Black Tie Event

[LANCER1562]

Calling all fathers of teenaged daughters. I am currently making plans to take my daughter to the 150th St. Andrews Banquet & Ball next year when she will be seventeen and I'm wondering if she would be too young at that age to appreciate it. What do you gentlemen (and ladies) think?

[Deirachel]

Truthfully, this is a case where age is irrelevant. It's a question of maturity and etiquette level. Outside of the the possible exception of the Nor-Cal Rabble, I don't think enough of us really know the answer to that. Is she a flighty, "old people are wrong", or goofy kid? Or, is she a mature for her age young lady? My daughter would have appreciated it. My older two nieces, yep. My older sister at 17? Nope.

If it was just an age question, then 17 is enough. Cotillions are for 16-18 year olds, usually.

[Spartan Tartan]

Does she enjoy these type of event generally? I would think if she enjoys attending.other similar events of she would be fine.

[Chas]

The question is - Does she have a sense of occasion? If she does, then make it an occasion. Buy the dress, hire the tiara, make sure there are some good books on form and etiquette available, sit back and enjoy it. If you make it a special occasion, then it will be.

Regards

Chas

[LANCER1562]

Gentlemen,
Thank you all or you replies and advice. My daughter knows what is and what is not appropriate behavior. As far as etiquette, she knows "elbows off the table" and that one does not eat peas with a butter knife or spoon. The only similar funtion she has been to recently was a friend's Quinciniera and she had a good time. I think a tiara might be a bit much for a St. Andrews Banquet and Ball, but what do I know? I'm planning to rent a Prince Charlie outfit.

[Spartan Tartan]

I think it will be fun. I hope to hear about the wonderful event afterward!

[LANCER1562]

Spartan Tartan,
You'll have to wait until next November as I have to save the money to rent or buy a Prince Charlie jacket for myself, rent/buy a dress for my daughter, take her to have her hair done, buy tickets for the event, rent the hotel room, etc. In the mean time, I plan to take her to events that are a little dressier that a blouse and jeans so that she will get some practice.

[Spartan Tartan]

Good point on the wait...but with any luck, you will end up posting a picture thread afterward Either way, sounds like a great evening with your daughter.