The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and it is the perfect time to make your presence known with a “wow” effect. Have a blast and embrace your personality with a hat, gloves and outfit. If you plan to host a party, consider my Dallas etiquette classes and / or read on for my menu suggestions and tips for preparing mint juleps.
Proper Attire and Etiquette for the Kentucky Derby
Hat Etiquette
By wearing a hat, you project confidence and add style to the Derby festivities. Derby Day is the time to go big.
This year will feature extravagant styles. Many will have European structures with unexpected sculpture. Make sure your hat is suited for your body size and is comfortable to wear all day.
Although fascinators are trending, hats are still quite popular. Personally, I love the bold and beautiful Southern Belle-style hats with large brims. All hats and fascinators are to be worn on the right side of the head.
If you plan to wear a large-brimmed hat, I strongly recommend securing it with a small elastic band that fits behind your ears. In addition, be mindful of where you are sitting. Proper hat etiquette is to make certain that you do not get in the way of anyone close to you. Keep in mind to be considerate to others around you.
When wearing your Derby hat, make sure you keep it on throughout the day. If you choose not to wear a hat, you can be chic with a fascinator.
Derby Day Hairstyles
Be sure to style your hair to complement your hat. Choose a hairstyle that is elegant and ensure it will stay in place for the day. Consider styling your hair with voluminous curls.
If you are wearing a fascinator, you will want to opt for an elegant updo. Again, the important thing to remember with fascinators and hats is to secure them to the right.
Tips for Completing the Outfit
As for purses, choose a clutch or a small purse that complements your dress and hat. Make it small and make it elegant. Do not wear a crossbody purse with a hat. When wearing a hat, you should carry a clutch or handbag.
For the complete Derby look, make sure that you wear gloves that match your outfit. Gloves will enhance your outfit and should be lightweight.
Ladies, do not forget to wear sunglasses. Stylish sunglasses can be fashionable. Make sure they match the elegance of your outfit.
How to Serve Mint Julep Cocktails Without Turning Your Event into a Frat Scene
The mint julep has been specifically associated with the Kentucky Derby since the 1930s. It is also associated with proper attire…bow ties for men and hats for women.
First and foremost, a mint julep should be served in a silver cup with crushed ice and should be held by the top or bottom. Prechill your metal cups for at least 30 minutes and remember, the drink should always be garnished with fresh spearmint.
The mint julep is to be sipped with a straw and should accompanied with a cloth napkin. To prepare the mint julep, use crushed ice, pressed mint, sweetener (syrup or powdered sugar) and a choice of spirits (usually bourbon).
Should anyone drink too much, always drive them home or call an Uber.
Hostess Tips for The Perfect Kentucky Derby Party
A good hostess is always prepared. Have extra clothes and hats for guests who show up in improper attire. To ensure the perfect party, walk around and interact with your guests throughout the party. A hostess who stays connected to their guests will have fewer problems and guests will be more likely to be on their best behavior.
Hold your betting pool in one room. Encourage guests to scan QR codes on your TV so they can see a live total party pot on their phones. This will enable them to see how to build their own win. At the end of the race, it is proper for the host to input the official results. The basic app will calculate the portioned payout and should produce a final total for who owes who.
At private parties, most crowds prefer “old school” paper and whiteboard to track bets. Or consider preparing a spreadsheet. I recommend paper, because a digital method does not require conversation between people.
For the perfect Derby Day menu, I would suggest barbecue shrimp, green pasta salad and a pretzel board with pimento cheese. Peach chutney is always a hit when serving chicken. Finish with the classic chocolate pecan pie. Of course, chocolate cupcakes are always a hit as well.
Lastly, stand at the door and face your guests until they safely drive away. Planning your Derby Day with etiquette will make your party go smoothly. Happy Kentucky Derby Day 2026!
Looking for Dallas Etiquette Classes for Table Manners and Social Skills?
Lisa Burdette offers private and group Dallas etiquette classes for families and individuals as well as business etiquette training for professionals looking to become Polished Professionals. Lisa’s experiences training in London and Paris as well as working with businesses, country clubs and schools (such as Hotel Drover, The University of Texas at Dallas, Toyota Corporation and others) has added to her wealth of knowledge in the fields of hospitality, dining, social skills and more.
Ready to book Dallas etiquette classes with Lisa? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your private or group session today!
