The debutante ball has its roots in European aristocratic society. Until the mid-20th century, the ball marked the beginning of England’s social season. Young girls were presented before the queen, and, thus, were formally introduced into society to seek marriage with the right men. The debutante ball has greatly evolved in the United States, with the wealthy middle class seeking sponsors to formally introduce their daughters into high society. The tradition has become popular in different countries, with varying traditions.
The original reason for the debutante ball was to formally introduce a young, unmarried aristocratic or upper-class woman into society. Modern debutante balls have become charitable events, where the young women raise money for a certain cause. In the U.S., the debutante balls are common among members of country clubs and upper middle class society.
Debutante balls are marked with strict formalities and etiquette. The event is held in an elegant ballroom. In America, debutantes are lined up and formally introduced. Each young woman is chaperoned by her father, who walks her around the stage and presents her. The debutante is then guided away by her male escort, whom she has chosen. Debutantes and their escorts are expected to dress formally and know formal dancing techniques. Every debutante must execute a curtsy popularly known as the St. James bow.
At a debutante ball, dress is an important part of the tradition. The court dress would often be white, as a symbol of the girl’s virginity, although shades of ivory and others were permitted. The debutantes also would wear white gloves, with a veil to accompany the dress. The young women would wear pearls or other family jewelry.
For modern American debutantes, the hosts set the rules of dress, which usually includes white or pastel gowns, gloves and pearls for debutantes, and formal wear for other guests.