Debutante is the English form of the French débutante, meaning “female beginner.” Typically, a debutante is a young lady from the upper echelons of society who is ready to make her debut upon the social scene. In its beginnings, it was intended to introduce a young woman of marrying age to a group of well-placed and regarded bachelors and their families. There is a process to being introduced as a debutante, however, one cannot just reach a particular age and be introduced to particular social circles. Often, they are recommended by a committee or sponsored by a well-known, respected member of the societal class. A young woman’s debut will be honored by throwing a “debutante ball.”
Though the original intent of debutante balls was to introduce young ladies to polite society, they have evolved into charity events. The parents of the debutante donate to their particular cause and those invited have to pay for their admission. These balls can be very elaborate and take on almost a wedding-like quality, with white gowns, satin gloves, pearls, flowers, pages, and escorts all part of the occasion.
Most young women nowadays will never have a debutante ball. Held biannually at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, the International Debutante Ball has largely become a who’s who of the upper class, with daughters of US Presidents, European royalty, US Governors, and Diplomats receiving invitations.
