Military Families
1momma
member
*Marine Corps wives*
1momma
member
Could you please walk me through the ceremony of the ball. We will both be going to our first this year, and I dont want to screw up in any way.
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Re: *Marine Corps wives*
They don't always follow the same sequence of events, but here is a general run down:
Social Hour: You will likely be introduced to your husband's commanding officer, executive officer, etc. during this time.
Ceremony: Make sure you are in your seats before the ceremony begins. There will be notifications. Sometimes the Marine gets to choose his seating, other times it is assigned. The most important thing is to not talk during the ceremony and stand when appropriate.
Usually the first part of the ceremony is a taped message from the Commandant, followed by a prayer by the Chaplain. You may also see a "State of the Corps" video message.
Then the colors are brought forward. Distinguished guests are announced. They will play the National Anthem and post colors. Then they'll play the Marine Hymn. Usually the cake is brought forward at this point as well. You will be standing the entire time.
Then it's on to speeches. They can be long. At least look like you are paying attention and don't laugh even if the VIP speaker is 85, drunk and falling asleep at the podium.
Cake cutting is next. The first piece goes to the guest of honor, the second to the oldest Marine and the third to the youngest. It may not seem like a serious part of the ceremony, but Marines consider it a "passing of the torch" and treat it as such.
Then their is a recession of the same folks that entered at the beginning of the ceremony.
Dinner: I've had dinner served both before and after the ceremony. Most do it after to lessen distractions and drunkenness. After dinner, is entertainment and dancing.
Dress: If you are not sure if it is conservative enough, it probably isn't. You don't want to be picked out of the crowd during the "Find the Strippers" game.
You'll be fine. Your Marine should know exactly what is going on. If anyone starts to behave inappropriately, don't join in even if it looks like no one is bothered by it. Trust me, the senior officers are aware and will deal with it. I've seen Marines escorted out of the ball and what happens outside is not pretty.
Have fun!
My husband is a retired Marine, a veteran of many Marine Corps Balls. We've been married 11 years and this year will be our first ball together, since both our son and son-in-law are now Marines we're going to be sure to attend.
Marines are quite serious about the ceremony, my DH is always talking about "the uniform pageant," where some Marines wear the really old uniforms. Old Marines phone each other (my husband always calls all his old pals on Nov. 10th) and wish each other "Happy Birthday." If they go out to dinner together they order dessert and do the cake ceremony with each other. Marines are serious about their history and traditions.
The advice about conservative attire and not participating in off-the-wall behavior is spot on. Wives, fiancees, and girlfriends are expected to show good sense in all official situations, especially Corps functions. Honestly, there are few formal functions in American life now, so the Marine Corps Ball with its traditions is really special.
This is great advice. As well as Nana's.
They explain what is happening as it happens really well. Look for some of the "more seasoned" wives for cues. If they are standing, stand up. If they are sitting quietly while the Marines stand at attention, stay sitting. This is one of those moments where you reflect on your H, so keep that floating around in the back of your mind.
Stay quiet during the speeches and the ceremony, don't wear anything questionable, and have fun.
I'm bummed we're not going to one this year.
"So if you decide to date the guy from Applebees instead will your new SN be "mypearlshisapron?" Your new sig can be "putting the ho in nachos.""- DNBeach12
H and I have been to 3 together. They are a lot of fun. Everyone's advise is fantastic. Follow ques of seasoned wives like Killercupcake said. My added advise is steer clear of the glitter. The first ball I went to I remember H about having a panic attack at the amount of glitter other wives were wearing. Its not necessary to cake it all over yourself. A dress with glitter that falls off when you move or will stick to your H's uniform should be avoided. Anything that looks too "prom dress" you might want to avoid as well.
Have fun!
I've been to quite a few, and it has always been happy hour, ceremony, dinner, dancing. I have never seen "find the stripppers" game done at any one that I have been to.
For a dress, you can't go wrong with a tea length or floor length evening dress. I usually wear black because it seems the most appropriate. However, you will see a mix of everything. A big problem is that many military wives are VERY young. They literally believe that this is like going to prom. It isn't. Don't wear something with a slit up to your ass. Don't wear something that shows your midriff. I find it tacky and inappropriate, but you will see that.
During the ceremony, don't imitate your DH. I have seen so many wives do this because they don't know what else to do. When your DH stands at attention, you don't have to. I always stand with my hands folded in front of me. Don't EVER salute. You will become a joke at your table. I have seen this too.
In all, it will be an entertaining night. You will see a room full of drunks who act like idiots.
Really? It's listed right on the program and it's official MC order.