What to wear for mess ball?

choccyface2006

I have been invited as a guest to a mess ball next month. I have never been to one before. Has anyone any suggestions on what to wear? I know it must be formal and over the knee. Also is there anything else I should know?

Thanks

Sarah x

Starrystarrynight

I'm currently struggling to find an evening dress for a summer ball. I know ours is black tie and it's frowned on if your dress isnt full length. Not sure if every mess is quite as demanding, though.
Dresses at the Xmas ball varied from ball gowns to evening dresses.

disney2007_2

Your husbands/partners should get a letter with the requirements. I normally just wear my eveing dress full length. And I also have a short dress bought from next £45.00.
Charity shops are good for the dresses and e-bay. You can also get good bargains at the end of the season my last dress should have been £250 got it for £50 cause it was last seasons.

choccyface2006

Thank you, I think I will look on Ebay as its hard to get this type of thing this time of year, they are all very floaty and informal!

Sarah x

christineperseus

shoulders must be covered - and you're not allowed to leave the table to go to the toilet - if you're unwell enought to leave - you're deemed too poorly to return.

1012donna

If it's a formal mess ball you will need a full length evening gown/ballgown. I have known people be asked to leave as they haven't been wearing the correct length dress. Have a look at sexyher.co.uk I haven't bought from them but am going to get my ballgown for this years summer ball from there - the prices are fantastic!!!!

danlojo

and you're not allowed to leave the table to go to the toilet

For Serving personnel this is correct but partners / wives have always had a toilet break in any mess I have been in

shoulders must be covered

Not in any mess I have been in


ALL messes are different - different rules. You must get your other half to find out about your particular mess rules

choccyface2006

Thank goodness for that Danlojo, I was beginning to panic about needing the loo!

danlojo

Mess Balls dont have restricted seating normally.

Ladies Dinner nights and Regimental Dinners (which partners dont go to) are the only ones where any sort of strictness may occur.

Dont panic Balls are a good knees up

herewegoagain2010

danlojo wrote: »

For Serving personnel this is correct but partners / wives have always had a toilet break in any mess I have been in



Not in any mess I have been in


ALL messes are different - different rules. You must get your other half to find out about your particular mess rules

The last three mess my hubby's belonged to all fined the member a bottle of port for early loo breaks. Some aren't as strict but it's not worth the risk. I limit drinks before I eat and during the meal.There's plenty of time to catch up afterwards! The funniest thing I've seen was a wife falling over leathered before we were called for dinner at an all ranks dining in night. Her poor husband got a right bollocking and had the pee taken for weeks....it was funny, bless her....you know who you are lol!!! If you're not sure i'd go for full length as you can't go wrong. Enjoy it, you'll have a fab night :-)

13Kent

At a summer ball it's usually a fun evening - much more informal than mess dinners , so you usuallydon't have to sit at the table all evening. Quite often there is no seating arranged - just grab your food and find a seat.

Don't be surprised to find some fairground rides there - a bucking bronco, laser guns, ice cream van, often there is a casino - you get chips as part of your ticket - all sorts. Pace yourself so that you can make it all night and get to survivor's breakfast that will be yummy! It's usually a fun night!

As for a dress, it's usually longer length - ankle length, (below the knee not over the knee!!) and you are supposed to cover your shoulders (traditionally to stop the waiting staff from looking down your top as they serve you!!!) but a wrap or pashmina is fine - they usually get discarded at some point during the evening anyway and that is fine - you just need to be seen to have one!! I have worn strapless dresses with a matching wrap before now, or a strapless bodice and long skirt. (You will probably see people there that don't adhere to the dress code, but I wouldn't want me or my OH to be feeling uncomfortable all evening because my outfit is not correct).

I have bought dresses on e-bay before - try searching for bridesmaid dresses as well as evening gowns.

I'm sure you will have a lovely time!