To be a Deb or not to be a Deb?

[Texas Beta]

Originally Posted by tinydancer

In Texas, the debs mostly come from old money, socially prominent families. It is still a big deal in many cities.
My cousin was a deb when she was at TCU. I didn't want to do it, so I never put a lot of interest into it.

How do you define "old money"? I've always figured that debutante stuff was a new money thing, a social thing to make them feel more important in society. I'm not bashing it though, my sister did it, and most celebratory gatherings with booze somewhere involved are a lot of fun.

I think old money is money, or maybe large quantities of land which has been passed down for at least several generations and are already predominant in their community. I’ve never met a family like this who has put any family member up for this.

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by Texas Beta

How do you define "old money"? I've always figured that debutante stuff was a new money thing, a social thing to make them feel more important in society. I'm not bashing it though, my sister did it, and most celebratory gatherings with booze somewhere involved are a lot of fun.

I think old money is money, or maybe large quantities of land which has been passed down for at least several generations and are already predominant in their community. I’ve never met a family like this who has put any family member up for this.

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Deb balls are extremely old money......look where they were started. I don't know which balls in Texas you know of.....but take Tyler Rose Festival, for example. It is one of the most prominent in Texas and it is extremely old money. Lots of families with old oil and land/ranching money. The names that have been in it over the years are pretty astonishing.

[OleMissGlitter]

Agreed with macallan25

In New Orleans most Debutante events are for the Blue Blood of New Orleans (not the nouveau riche.) Although on occasion a nouveau or two might take part in the event. In New Orleans, most of the true Debutantes are presented in many Balls like Comus, Momus, Rex, Athenians, Bachelor's, Twelfth Night, etc....then their families have teas and parties for them at NOCC, Metairie Country Club, or somewhere very nice.

[alum]

Originally Posted by macallan25

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Deb balls are extremely old money......look where they were started.

Young women of age were presented to society in Europe for centuries. Here in the US, the debutante ball was first documented in Main Line Philadelphia.

[Texas Beta]

I know, but it seemed to me that the trend was leading more towards the new. I suppose I don't know enough about the topic!

[macallan25]

It depends on the ball and who you are/who your family is.

[PeppyGPhiB]

Believe it or not, even Seattle has a history of debutante (cotillion) balls. Most residents here would never know/guess it if they didn't grow up here, but those of us from the wealthier suburbs have heard about them. I believe they still happen, but they're very hush-hush.

[PhoenixAzul]

The only one I can think of around here in Pgh is the Medallion Ball, but it is more of an honor thing than a "social coming out". The girls do a ridiculous amount of community service and are recognized with the St. Joan of Arc medal by the Bishop of Pittsburgh.

I think that AKA and Zeta Phi Beta might also have one each in the area, but don't quote me. I seem to remember one girl I went to high school having a deb/ recognition ball through one of the NPHC sororities.

That all being said...wasn't really an option for me, nor was it my style. I had/have a particular disdain for pageantry/beauty contests/cotillions/antiquated social traditions (IMHO) . If you want to do it, that's great, but my family doesn't have the time nor the money to do it.