Hmm, so I've always avoided formals like the plague. I don't know....I always feel really uncomfortable there. First of all, I have to go shopping for a dress *wrinkles nose*...yea I know supposedly that's really fun, but I absolutely hate shopping.

And then, you have to be going with SOMEONE..or else you're going to look like a loner. If you're not currently attached, you could ask a guy friend (speaking from a girl's perspective), but personally I find that awkward. Besides, they may get the wrong idea that you like them. I know I would if they asked me to go to a formal. So the other options is with friends. Well, okay, so you all sit there, eating potentially mediocre food, after you pay like $50 for the tickets, >$100 for the dress, and other stuff, the ride, etc. And if you like dancing, fine. If you can't dance like me, then you're just sitting there, chatting it up. WELL, you really could save the money and just hang out with your friends at a fun place rather than a stuffy room.

So I'm kind of convinced that formals are really a lot better for couples, people who like fancy formal wear, and dancing.

Haha, what are your views?

I guess I'm curious, because I'm contemplating going to the graduation formal, after 4 years ha, but I'm still kind of reluctant to go based on the above reasons.

i think they are lame and boring.
people like getting dressed up, taking pictures, and etc, but i really rather be at a good party or club than a formal.

I love formals--can't help it. Call it the preppy, white-washed girl in me, but I do. I still prefer a good house party over a formal, but sometimes, I enjoy just hobnobbing with people while we're all dressed up. Last year, I was finally old enough to go to some of the legislature parties (my dad works for the legislature). Most of my high school friends' parents are lawyers who also work for the legislature, so it was great to come home and see them. Aaaaand...free champagne, delicious finger snacks, and meeting lots of important politicians. I couldn't do it every week, but it's fun every once in a while.

-ginger

I like the atmosphere of formals, although the serving drinks and bussing tables part is a bit of a drag.

I went to a lot of formals in college (at least twice a year), cuz my SO was in a fraternity. As long as you know a lot of people there and it's a fun atmosphere, you can have a good time. Few times I went to some REALLY boring formals because I felt obliged to and it sucked. One time I was so bored I took full advantage of the open bar and fell asleep while everyone else was taking pictures haha. Anyhow, about dresses, it wasn't too much of a drag for me since I had a few dresses already (not like anyone would know/remember if I wore the same one to different formals anyway). It's not really about the dancing for me either. As long as there's good company, decent food, and a happy buzz from alcohol, it's always a great time.

gosh, i love formals! i wish there were some for me right now, but i've only been to any during my college years. what girl doesn't love the chance to wear an evening gown? it's such a fun occasion.

i don't think you need to be half of a couple to enjoy it, definitely not. you can go with a friend and have just as much, perhaps more fun than the couples. and i don't think it gives the friend the wrong idea. i mean, so many people do it... are they all thinking the other person just wants to get with them? i doubt it.

Oh, I love formals. It's just another excuse for me to don a dress and just kick back and relax with my friends. I just love the dress part.

I actually have a formal coming up (annual senior banquet) at my university in less than a month, and I've already picked out my dress and bag. It's crazy. I can't wait.

Love the part about dressing up!! :]
Because I totally didn't princess up myself for my HS prom (was still in my slight tomboyish stage), so I feel like I have to make up for it.

I like to go to almost any social occasion.

Formals are definitely fun, and what makes the event fun are the people around you. Being around boring or uninteresting people ruins the night and doesn't make it pleasant.

i went to 1 recently i absolutely love formals. there doesn't seem to be enough opportunities to wear dresses and get your hair did
it was especially fun because i hadn't gone to a formal with my current boyfriend yet so it was amazing..

if you're judging post-high school formals by your experiences of HS formals then that's probably why it sounds shittay.
i understand not wanting to go if you don't have a date but doesn't it open up a bunch of opportunities to scope out hotties ?

practice makes perfect

i didn't know how to dance either... and i paid a heavy price when i went to a club the first time. the girl i danced with danced away into some other guy. lol

eventually, i was asked out to a club a while later, and decided to go with it. the second time, my friend took the lead and kinda guided me through a bit. since then, clubbin has been pretty fun.

Haha I would rather learn through classes or something. I've always wanted to take lessons at university, but no time...school sucks. Maybe I'll do some in the summer after I gradaute.

Clubbing, I kinda find boring, really depends on who you go with. And I can't dance, so that's another downer. But the clubs i've gone to..people just chillax with beer, not even moving, just talking, so boring. And I go home smelling like pot and cigarettes *gags*. Great, more lung cancer for me. (yea I really really hate smokers who puff in your face...no offense to anyone here).

that happened to me once @ 2626 long time ago
i didnt notice @ first but she was really drunk and it seemed she was just dancing with any random guy every 20 seconds
yea... that was a sorta weird thing

i dont dance untill i get some drinks in my system
but that's only if i really feel like it

i like to carry the bottle of that nice sparkling sweetness around, pour drinks and just social with peopel
since i'm not the one paying for the bottles, i just go crazy with'em


as long as i have fun that's it

I didn't care about formals when I was a student, but now I like it. It gives me an opportunity to do something different. It's not everyday you get to attend one of these things. Grab some friends, a S/O, or whoever you want and make the best of the night.

i've only been to ONE formal since i've been in college... i usually prefer kick backs and house parties more... because at least you'll know 90% of the people going =] i always thought that formals aren't my style

Speaking of formals, I will be attending a black-tie event. It is somewhat work-related, so although I am not excited about it, I feel that it's the "showing up" counts. I'm going without a guest, but I'm thinking a number of my single co-workers will be flying solo as well.