2026 Debutante Season
The Ballet Women’s Committee is excited to celebrate this year's Debutantes.
The first required step is to complete the Debutante Information Form, available in the dropdown menu below. Please review all information for the 2026 season, including payment links.
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Date of the Ball
The Poinsettia Debutante Ball will take place on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at Marriott Grandview Birmingham.
Rooms Available: $159 plus tax until December 1, 2026.
Please fill out the form ASAP and complete all required fields.
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The non-refundable presentation donation covers the costs associated with the Debutante’s presentation at the Poinsettia Debutante Ball, 8 complimentary reserved seats, and 8 tickets. This donation also includes the Debutante’s bouquet and the boutonnieres for the father (or presenter). The non-refundable presentation donation is due April 30. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Guest. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please make checks payable to the Ballet Women’s Committee, or pay online through the BWC website. Links provided below. If using a mobile device, you may need to scroll to the bottom of the page to access the cart.
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Each debutante will need to order 10 personalized calling cards. Please place your order through this link. Cindy will provide the BWC with the calling cards to add to each invitation.
Invitations
Each Debutante will fill out an online guest list for 8 invitations. Please ensure all titles, street addresses, and states are correctly entered.
Due October 1, 2026.
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Each Debutante is required to submit a high-resolution digital file headshot (photographed in a drape), which will be used for newspaper publicity and the Poinsettia Ball Program. Photos are due June 1, 2026.
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Debutantes’ Announcement Party:
Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, at The Club. More information to follow.
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Mother-Daughter Tea:
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm -3:30 pm
Location: Candi Peeple’s, 4334 Kings Mountain Ridge, Vestavia Hills, AL
PARTY INFORMATION
Each Debutante and her parents are required to host a party for all the Debutantes in her class. Parties can be hosted individually, co-hosted with other families, or organized by friends.
The Debutante Board Members should be included on the guest list, but their attendance is not mandatory, and they should not be included in the party costs. Board members who do attend will be there to support your daughter and the event. To streamline communication, please only send invitations to Liz Guest (Ball Board President) and Sarah Bryan (Social Chairman), who will inform the other board members via email.
Party Coordination: All parties and their themes must be booked through Sarah Bryan, our Social Chairman. She is also available to assist with finding a co-host or helping with party planning. Every debutante is required to be part of a party group, and all debutantes must be invited to each event.
Contact Information: Sarah Bryan
Email: sarahpbryan@gmail.com
Phone: 205-951-0913
When planning parties, be sure to check for conflicts with college schedules, football games, sorority events, recruitment, or any other events that might overlap with Debutantes' availability.
Debutante Attendance: We encourage all Debutantes to attend as many parties as possible. Keep in mind the effort and costs involved in hosting a party, and be considerate when responding to invitations.
Each Debutante will receive an invitation by mail. Parents, please ensure you check your mail and respond accordingly.
If a last-minute emergency prevents attendance, please notify the host or hostess as soon as possible.
After attending each party, remember to send a thank-you note.
Party Favors: Party favors are optional and not expected.
Publicity: The host or hostess is responsible for promoting their own party.
Parties from the Past:
Debutantes & Dads – A Waltz Lesson
Bath Bomb Making Party
Petals & Punch – A Flower Styling Event
A Mahjong Party
Charcuterie Teacup Party
Contacts for Assistance:
Aimee Gray (Bloom and Petal)
940-205-8746
Chris Ross (Mahjong)
256-505-1900
Emily Bailey (Waltz)
205-243-5677
Corinne Sweet (Charcuterie)
205-261-9853
Cindy Cherry (Invitations)
205-862-4210
Laura Catherine Mason (Banners)
205-602-8472
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BALL NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
The Poinsettia Debutante Ball Board will provide an official photographer for the evening of the ball.
Here's what you need to know:
Family Photos
• Each Debutante will be assigned a photo time in November by Zap. *Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your assigned photo time.
• These photos include immediate family only: Debutante, Presenter, Parents, Siblings, Grandparents.
Additional Photos
• After the presentation, the Zap photographer will be available for photos with extended family and friends.
• All photos taken will be available for purchase through Zap.
Group Photo
A group photo of all Debutantes will be taken before the presentation.
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ATTIRE FOR POINSETTIA BALL
DEBUTANTES: Full-length white or ivory gown (no ecru or cream), with a full skirt. The gown is not to be fitted to the hips or straight, and must not have any train or plunging neckline. Some pearls, white beading, white trim, or iridescent sequins are acceptable if minimal. No fur, feathers, corsages, or hair ornaments are allowed. The debutante is in the spotlight; be sure to have an adequate FULL slip underneath.
• Gloves: White satin gloves, 23 inches long, above the elbow.
• Shoes: White or nude, which may be visible depending on the gown.
• Jewelry: Minimal jewelry is required.
• Other: No visible body piercings or tattoos, except for a single earring in each earlobe.
The Poinsettia Ball Board requires all gowns to be approved by the Social Chairman.
Please Text Sarah Bryan – 205-951-0913 or Morgan Cunningham 205-441-8050. One of us must approve the dress before purchasing.
Please send a picture of your Debutante showing the front and back of the dress and the tag.
FATHER/PRESENTER: Tuxedo with white tie, vest, tails, and gloves. The tuxedo will have a coat with tails, a white vest, a white tie, white gloves, and black Patent dress shoes. Please contact Mr.Burch in Mountain Brook Village.
MOTHER: Full-length Ball gown
GUESTS:
• Men, Boys: Traditional tuxedo, black tie
• Women, Girls: Full-length Ball gown, no exceptions, pants, tea length, maxi gowns are not acceptable.
RETAILERS
Bridal Bliss -Homewood, AL 205-871-0002
Glitz and Gowns -Alabaster, AL 205-685-5825
Bella’s Bridal and Formal -Hoover, AL 205-403-7977
Diane’s Formal Affair - Jasper, AL 205-221-3570
Clothes Tree by Deborah -Vestavia, AL 205-822-1902
Mr. Burch Formal Affair - Mountain Brook, AL 205-871-3589
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Rehearsal
Debutantes and their fathers must attend rehearsal on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at Marriott Grandview Birmingham. The exact time will be provided closer to the date. Upon arrival, Debutantes should cast their vote for Class President, who will be announced at the ball.
*Don’t forget to bring your shoes; consider scuffing the bottoms as well!
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Tickets
Each Debutante will submit a guest list online for 8 complimentary tickets, including email addresses or phone numbers for electronic delivery. Additional tickets will be available for purchase.
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