Debs and grads
Encyclopedia
A debs or grad is a formal ball
for students in their final year of secondary school
in Ireland
, analogous to the prom
in North American schools or the School formal
in Australia. "Debs (ball)", from "débutante
s' (ball)", is the usual name for girls' schools, coeducational schools, and some boys' schools; "grad" (from graduation
) is often used in boys' schools. Debs occur at the end of the final year of secondary school. Each secondary school will host their own ball. Most schools have the debs in the autumn after the final year, but some chose to begin the final year with the debs. In some schools, before the debs, a smaller ball, known as a "pre-debs", "mini-debs" or "grads" is held; usually in January/February but sometimes as late as May. These are usually organised by someone other than the school itself. Traditionally a committee is created in the school to organise the event.
Normally, the person asking someone else to the debs will pay for both tickets. Students sometimes worry about being invited or finding a date but many attend with friends or in a group, not worrying about the dating aspect. Whether the female asks the male, or vice versa, is irrelevant. Men are usually attired in dinner jacket
s with bow ties. Women usually wear formal gown
s or dress
es adorned with a corsage
given to them by their date. It is customary for men to purchase an orchid or bouquet of flowers and/or a box of chocolates.
The debs is usually held at a local hotel or other large function room. The debs usually, though not always, is a formal dinner, followed by music and dancing.
Traditionally there is a photographer present, who will take individual shots of each couple, and several throughout the night, of the dancing etc.. It is common for the event to last all night, hence attendees do not to return home until the following morning, often going for breakfast together.
School Formal
A school formal is an event held during the school year for students in Australian and New Zealand high schools. Formals are generally organised and run by a student committee, the members of which volunteer to do so...
for students in their final year of secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, analogous to the prom
Prom
In the United States and Canada, a prom, short for promenade, is a formal dance, or gathering of high school students. It is typically held near the end of the senior year. It figures greatly in popular culture and is a major event among high school students...
in North American schools or the School formal
School Formal
A school formal is an event held during the school year for students in Australian and New Zealand high schools. Formals are generally organised and run by a student committee, the members of which volunteer to do so...
in Australia. "Debs (ball)", from "débutante
Debutante
A débutante 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 "début" presentation. It should not be confused with a Debs...
s' (ball)", is the usual name for girls' schools, coeducational schools, and some boys' schools; "grad" (from graduation
Graduation
Graduation is the action of receiving or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become Graduates. Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands. The date of graduation is often called degree day. The graduation itself is also...
) is often used in boys' schools. Debs occur at the end of the final year of secondary school. Each secondary school will host their own ball. Most schools have the debs in the autumn after the final year, but some chose to begin the final year with the debs. In some schools, before the debs, a smaller ball, known as a "pre-debs", "mini-debs" or "grads" is held; usually in January/February but sometimes as late as May. These are usually organised by someone other than the school itself. Traditionally a committee is created in the school to organise the event.
Normally, the person asking someone else to the debs will pay for both tickets. Students sometimes worry about being invited or finding a date but many attend with friends or in a group, not worrying about the dating aspect. Whether the female asks the male, or vice versa, is irrelevant. Men are usually attired in dinner jacket
Black tie
Black tie is a dress code for evening events and social functions. For a man, the main component is a usually black jacket, known as a dinner jacket or tuxedo...
s with bow ties. Women usually wear formal gown
Gown
A gown is a loose outer garment from knee- to full-length worn by men and women in Europe from the early Middle Ages to the 17th century ; later, gown was applied to any woman's garment consisting of a bodice and attached skirt.A long, loosely-fitted gown called a Banyan was worn by men in the 18th...
s or dress
Dress
A dress is a garment consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice or with a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment.Dress may also refer to:*Clothing in general*Costume, fancy dress...
es adorned with a corsage
Nosegay
A nosegay, tussie-mussie, or posy/posey/posie is a small flower bouquet, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were carried or worn around the head or bodice....
given to them by their date. It is customary for men to purchase an orchid or bouquet of flowers and/or a box of chocolates.
The debs is usually held at a local hotel or other large function room. The debs usually, though not always, is a formal dinner, followed by music and dancing.
Traditionally there is a photographer present, who will take individual shots of each couple, and several throughout the night, of the dancing etc.. It is common for the event to last all night, hence attendees do not to return home until the following morning, often going for breakfast together.