A debutante (or deb) (French word for "female beginner") is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her "debut" or "coming out." Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within a select upper class circle. This traditional event varies by region, but is typically referred to as a debutante ball.
A cotillion (Southern US) or debutante ball (Northern) in the United States is a formal presentation of young ladies, debutantes, to polite society. Debutantes are usually recommended by a distinguished committee or sponsored by an established member of elite society.
Wearing white gowns and satin or kid gloves, the debutantes stand in a receiving line, and then are introduced individually to the audience. The debutante is announced and then is walked around the stage, guided by her father who then presents her. Her younger male escort then joins her and escorts her away. Each debutante brings at least one escort, sometimes two. Cotillions may be elaborate formal affairs and involve not only "debs" but junior debutantes, escorts and ushers, flower girls and pages as well. Every debutante must perform a curtsy also known as the Saint Johns Bow. This gesture is made as the young woman is formally presented.
Debutante balls exist in nearly every major city in the United States. They are often charity occasions, in which the parents of the young ladies, as well as all attending, must contribute a certain sum of money to the cause at hand. In New Orleans, Louisiana, a debutante is usually presented during the Carnival season.
Victoria's Bridal Couture this year is again proud to be a store of choice for the Fort Lauderdale Debutantes (Lauderdale Debutante Presentation Committee, Inc.).
Click here to see some of the Debutante gowns of choice. Note: These gowns can be altered to fit the rules.
Click here to see this years rules on the Lauderdale Debutante gowns.
Click here to see reserved (already taken) Lauderdale Debutante gowns. |
