SIGHTS
Limousines and expensive cars queuing up around a circular driveway, valet parking, a red carpet-type entry, ladies wearing black dresses or gowns and glittering jewelry, men in tuxedoes, hosts greeting the guests as they enter, someone checking coats and wraps, a posh environment with expensive décor, an ice sculpture, hanging chandeliers or charming paper lanterns, displays announcing keynote speakers or charity opportunities, wait staff dressed in black and white and carrying trays, tall tables for guests to gather around while hors d’oeuvres are being served, guests mingling and sipping wine or champagne, tables covered in black cloths, covered chairs, name cards to designate who will sit where, gift bags, flickering candles on the tables, floral centerpieces, crystal dishware, fine china, cloth napkins, gourmet meals, ladies checking their makeup in hand mirrors and reapplying lipstick or powder, a DJ or chamber quartet playing music, guests dancing on a dance floor, friends taking selfies together, an attendee asking a celebrity or keynote speaker for an autograph or a picture
SOUNDS
Guests being announced upon arrival, outside noises coming in as exterior doors open and close, classical or instrumental background music, high heels clacking against marble floors, coats and wraps being removed, squeaky dress shoes, people calling out to one another, laughter and chatter, cell phones ringing, waiters quietly sharing hors d’oeuvres, the quiet drip of an ice sculpture that is beginning to melt, the scrape of chairs being pulled out, silverware clinking against plates, ice knocking against a highball glass, water being poured, the amplified voice of a keynote speaker coming over the sound system, applause, the murmur of wait staff asking questions about wine selections as they pour
SMELLS
Furniture polish, floor cleaner, air fresheners, scented candles, essential oils, fresh flowers, perfume and cologne, hairspray, lotion, soap, food smells, mouthwash, alcohol on someone’s breath
TASTES
Gourmet food (scallops, shrimp, salmon, prime rib, fillet mignon), champagne, wine, water, delicate and flavorful desserts
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
Satin or silk sliding across one’s skin, itchy lace, a too-tight dress or shirt collar, heavy earrings pulling at the earlobes, new shoes that need breaking in, feeling too cool in a strapless dress, heat coming from warming pans and candles, a date’s hand on the elbow or at the small of the back, hair that is unnaturally stiff from hairspray, bobby pins scratching the scalp, struggling to juggle glasses and little plates while eating appetizers, feeling tipsy, touching up lipstick in the restroom, slow dancing with a partner, feeling unsteady on high heels
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Offending someone with one’s political or religious opinions
Calling someone by the wrong name
Drinking too much
Having to deal with officious or snooty guests
Wanting to leave before one’s date is ready to go
Having food restrictions that limit what one can eat
Getting stuck with someone who won’t stop talking
Being seated next to an enemy
Being allergic to the centerpiece or something in one’s meal
Having to attend the event against one’s will (due to a work requirement or spouse’s request)
Discovering that one has no cash with which to tip the coat-check attendant or valet
Learning disturbing information about one’s host
Being the victim of vicious gossip
Being pressured by one’s host (to go to a future event that one really has no desire to attend, to make a hefty charitable donation to a cause, to volunteer time that one does not have, etc.)
Discovering that the nonprofit organization running the event is not what it proclaims to be
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
A DJ, auctioneers, bartenders, celebrity guests, chauffeurs, guests, keynote speakers, valets, vendors and delivery people, waiters and waitresses
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Rural Volume: Mansion, prom
Urban Volume: Art gallery, ballroom, cruise ship, limousine, penthouse suite, performing arts theater, yacht
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Black-tie events can be thrown for a variety of reasons: to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, to raise money for a charity, as a social event for one’s work or club, etc. The purpose of the event, as well as the location and time of year it’s given, will determine the décor, type of food served, and clothing choices. An outside venue may find women holding on to their wraps and choosing hairstyles that will defy the wind. If a guest knows the host personally, he or she may choose to be a little less formal while still adhering to black-tie guidelines. All of these things should be taken into consideration when characters are dressing for a formal event.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
The room had grown hot with so many people, and thankfully someone had thought to open the doors leading to the veranda. A breeze skated inside, heavy with the promise of rain, tickling the candles and scattering the tabletop confetti. My shawl fluttered against my arms and my hair swayed, but with so much spray, it’d take a monsoon to do any serious damage.
Techniques and Devices Used: Hyperbole, weather
Resulting Effects: Characterization