Stick to the right dress code
An old saying goes: 'clothes make the man', and that's certainly true at a gala. There's a good chance your invitation states a dress code. This is nothing other than instructions on how you're expected to dress. White tie is the strictest of the rules and means you wear a tailcoat with a white bow tie and patent leather shoes. Black tie is slightly more informal, where it's customary for men to wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie. Cocktail is above all simple, yet refined. Here it's enough to show up in a dark suit with a smoothly pressed shirt.
Put your best foot forward
Besides the right suit, it's important that your personal hygiene leaves nothing to be desired. This means taking a good shower, wearing a subtle fragrance and giving yourself a shave, or at least making sure your facial hair looks well-groomed. Also make sure your nails are clean and not too long or ragged. Naturally, you make sure to brush and floss your teeth properly. It also never hurts to have some mints on hand, especially if you're fond of a cup of coffee or a döner kebab with extra onions and garlic sauce!
Try a touch of old-school romance
According to tradition, a man invites a woman to a gala (in a leap year it's the other way around), exchanging invitations with each other. The woman invites the man for a cup of tea to give an unspoken answer. If there's no refreshment, there's no interest. If you get a biscuit, you go as friends. If there's pastry, the woman isn't entirely convinced yet and you have to do your best to impress her. If you get a cream cake, you go as an official couple. Unwritten rules (also known as mores) dictate that the man brings a corsage matched to the colour of his date's dress. In addition, the man picks the woman up and also ensures she leaves again with appropriate transport.
Don’t forget your table manners
During a dinner, it's important to remain polite and respectful towards the other guests. It's important here to follow the lead of others. For example, you wait to take your seat until everyone else does. Make sure you use the cutlery in a calm and proper way, without too much noise. The napkin is only for wiping your mouth during the meal. Only talk when your mouth is empty and chew with your mouth closed. Naturally, you stay aware of how much alcohol you consume that evening. It's not done to walk around drunk at a gala.
