United States presidential inaugural balls are large social gatherings, both white tie and black tie, held to celebrate the commencement of a new term of the president of the United States. Planned and sanctioned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the official inaugural balls occur throughout the evening of Inauguration Day in the Washington D.C. area and are invitation-only, attended by guests who are issued pre-paid tickets. The president, first lady, vice president, and second lady or gentleman all make personal appearances at each of the inaugural balls held in their honor. Catered food, beverages, and live entertainment performed by national and globally acclaimed musicians are provided at the inaugural balls.
President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, wearing a gown designed by Ethel Franken of Bergdorf Goodman, arrive at the D.C. Armory in Washington D.C. for an inaugural ball held on the evening of Inauguration Day, January 20, 1961
A stereoscopic view of a ballroom in Washington D.C. decorated for an inaugural ball held for the first inauguration of William McKinley on March 4, 1897
First Lady Bess Truman, Perle Mesta, President Harry S. Truman, Margaret Truman, Edgar Morris, and Arthur Bergman at an inaugural ball held at the National Guard Armory on January 20, 1949.
President Richard Nixon with First Lady Pat Nixon and daughters Julie and Tricia speaking at his inaugural ball in the Museum of History and Technology, now the National Museum of American History, January 20, 1973.
International Debutante Ball
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The International Debutante Ball is an invitation-only, formal debutante ball, to officially present well-connected young women from upper-class families to high society. Founded in 1954, it occurs every two years at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
58th International Debutante Ball, 2012