral piece. 

Some more manners of gala etiquette

To ensure that your gala is a success, GENTS finally gives some extra tips. These generally concern some manners of gala etiquette. For example, you should not wear a watch, because "coziness knows no time." In addition, the gentleman should always let the lady go first, with the exception of the stairs. This is to prevent inappropriate situations. Are you at the party and want to dance with your date? Then, according to gala etiquette, the gentleman should make a slight bow. If the lady also wants to dance, she nods her head once. If the lady rejects the gentleman, he should wait a moment before approaching another lady.