Formals

So what even are formals?

Formals are a good fun get together and a great night out! Effectively they consist of a sit down meal and some short speeches. They are often themed around the name of the formal. For example, the Norton Burns Night formal has a Burns Night theme: Kilts are in and Haggis is often served. Formals are normally followed by some form of after meal entertainment, be it ballroom dancing, a Céilidh band or a disco. There will be a public poll where you can vote on a good theme for some of the formals.

What do I wear?

Formals are pretty much what they say on the tin: formal. The newsletter and facebook group will advise the guys on whether the formal is black tie or lounge suits and girls whether we’re talking ball gowns or cocktail dresses.

For guys, if the event is a Black Tie event then you can wear:

• Either a dinner suit: Dinner Jacket, black formal trousers, white dress shirt, black bow tie, cummerbund or waistcoat, black/dark grey socks and black shoes.
• Or full dress: Kilt etc. for Scots or military dress uniform for those who have been/are in the armed forces.
• Or white tie: Black evening tails, black formal trousers, collarless white stiff bib shirt, plain white stiff attachable wing collar, white bow tie, white waistcoat, mother of pearl or white shirt studs, black socks and black shoes.

Girls can get away with either cocktail dresses or a ball gown at most events, however most people tend to wear ball gowns at the Epiphany Ball.

Lounge suits are not appropriate at black tie events. If you are worried about the cost, you can hire dinner suits and ball gowns from a number of places in Durham for a pretty good price. To be honest, I would recommend using your student discount and investing in a suit or dress or both, that will probably save you money in the long run!

If the event specifies lounge suits, standard lounge suits or black tie can be worn by guys and cocktail dresses worn by girls.

Formal Rules

• Follow the dress code.
• Gentlemen are requested not to remove their jackets until after the loyal toast.
• Guests are requested to stand for the entrance and exit of High Table.
• Silence is requested during the speeches and for the entrance of High Table.
• Mobile phones are to be turned on silent, and calls made outside.
• If there is a loyal toast, guests are asked to stand and drink to the health of the Queen (unless religious or political views prevent you from doing so, in which case you may wish to either leave the room momentarily, or sit quietly).
• Do not leave your seat until the Ladies have gone back into the kitchens.
• Make sure you have an awesome time!!