1. Follow the Correct Dress Code
An old saying goes: ‘clothes make the man,’ and that certainly holds true at a gala. There’s a good chance that your invitation specifies a dress code. This simply means instructions on how you are expected to dress. White tie is the strictest of regulations, requiring you to wear a tailcoat with a white bowtie and patent leather shoes. Black tie is slightly less formal, where it’s customary for men to wear a tuxedo with a black bowtie. Cocktail attire is more simple but still refined. It suffices to appear in a dark suit with a well-pressed dress shirt.
2. Put Your Best Foot Forward
In addition to wearing the right attire, it’s essential to maintain proper personal hygiene. This means taking a good shower, wearing a subtle fragrance, and giving yourself a shave or at least ensuring your facial hair looks well-groomed. Also, make sure your nails are clean, not too long, or ragged. Of course, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. It doesn’t hurt to have some mints on hand, especially if you enjoy coffee or a sandwich with extra onions and garlic sauce!
3. Embrace Old-Fashioned Romance
Traditionally, a man invites a woman to a gala (in a leap year, it’s the other way around), and they exchange invitations. The woman invites the man for a cup of tea to provide an unspoken answer. If there’s no refreshment, there’s no interest. If you receive a cookie, you’re friends. If there’s cake, the woman isn’t entirely convinced, and you need to make an impression. If you get cream cake, you’re an official couple. Unwritten rules (also known as etiquette) dictate that the man should bring a corsage that matches the color of his date’s dress. Additionally, the man should pick up the woman and ensure she departs in appropriate transportation.
4. Don’t Forget Your Table Manners
During a dinner, it’s essential to remain polite and respectful to other guests. Follow the lead of others. Wait to take your seat until everyone else does. Ensure you use the cutlery calmly and correctly, without making too much noise. The napkin is only for wiping your mouth while eating. Speak only when your mouth is empty, and chew with your mouth closed. Be mindful of how much alcohol you consume that evening. It’s not acceptable to walk around a gala in an intoxicated state.
