For a young man to pull off the perfect prom or graduation, he need only respond well to a series of cues over the evening.
Victoria manners specialist and consultant Elizabeth Backman of Pro-Etiquette offers a few pointers to ensure a perfect date, beginning with the fallback rule for every surprise.
“No. 1, always be a gentleman,” Backman said. “There is probably little else for a guy to pay attention to other than be an old-fashioned gentleman.”
“Chivalry is not dead,” she said.
• Start with being on time. There is no such thing as fashionably late when you are picking up your date for a grad.
• Go to the door and knock or ring the bell. Do not honk the car horn. Do not text or telephone your arrival. If you are with a group, leave your pals in the limo and go to the door alone.
• Meet the parents and shake hands. It’s a special night for them, too. They will likely want to take some pictures. Be prepared with a smile.
• Discuss any curfew times with her parents and stick to it. You don’t want the night to end on a bad note with an upset father.
• Pay attention to grooming. Nails get clipped and cleaned. Get your hair cut a week before. Go easy on the cologne.
• Open doors for your date. Some women may not like it. So consider asking: “May I get the door?” “May I take your coat?” “May I help you with your chair?”