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You didn’t think the government just comes along and foots the bill for military balls, did you? You’ve got to know better than that!

Like any other major event, military balls are paid for through ticket sales. If a service member wants to attend the ball, they must buy a ticket for themselves and their guest. And guess what—those tickets aren’t cheap.

Military ball tickets are sold on a sliding scale depending on pay level, but they’re still quite a hefty investment. Not to mention the up-front costs involved with putting on the ball itself.

Here are a few tried and true ideas to raise money for your military ball or to help defray the cost of tickets for service members.

1. Sell customized merchandise

At MilitaryBalls.com we specialize in awesome customized products like bottle openers, shot glasses, glassware and more that military units love.

Take your pick from our line of gear for the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines and customize it with your unit number or your favorite saying. Then, sell the custom item at a markup to friends and family members who want to show their support. These items also go over well with churches and community groups.

We offer guaranteed best pricing on our military fundraiser items, so you can get the most for your money and raise as much as possible. We’re happy to help you pick out the perfect fundraiser item—just get in touch.

2. Host a cookout

When the weather heats up, get the community together for a benefit barbecue and ask for a recommended per-plate donation.

Local businesses are often more than willing to step up food, equipment or free advertising to help you out in exchange for their name on a sponsor banner.

Heads up—some branches have specific requirements for events where you’re serving food. Check first to make sure you’re not going to get in hot water.

3. Make them run for it

We’re more comfortable on the couch, but for some reason people seem to love 5K races. Get in on the action and raise some money for your unit by holding one of your own.

Start promoting your race among local running groups and athletic stores about a month or two ahead. Charge an entry fee for each runner, and reserve a portion of the money for prizes to be awarded in different categories (women and men aged 20-29, 30-39, and so on).

4. Hose yourselves down

Now I can only speak for Marines, but we look pretty damn good in wet t-shirts if I do say so myself. Take advantage of your assets and hold a car wash for a good cause.

The great thing about car washes is they’re the easiest way in the book to raise money. Once you’ve lined up a business to let you use their parking lot and water hookup, all you need is some soap, sponges and signs and you’ve got yourself a fundraiser.

5. Stick it to your CO

Your commanding officer is always busting your chops—this is your chance to stick it to him under the guise of raising some much needed cash.

Set a lofty goal, say $2,500, and get your CO to take a jump in a freezing lake if you hit the mark with contributions from friends of the unit. Or, sell raffle tickets at an event like a cookout. People who buy in at $100 or more get to throw a pie in the CO’s face.

Sometimes military ball fundraising can be so, so sweet.

6. Hold a silent auction

We don’t just make event souvenirs. We also have some awesome bigger ticket items like our Rotating A-10 Gatling Gun Bar Set that make great silent auction items.

Whether you need one auction gift or a dozen, we’ll make sure you’ve got the lowest pricing available so you can maximize the amount you make from your auction.

7. Get into the holiday spirit

People are always feeling more giving around holidays. Capitalize on the season by creating and selling holiday ornaments or gifts customized for your unit.

Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are two more great options. Your unit can come up with a creative gift, like a “Dad of the Year” T-shirt that can serve as a fundraiser item. One of the funniest examples I ever saw was a baby t-shirt that said “Made by a Marine with Love.”

8. Pony up your old stuff

Don’t try to pretend like your garage isn’t full of useless crap you haven’t touched in years. Clean it out (and make the wife happy in the process) and hold a massive unit-wide garage sale.

The best part of this fundraiser idea is that there’s zero up front cost, aside from maybe printing a few road signs. Everything you make from selling your junk is pure profit to put back into your military ball!

You’re headed to your first military ball. Whether you’re a service member yourself or the lucky date of one, it can be overwhelming knowing what to expect. Not to mention there’s a lot of condescending advice floating around out there telling you that you must do this or absolutely can’t do that.

In general, military balls are unique events that come with their own set of norms and expectations. In this post, we’ll break down a few guidelines to make sure you don’t break any basic etiquette and get through your first ball snafu-free.

