HOW TO - LOOK LIKE YOU GO TO RED 
CARPET EVENTS ALL THE TIME

Your guy should open all doors for his girl and close them behind you. This goes for at home, the limo and at the formal.

Let your guy pull out your chair for you.  Once you've sat down, put your napkin across your own lap.  Your guy will look after his own napkin.

Be a good date. OK, he may not be Robert Pattinson or the hottest of hotties of the year, but he's still your date. Don't leave him hanging around like a bad smell while you and your girlfriends nick off.  You'd hate if he did that to you, right?  Try chatting about stuff that you know you two have in common like classes, what happened on Home & Away last night.  And don't forget to compliment him on how good he scrubs up.  You never know, he could be someone you'd like to get to know a little better...

Wait until everyone at the table has been served before you start eating.

Eating properly is like a minefield!  Don't scoff your food.  It's not a burger and fries after all!  Basically, while we don't want to sound like your olds, just chew with your mouth closed and get your elbows off the table.


THE TABLE SETTING - WHAT IS WHO'S???

The cutlery is always tricky but if you start at the outside for entree and work your way in, you should be OK.

Your drinking glass will be on the right hand side and your bread and butter plate will be on the left. 

Keep your knees together when you're sitting.  Whether your dress is long or short, you'll always look more elegant sitting properly.   Who wants to look like Amy Winehouse anyway???  This also helps to minimize creases in your dress.

Your formal is the night for fun, not cat fights and tears.  If you're addicted to the drama, lift your game just for tonight and be the mature and elegant chick you know you really are.

Don't talk through the speeches. I know they sometimes drag on but it's just bad manners.

Always say please and thank you to the waiters. You'll find you get much better service.

Wedgie alert!  If this happens, do not pick it out in public!!! Discretely go into the loo and do it there.  While you're there, do a once over in front of the mirror, check that no food has lodged itself between your teeth and top up your gloss.

Be safe. If things aren't going well or you're not getting into it, let your date know you're a bit tired and would like to go home.  If your folks can't pick you up, grab a cab.  Pre-program the local taxi company's phone number into your mobile and order a cab.  Always-always-always wait for the taxi in a well lit area and have a friend or teacher wait with you until it arrives. 

Guys, always be respectful ... how would you want your little sister to be treated by a guy at her own formal?   If she wants to go home or doesn't want to do what you want to do, respect that and make sure she gets home safely. Order her a taxi and make sure she has some money or call her parents to come and pick her up. Wait with her until her ride arrives.

Be memorable for all of the right reasons ... You don't want to be the talk of the school for anything other than how gorgeous you looked.  It might seem like the right time to let loose and do something really wild but you'll only regret it later.  Come on, do you REALLY wanna end up looking and feeling like you've out drunk/drugged Amy Winehouse??