Men's Tuxedo Shoes

During the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s many middle and high school students were offered the opportunity to attend a series of training sessions to learn the proper behavior and etiquette for most any occasion. These classes prepared the participants to feel comfortable when attending their prom, graduation ceremonies, formal dinners and numerous other events they would be invited to in the future.

Fast forward to 2009 and these much valued classes are rarely to be found. Consequently, the art of learning good manners is no longer available to help young men and women feel at ease at social events. It is possible to purchase a beautiful formal gown with all the trimmings or rent a tuxedo and men’s formal shoes for a special dance and still experience feeling out of place or uncomfortable with what to say or how to act. Learning these simple rules will help you relax and look forward to an evening filled with great memories.

• Offering the invitation to your date – to be most at ease with this, write down what you want to say and practice saying it several times.
• The best invitation is to say “Betsy, would you be my date for the senior prom? If you asked her “what are you doing for the prom,” she may not realize you are actually wanting her to attend it with you.
• Make certain all the details of the evening are clear to your date including what you’ll be wearing and ask her the color of her gown to help you select the prettiest corsage to go with it.
• When you come to pick her up, be ready to meet her parents. Shake their right hand with your right hand using a firm grip. This is the proper way to shake hands as it shows self assurance and confidence.
• Always open the car door for your date and help her settle in with her gown; it would be a shame to catch her lovely new dress in the door.
• Drive as though you were transporting the Queen of England. Feeling safe and cared for is very important to your date.
• If you’ll be dining before the dance, ask her what she would like from the menu and order for both of you. Hopefully she will order one of the least expensive meals so she won’t drain your wallet.
• While eating, it is most pleasant to watch someone keeping their mouths closed while chewing and keeping their elbows off the table. never talk with your mouth full. Traditionally, the napkin is placed on your lap after you have ordered and while you are eating, keep one hand on your lap.
• When arriving at the prom, stay with your date and keep the conversation going by asking open-ended questions and really listen to the answers. People appreciate being asked about themselves and it’s an opportunity to learn more about each other.
• If you see a friend your date does not know, say your friend’s name first and that you want him/her to meet your date, Betsy.

The above suggestions will be valuable to follow for any occasion and at any age. When enjoying social gatherings and meeting new people you will always benefit from knowing these special tips. Most importantly, smiling and caring about the comfort of others will take you far in the adult world.

3 Responses to “Feeling at Ease at Formal Occasions”