1. Deal with logistics

Say it with me now folks…Uber!

If your ball is at a hotel, which is likely, plan accordingly and reserve a room there. Even if you don’t plan on drinking, this is a big night and you’ll be up late. Let your hair down, stay right on site, and don’t drink and drive.

I can’t stress it enough: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

2. Understand ball attire

Probably the biggest concern, especially for military ball guests, is what to wear. Those in service have it easy. They’ll be in their formal uniform.  If you’re someone’s date, choosing your attire can be a little trickier.

For guys, wear a shirt with a tie at the very least. If you don’t have a suit, this would be a good time in life to buy one. You’re an adult! And, if you’re someone’s date to a military ball, it probably means this won’t be your only rodeo. Buy a suit for the occasion—but not a bright orange one.

For the ladies, I’m just going to say it. Don’t dress like a stripper. Even if you are one, don’t dress like it! You’re 20? Dress classy. You’re 60? Dress classy. If you were gifted with physical, um, assets, this is not the time to show them off.

3. Don’t take risks

Now’s not the time to try out that edgy new hair color, break out all the jewelry in your jewelry box or show off your previously mentioned goodies. Believe it or not, this night is not about you.

Attending a military ball is about honoring the service of the men and women there, not putting the spotlight on yourself. In short, play it safe when it comes to your appearance for the night of the ball.

4. Drinking

It's a military ball. By default, drinking is going to be part of the occasion.

Is it a wise idea to go shot for shot with your date’s buddies? No. Is it a good idea to try to outdrink the other dates? No. But if the CO (commanding officer) wants to play whiskey pong with you using EGA’s taken off Boot Marines’ dress uniforms, guess what? You do it.

The bottom line is have fun but don’t do too much stupid sh*t.

One thing that is NO acceptable—getting drunk and hitting on other people’s dates! Leave with who you came with, end of story.

5. The receiving line

One confusing aspect of most military balls is the receiving line. This is a line that most are expected to walk through to meet the person or people being honored at the ball.

As it’s a military event, there are a few standards you’ll want to follow. For one, it’s okay for you to visit your table before getting in line. This is a good time to drop off your drink, purse, or any other item that you don’t want to lug with you through the receiving line.

If you’re the date—male or female—it’s proper etiquette to stand behind your serviceman or womanin the line. It’s their responsibility to introduce you when the time comes. You’ll be introduced first, then your service man or woman will introduce him or herself.

The first person you talk to is probably the adjunct or aid of the person you’re actually there to honor. That aid will take you to the person being honored and formally introduce you both.

Shake hands with the person being honored, then move it along. Don’t lollygag or make too much small talk. This is a line, after all, and there are others waiting to move through and meet the honoree.

6. Follow the crowd

Your date is in the U.S. Military. A lot of their job is simply to follow the crowd.  Take a lesson from them and do the same at the ball.

Stand when everyone else stands. Sit when everyone else sits. If you’re supposed to respond to a reading, mouth the words along with everyone else.

Also, there will be a program at your table that should make it impossible to screw things up. It will literally go event by event, with times written for every item.   

7. You do not have a rank

My biggest pet peeve with any military event is a spouse or date thinking the rank their service member has earned has anything at all to do with them. Just because your spouse is a Captain, you don’t have the authority of a Captain. I’ve seen it too many times, spouses talking down to other people in the building because they think they have the right.

This ball is not about you. I can’t stress that enough. This ball is about tradition, having fun, and celebrating something, be it a birthday, a retirement or whatever it might be.

Another important thing to point out—even though you don’t have your service member’s rank, everything you do will reflect upon them. Don’t be the person who decides to go chat up the battalion commander about why Joe Schmoe was passed up for his promotion. It will more than likely lead to a demotion.

To sum it all up: don’t wear something stupid, don’t get too drunk, and remember you’re there to honor someone or something else. If you follow these tips, you and your date will have a great time and your first military ball probably won’t be your last!

Need a gift for a service member or event? Call or email me directly and I’ll help you find the perfect item. Email info@militaryballs.com or call 407-985-3966 x115.