r/etiquette • u/SpouseofSatan • 13d ago

Charity gala etiquette and outfit

Tldr first time attending a charity gala, no idea what I'm doing.

Hi y'all!

I haven't attended a true formal event since I was in JROTC in highschool, and I attended our military ball...

I was told it would be cocktail attire. I don't have any suitable dresses, but I do have a black velvet jumpsuit that I believe works. I'm going to have to figure out my shoes, but I'm hoping I have appropriate heels.

The company that I work for is a sponsor for this event, which is the only reason I'm going, I was asked to attend along with a few of my co-workers.

Any general etiquette advice would be appreciated, I'll also scroll through the subreddit for info.

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17

u/mariwirk 13d ago

The velvet jumpsuit should be fine if it looks nice.

Your job already donated money as a sponsor, so don’t feel obligated to donate money or bid on auction items. If you want to and can afford to, that would of course be very nice. But as someone who worked for charities, they don’t really expect anything from employees of sponsors.

As usual for a work related event, stay low key and don’t drink too much. Just have a nice time and take pics with your coworkers.

4

u/SpouseofSatan 13d ago

Thank you 🖤 this is also my first real 'work' event. I'm relatively new to the professional world.

3

u/EighthGreen 13d ago

Apart from the dress code, there's really no special etiquette for formal events. Just count your drinks and don't be obnoxious.

5

u/detentionbarn 12d ago

My drink count would be zero, lol

2

u/daneato 13d ago

What is the charity?

An LGBTQ+ charity might be different than the Cattlemen’s Association.

6

u/SpouseofSatan 13d ago

It's for elderly living. My company does wound care at nursing homes and assisted living homes. The event is for one of the organizations that we work with that services low income elderly patients.

1

u/Servingseniors 13d ago

Watch and learn the good and the bad.
The jumpsuit is perfect, keep accessories to minimal and a night clutch… you can borrow one or find inexpensive ones at low cost stores.

1

u/game-on-Vamos 12d ago

black velvet jumpsuit… as a seasoned gala-goer, that should work as long as it’s not too revealing. if you have a tailored blazer to wear with it, statement gold or silver earrings , cuff bracelet or bold necklace, even better. don’t forget pumps or strappy heels.
easy on the drinks and mingle and enjoy.