Originally, a debut was intended to introduce a young woman into society as a

marriage prospect. This event was orchestrated as a formal banquet to attract

bachelors from prominent and rich families. In the modern day, many still
celebrate this event. As a girl nears 18, her family begins to plan the momentous
occasionmonths in advance by selecting the ideal venue, debut
catering package, designer, and events planners.
However, the difference between then and now is that women have more options
open to them than just marriage—continued education and a professional career
among them. Thus, on her special day, it’s important that a debutante is
reminded that she is so much more than what the world may be telling her to be.
The typical debut programs are more than just entertainment, pomp, and blare—
they are meant to teach, encourage, and inspire.

THE COTILLION
One of the most prominent parts of a girl’s debut is the cotillion, which often
involves 9 pairs of dancers performing either a formal waltz or dance number.
This part of the program can take place either at the beginning or at the end of
the event. The members of the “cotillion court” must choreograph and practice a
dance months prior the event. Following the dance, members of the cotillion
court may then serve as the debutante’s escorts, thus representing those who
will help guide the debutante in her life journey.

A debutante does not just sneak into the venue or walk about unseen. She must
“come out” on her own with a grand entrance and a killer dress to boot. The
debutante is often escorted to a seat of honor by members of the cotillion court to
symbolize her entrance into breaking out into as a grown woman.
THE 18 ROSES
For a lot of girls, the 18 roses is a highlight of the debut program. It represents a
girl’s readiness in the area of romance, as was the original purpose of the debut.
The first rose is usually given by the debutante’s father to symbolize something
that is both beautiful and “thorny”. He is then followed by the other male
members of the family, as the protectors of the girl. The remaining men in the 18
Roses lineup are friends of the debutante, and the person selected as either the
second-to-the-last rose or the last rose is the girl’s special someone.
THE 18 CANDLES
After the 18 Roses, the 18 Candles program transitions from the romance aspect
to the girl as an independent member of society. It involves the women who are
important to the debutante—as advisors, teachers, and trusted peers. These
women give speeches and advice, and state their well-wishes for the debutante.
They then each light a candle that symbolizes light—light that will guide the girl
on her life journey. Once all 18 candles have been lit, they are placed on the
debutante’s birthday cake and blown out.

THE 18 TREASURE
As the debutante celebrates the beginning of womanhood, she will need tools
that either help her in the future, encourage her in the present, or give her
something fond to look back on. In the 18 Treasures program, friends and family
members are tasked to give the debutante special gifts or “tokens”, and explain
how they will become inspirations for her. These “treasures” represent the
friendship between the giver and the debutante, because they indicate how well
they know each other.

A debut is an event that is once-in-a-lifetime for many girls. It’s more than just an
extravagant birthday party—it’s a celebration of life, and of what’s to come.
Originally, a debut was intended to introduce a young woman into society as a
marriage prospect. This event was orchestrated as a formal banquet to attract
bachelors from prominent and rich families. In the modern day, many still
celebrate this event. As a girl nears 18, her family begins to plan the momentous
occasionmonths in advance by selecting the ideal venue, debut
catering package, designer, and events planners.
However, the difference between then and now is that women have more options
open to them than just marriage—continued education and a professional career
among them. Thus, on her special day, it’s important that a debutante is
reminded that she is so much more than what the world may be telling her to be.
The typical debut programs are more than just entertainment, pomp, and blare—
they are meant to teach, encourage, and inspire.

THE COTILLION
One of the most prominent parts of a girl’s debut is the cotillion, which often
involves 9 pairs of dancers performing either a formal waltz or dance number.
This part of the program can take place either at the beginning or at the end of
the event. The members of the “cotillion court” must choreograph and practice a
dance months prior the event. Following the dance, members of the cotillion
court may then serve as the debutante’s escorts, thus representing those who
will help guide the debutante in her life journey.

A debutante does not just sneak into the venue or walk about unseen. She must
“come out” on her own with a grand entrance and a killer dress to boot. The
debutante is often escorted to a seat of honor by members of the cotillion court to
symbolize her entrance into breaking out into as a grown woman.
THE 18 ROSES
For a lot of girls, the 18 roses is a highlight of the debut program. It represents a
girl’s readiness in the area of romance, as was the original purpose of the debut.
The first rose is usually given by the debutante’s father to symbolize something
that is both beautiful and “thorny”. He is then followed by the other male
members of the family, as the protectors of the girl. The remaining men in the 18
Roses lineup are friends of the debutante, and the person selected as either the
second-to-the-last rose or the last rose is the girl’s special someone.
THE 18 CANDLES
After the 18 Roses, the 18 Candles program transitions from the romance aspect
to the girl as an independent member of society. It involves the women who are
important to the debutante—as advisors, teachers, and trusted peers. These
women give speeches and advice, and state their well-wishes for the debutante.
They then each light a candle that symbolizes light—light that will guide the girl
on her life journey. Once all 18 candles have been lit, they are placed on the
debutante’s birthday cake and blown out.

THE 18 TREASURE
As the debutante celebrates the beginning of womanhood, she will need tools
that either help her in the future, encourage her in the present, or give her
something fond to look back on. In the 18 Treasures program, friends and family
members are tasked to give the debutante special gifts or “tokens”, and explain
how they will become inspirations for her. These “treasures” represent the
friendship between the giver and the debutante, because they indicate how well
they know each other.

A debut is an event that is once-in-a-lifetime for many girls. It’s more than just an
extravagant birthday party—it’s a celebration of life, and of what’s to come.