An elegant evening in honor of Christ the King.
Picture this scene: an elegantly decorated ballroom with a large dance floor, an exquisitely prepared meal, ladies and gentlemen elegantly dressed to the 9’s and dancing the night away. Is this a scene from a movie or of a time gone by?
Ladies, have you been looking for an opportunity to wear a ballgown or bring out a favorite formal? Perhaps an excuse to buy a new one? Don’t forget the opera gloves and tiara!
Gentlemen, what about that favorite suit or tux that’s been collecting dust? Perhaps you too are looking for a reason to buy a new one, or maybe you’ve always wanted a reason to wear a tux with tails, a top hat and gloves.
Yes, this is THAT kind of event!
Join us for this white-tie preferred event designed to bring back elegance and class to a society in desperate need of a restoration. The Royal Ball features live classical music performed by the talented musicians from Musica Vitae during the cocktail and dinner hours.
FAQ
The Royal Ball is held each year on the 3rd Saturday in October at D’Amore Banquet Hall in Joliet, IL
What is the attire?
This is a white-tie preferred event. Modest formal attire is required. See attached Pinterest Board for ideas and affiliate links.
What does white-tie preferred mean?
White-Tie refers to the tie men wear with tuxedos which indicates the level of formality for an event. White-tie is reserved for the most elegant of events. White-tie preferred means tuxedos with tails are encouraged but NOT required, a suit and tie can be substituted. The tie does not have to be white. Feel free to add a top hat and gloves….dress to the 9’s gentlemen!
Do gentlemen have to wear tuxedos?
Tuxedos are encouraged but NOT required. A suit and tie can be substituted.
Do ladies have to wear a ball gown?
Ball gowns are not required but ladies are more than welcome to come in a ball gown. That said, this is a formal event so we kindly ask that ladies come in modest floor-length formal wear, please no low-cut dresses or dresses with cut-outs or slits above the knee, remember you are daughters of a Heavenly King! Feel free to add opera gloves and tiaras….dress to the 9’s ladies!
Will a lady be underdressed if she wears a formal gown and not a ball gown? Will a gentleman be underdressed if he wears a suit and tie instead of a tuxedo?
No, there are many ladies who wear modest formal floor length gowns and many gentlemen who wear suits and ties. We know that formal wear is expensive for both men and women and we don’t want that to be a deterrent. The event is white-tie optional so that those who want an occasion to dress up super fancy have an opportunity to do so. That said it is a formal event so at a minimum ladies need to be dressed in modest formal attire and men at a minimum need to be dressed in full suits and ties. Resale shops, Facebook marketplace, Ebay and even estate sales are great places to find affordable formal wear for both men and women.
Do I need to register and purchase a ticket?
Yes, as this is a formal event with a catered buffet dinner and open bar, registration with a pre-purchased ticket is required.
How is seating being arranged?
Those who purchase a table of 8 will have a table reserved for their group along with all the place cards for their group at their table. Everyone who purchases a single ticket will have a place card with their name on it, which they will collect at check-in and take to their desired seating.
If I purchase a single ticket, can I sit with a table group?
If you arrive early, you will be able to find a table nearest the table group you wish to sit with. You are also welcome to coordinate with friends and family who also purchase individual tickets but your place cards will be located at the place card table.
What about food?
This is a catered buffet dinner that has been carefully selected to be gluten & dairy free. There will also be a gluten and dairy free section at the dessert tables.
What about drinks?
There is an open bar for the cocktail and dinner hours (5-7pm) and a cash bar for the remainder of the evening (7-11pm). Please be sure to bring cash to tip the bartenders as they rely heavily on tips for their living. Bartending services and specialty cocktails curated by S’ue B Plaît.
Do you offer bottles of wine and champagne at the tables?
