Marine Corps Birthday Ball?

Question

this marine i'm dating asked me to the marine corp ball in san diego, ca in october. i kno its not for a while, but i'm just very curious so the thing is that i dont really know what to expect. dress code? what do they do? what should i expect? should and could i bring a camera? just some simple info would help. thnx

Answer 1

I have been to an army ball and they wear their dress blues and you wear a long gown...I can't remember what they did but it's just like a prom....

Answer 2

I was a Marine and a Marine's wife. From 1979 to 2000, I either attended, participated in or helped organize various Marine Corps birthday balls. You're going to love it!  It is somewhat like a prom but with a lot more tradition and meaning attached to it.

The Birthday of the USMC is Nov 10, and is usually celebrated during that birthday week, but can be celebrated upwards to a month before that depending on the unit. It's is one of those things that EVERY Marine remembers whether it's done up in grand style at a 5 star hotel or out in the field or combat zone with a flour and water sort of "cake."

The Marine Corps birthday ball has a lot of interesting and unique traditions. Some balls have more pagentry than others (the ones held in Washington DC or at the embassies are almost black tie affairs), but for sure every ball has three very important traditions observed: The reading of the birthday message from the Commandant, the reading of Marine Corps Order 47 written by Commandant-General John A. Lejeune, and the cake cutting ceremony itself. This is when the cake is brought out in a procession with a color guard and escorted by 6 Marines representing all ranks.  The cake is then cut with a Mameluke sword and the first pieces are presented in the following order: to the guest of honor,  to the oldest Marine in attendance, and then to youngest Marine in attendance.

Most Marine Corps balls tends to start off with cocktails. There's be the various ceremonies, there'll more than likely be a guest speaker, after the ceremonies, then dinner and dancing into the wee hours. This is one time when there is a LOT of alcohol consumed. It's best to use moderation (as you will be getting watched by higher ranks in some cases), but based on my own observations and experience, I would strongly recommmend you either have a designated driver or have alternative transportation arrangements (such as a taxi) in case anyone is incapable of driving because they've "celebrated" too much.

Dress code is generally semi-formal to formal.  I've seen some women wear pantsuits or shorter dresses to balls but most ladies tend to wear formal floor length gowns because they rarely have a chance to dress up otherwise. Overly s**y outfits or "Club Wear" is discouraged. The key here is classy and ladylike more so than 'Hollywood trendy' or 'NY high fashion.'  However, you might ask some of the other Marine wives/girlfriends what's been traditionally worn at recent past balls.  If the Marine has dress blues he or she'll wear them, but if not then the formal dress green uniform.

Yes, do take a camera and get lots of pictures, but chances are there'll be a professional photographer there to take keepsake photographs of you and your Marine.

I've given you several links that will give you more of an idea of what to expect.  Have fun...and don't forget to wish the Marines a "Happy Birthday!"