Debutante Gown Criterion
Shop early. Most bridal shops where dresses are sold require appointments. Please contact the store you want to visit to determine if an appointment is necessary. Many gowns are manufactured in China and require a long lead-time for ordering, often up to 16 weeks. Additionally, manufacturing in China shuts down during Chinese New Year which may add an additional delay when ordering. Please let our Gown Registrar know in advance when you plan to shop so she can arrange to be available for consultation.
The gown must be white material – usually a taffeta, satin, cotton or polyester/nylon mix. No ivory, candlelight, blush, pink, etc. It is helpful to bring a piece of white copy paper with you when shopping to compare to ensure the dress is white.
The gown may have: Pearls, sequins, small amounts of gold and silver thread. The details cannot overwhelm the dress and cause it to appear a different color than white; whether up close or from a distance.
Simpler is better. No trains are permitted. Either have it removed or permanently tacked up.
The dress cannot have any slits that expose your leg.
The dress cannot be “slinky” or “sexy”, the gown should be tasteful and demure. A-Line dresses, empire dresses and full skirts, etc. are appropriate.
You may have a halter, strapless, spaghetti straps, cap sleeves, etc.
No plunging necklines or exposure of skin below the chest.
No bursting decollete.
No plunging backs. (Nothing below mid-back/bras line unless there are straps in the back that allow the dress to remain appropriate for the ball).
No visible Tattoos, Hennas or body piercings.
Hint; consider your visible bathing suit strap tan lines. Are they hidden by the dress or should you address them with self-tan lotion or make-up on the day of the ball?
Floor length with or without crinoline slip.
Comfortable white or silver shoes, either flats or low heels.
You will be provided with a pair of Opera length white gloves which are included in the Program Fee.
No tiaras, veils or hats are to be worn on the hair. You may wear small simple white flowers, tasteful barrettes, clips, studs, etc.
Remember: This is not your wedding gown, but a dress for a young lady to be presented in and join the ranks of Brevard’s leading adults.
Gowns may be purchased, borrowed, or hand-made, but all must be registered with our Gown Registrar so that no two dresses are alike. Remember: DO NOT purchase the dress until you have sent photographs (front and back of dress), designer name, model number and then received approval. Previously worn gowns are also subject to approval. Dresses approved should then be purchased within two weeks of the approval and proof of your purchase must be shared with our Gown Registrar. If you choose a duplicate of a dress already registered by a debutante, you will not be permitted to wear it. In most cases the dress shop will not allow you to return the dress. Saleswomen are savvy; they want to make the sale. Some will tell you anything to get you to buy the dress. Please follow these instructions and you will have an enjoyable experience without drama, disappointment, or frustration.
For borrowed or resell dresses, please have the make and model number of the dress and if available, the name of the Debutante and her debut year. For homemade dresses, please supply the pattern maker and number. Remember, a borrowed or resell dress could be a duplicate as well.
When in doubt, call our Gown Registrar, Tehani Kisor at (321) 223-5389 or tehanit@aol.com.