As this event is not limited to those who are 21 and older, it is simply not possible to offer wine and champagne at the tables. Even if the event was limited to only those individuals who are 21 and over, providing enough bottles of wine and champagne for all the tables would significantly increase the cost of the event. We strive to keep expenses as low as possible without compromising the quality of the event and experience in order to make the evening affordable. It is for these reasons we have opted to offer a 2 hour open bar with unlimited drinks, including wine.
Do you offer non-alcoholic options?
The 2 hour open bar & cash bar include non-alcoholic options such as soda and mocktails.
I heard previous years’ Balls sold out, will more seats be made available?
Demand is high, the Ball has sold out every year. As this is a formal event with a sit down dinner and a dance, despite the hall being quite large, there is only so much space available for both a dining space and a dance space without compromising the either. Don’t wait to get your ticket!
I just want to come for the dancing and not the dinner, can I pay at the door?
This event is an all inclusive package, therefore, we do not sell separate tickets for the dancing portion of the evening.
Will tickets be available at the door?
A pre-purchased ticket is required to enter the Ball.
Why do the cost of the tickets go up?
As food & beverage costs increase, we are forced to increase the ticket price. Inspite of that, we still strive to keeps costs as low as possible in order to make the evening affordable; thus underselling the event given that we offer a three course meal and a 2 hour open bar in addition to a dance with dance instruction.
Is the event open to all ages?
This is an adult event that is open to mature teens aged 15-17 who are accompanied by one or both of their parents. Teens must be 15 by the date of the ball in order to attend. This event is not suitable for young children or younger teens. Nursing babies under 6 months of age are welcome.
I’d like to know if I know anyone who will be at the Ball, can you tell me who will be attending?
We do not have a public guest list available. We encourage people to invite friends and family. Many people who have come to our events have forged new friendships, so don’t be deterred if you don’t know anyone who is coming.
What happens to all the proceeds?
We try to keep expenses for each event at a minimum so we can keep ticket prices as low as possible as our goal is to provide classy events at an affordable price. This is why every member of our team pays to attend all formal and semi-formal events. Any and all profits from our events go to benefit various charities. We do not put these events on to generate revenue for our family. All profits for the Royal Ball are earmarked for church restoration causes. Profits are dependent on the number of tickets sold. The greater the attendance the higher the likelihood that there will be a profit to donate.
What are people saying about the Royal Ball?
“I found “One Dance at a Time” as a former college athlete and lifelong Catholic who was looking to pick up a new hobby while meeting people who share my values. From the very first dance event I attended, the Dance Corps have always done an incredible job helping me step out of my comfort zone by creating a welcoming, light-hearted, and fun environment — always rooted in respect and a genuine regard for upholding the dignity of each participant. Over time, I’ve met so many upstanding young adults through these dances — even folks who travel from out of state to be part of it, which says a lot about the impact it’s having. The dance events feature a great mix of classic styles along with fun contra and line dances mixed in that keep things fresh while allowing opportunities to connect and start meaningful conversations. The Garcia family (and friends) has created something really special here, and I’m honored to be a part of the community!” ~Noah
“I had the great pleasure of playing violin for the Royal Ball. Growing up, I used to daydream I was an 18th-century court musician, playing for elegant parties in regal halls. The Royal Ball was the first event I’ve done that could match that description. It was an honor to further adorn an already splendid atmosphere with well-loved baroque repertoire. Beyond my musical participation, I was so refreshed by those around me. Every lady and gentleman took great care to honor Christ the King by their dress, manners, and charity towards one another. Miss. Garcia led the dances with humor and grace, and much genuine laughter and joy was shared by all. Her clear instructions dispelled any awkwardness or uncertainty the guests might have felt. Meanwhile, Mrs. Garcia’s gracious hosting made everyone feel welcome and provided for; the delicious multi-course meal she organized would have been worth the evening in itself! Overall, the Royal Ball presented a beautiful picture of the unity and joy that comes from honoring Christ above all things.” ~Catherine
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to email us.
We look forward to celebrating the Feast of Christ the King with all of you, as we bring back elegance and class to a society in desperate need of a restoration.
