1. A Night Out!
Customs and Courtesies
for Military Events
Presented by: Becky Willis
2. Invitations and RSVPs
• Important point of protocol
• Respond in the manner requested within
24-48 hours of receipt, unless a specific
date is listed
• Explanations of why not attending not
required
• Unless their name is on the invitation, do
not ask to bring them – this includes
children
3. Formal Event
Military Personnel: Dress Blues / Mess jackets
Civilians:
• Ball or dance – White or Black tie (men)
Formal gown (ladies)
• Dinner – Tuxedo/bow tie (men)
Long dress, blouse/skirt, or evening
slacks (ladies)
6. Overview of the evening
Cocktail/Social Hour
Receiving Line
Find your seats
Posting of the Colors
Invocation
Introduction of Guests
Toasts
Dinner Service
Guest Speaker
Awards Presentation
Benediction
Retiring of the Colors
Formal part of night is over
Dance begins
7. Receiving Line
Do not shake the Adjutant’s hand
Ladies go before their date
Gentlemen introduce the ladies
Female Soldiers
Same Sex Couples
Place clutch or purse under left arm
No drinks, no cigarettes, or anything else in your
hands while in the receiving line
Keep introductions short and sweet, keep the
line moving.
8. Finding Your Seats
Find your place
card, put things
in your chair and
mingle. Do not
sit until head
table has came
in and sat down.
Do not move
your place cards
to sit next to a
friend.
9. Posting of the Colors
Everyone stands
and faces the
direction Color
Guard is
entering.
Playing of the
National
Anthem, hand
over heart for
civilians, stand at
attention for
Soldiers
11. Toasts
Toasts are assigned prior to event and are
rehearsed, do not make your own toasts.
Follow along in program for proper response.
Examples:
I propose a toast to the Commander in Chief
Response: To the President
I propose a toast to our Fallen Comrades
Response: Raise glass remain silent, and do not
drink
Final Toast will be: I propose a toast to the Ladies
Response: (Gentlemen seat your ladies and STAY
STANDING) To the Ladies
12. Dinner Service
Staff will bring out dinner plates
Do not eat until head table has been served
Remember proper dining etiquette
When done, place napkin on your plate to
single staff they may take your plate