Prom With An Austrian? Here's How To Ask Them Out

In Austria, prom, or Maturaball, is held at the end of the first semester, and is a grand affair with attendees in tuxedos and ball gowns. It is common for Austrians to be punctual, so it is important to be on time for the Maturaball. If you are planning to ask an Austrian to prom, it is advisable to do so in person, but a phone call is also a good option. When asking, be direct, polite, and confident, and keep it short and casual. If you are unable to meet in person, a text or phone call will suffice, but avoid making it seem like a last-minute decision.

Asking in-person vs. asking online

Asking your Austrian crush to prom in person is a bold move, but it can be a memorable and meaningful way to extend an invitation. Austrians value direct and honest communication, so an in-person invitation is a great way to demonstrate that you're interested in their culture. It also shows that you're confident, brave, and not afraid to take risks. If you're worried about face-to-face rejection, asking online might be a better option. This gives you more control over the situation and allows you to plan your invitation carefully. You can also get creative with your approach, using digital tools to make a fun and personalised invitation.

When asking in person, consider the Austrian norms of politeness and formality. It's important to be respectful and mindful of their personal space. Asking someone to prom is a big step, and you don't want to come on too strong. Make sure you're mindful of their boundaries and comfort level. Asking in person also allows you to read their body language and non-verbal cues, which can give you a better sense of how they're feeling. If you're close with your crush and have an established relationship, they might be more open to an in-person invitation.

On the other hand, asking online gives you the advantage of creativity and planning. You can take your time to craft the perfect message, and even include references to their interests or inside jokes. This approach might be less intimidating for both you and your crush, as it gives them the space to consider your invitation without the pressure of an immediate response. Asking online also allows you to be more playful and creative with your approach, such as using a prom poster with a clever Taylor Swift lyric or a fun meme.

No matter which method you choose, remember to keep in mind the Austrian values of punctuality and directness. If you're asking in person, make sure you don't keep your crush waiting, and be clear and straightforward with your invitation. If you're asking online, send your message with plenty of time for them to respond, and be honest and upfront about your interest in going to prom with them. Respect their personal space and privacy, and avoid making assumptions or stereotypes about Austrians.

Ultimately, the decision to ask in person or online depends on your comfort level, your relationship with your crush, and your creativity. Both approaches can be effective, and the most important thing is to be respectful, honest, and true to yourself. So, take a deep breath, plan your invitation, and get ready to have the night of your life at the Austrian Maturaball!

Using food as a prop

In Austria, the Maturaball is a formal event that is seen as a synergy of proms and cotillions. It is often a highlight of the regional ball season, which usually takes place between November and the end of Carnival. If you are planning to ask someone to the Maturaball, you may want to consider using food as a prop. Here are some ideas:

Pizza

A classic way to ask someone to prom is by using pizza. You can have a pizza delivered to your prospective date with a message written on it, such as "I know this is cheesy, but will you go to prom with me?" or spell out "PROM" with pepperoni or sausages. If you want to be more creative, you can also make the pizza yourself and deliver it in person.

Take-out Food

Order your prospective date's favourite take-out food, such as Chinese, sushi, or Italian. Then, write your promposal on the take-out box and deliver it to their door. This is a fun and unexpected way to ask someone to prom, and they might even share the food with you!

Cupcakes or Donuts

Spell out "PROM" with cupcakes or donuts. You can also write a cute message on the box, such as "It would be sweet if you would be my date to..." or "I DONUT want to go to prom with anyone but you!" This is a sweet and delicious way to ask someone to prom.

Pasta

Make your date's favourite pasta and hold a sign that says, "What's the PASTA-bility you would go to prom with me?" This is a cute and creative way to incorporate food into your promposal.

Chocolates

Chocolates are always a good idea when it comes to asking someone to prom. You can spell out "PROM" with chocolates or simply give them a box of chocolates with a note inside asking them to the dance. Remember to follow Austrian etiquette and bring a small gift, such as chocolates, when invited to someone's home.

Asking via a game or quiz

Asking someone to prom via a game or quiz can be a fun and interactive way to pop the question. Here are some ideas to make your promposal creative and engaging:

The Scavenger Hunt:

Create a scavenger hunt that leads your prospective date on a fun journey to find their prom invitation. Hide clues around your school, neighbourhood, or places that are meaningful to both of you. Each clue should lead them to the next location, with the final destination being where you're waiting with the prom invitation. This can be a creative way to involve your friends and even teachers to help deliver the clues and guide your date-to-be through the hunt.

The Customised Board Game:

Design a customised board game that incorporates elements of your relationship or inside jokes. Create a path on the board that leads to the centre, where the "Prom?" square awaits. As your prospective date plays the game, they will move their piece closer to the centre, eventually landing on the square that pops the question. You can make this a fun group activity by inviting mutual friends to play the game together, with the person reaching the centre first winning the honour of reading the prom invitation out loud.

The Trivia Quiz:

Prepare a trivia quiz that tests your prospective date's knowledge about you, your relationship, or even your school's prom traditions. Include a mix of easy and challenging questions, and offer small prizes or treats along the way to keep the atmosphere light and fun. For the final question, present them with a choice: "Will you go to prom with me?" or "What's my favourite colour?" This way, you can add an element of surprise and give them a memorable way to say "yes" to your promposal.

The Interactive Storybook:

Create an interactive storybook with a "choose your own adventure" style narrative. Write a story that takes your prospective date on a journey, presenting them with choices along the way. For example, "Turn to page 5 if you want to keep dancing, or page 10 if you'd like to take a walk outside." Make the story engaging and personalised, incorporating inside jokes or references that only the two of you will understand. At the end of the story, reveal the prom invitation, asking them to be your date for the night.

Remember, when asking someone to prom via a game or quiz, it's important to keep the activity light-hearted and fun. Ensure that your promposal is respectful and considerate, creating a positive experience for your prospective date regardless of their answer.

Asking with a gift

When it comes to Austrian culture and social norms, people generally follow a formal, polite, and reserved style of communication. Austrians are also known for their directness, honesty, and straight-to-the-point attitude. With that in mind, here are some ideas for asking an Austrian to prom using a gift:

• Traditional Austrian Treats: Austrians appreciate when visitors bring gifts that align with their culture and traditions. Consider putting together a gift basket filled with traditional Austrian treats, such as local chocolates, pastries, or regional specialties. Attach a thoughtful note expressing your interest in their culture and your desire to attend the prom with them.
• Handcrafted Items: In Austrian culture, it is customary to bring a handcrafted item when invited to someone's home. You can showcase your creativity by making something unique, such as a painting, a piece of jewellery, or a personalised card. Include a thoughtful message within the gift, expressing your interest in going to the prom with them.
• Austrian-Themed Gift: Embrace the Austrian culture by gifting items that represent their country. Consider a gift basket with Austrian-themed items, such as a traditional hat or clothing accessory, a book about Austrian history or landmarks, or even a CD of traditional Austrian music. Include a note that ties the theme together, such as, "I'd love to explore Austria with you, starting with the prom!"
• Personalised Gift: Think of a gift that aligns with their interests or hobbies. For example, if your prospective date is an avid reader, consider gifting them a book by an Austrian author or a book set in Austria. If they enjoy cooking, you could give them an Austrian cookbook or a gift basket filled with Austrian spices and condiments. Include a personalised note that ties the gift to the prom, such as, "I know you love exploring new recipes, and I'd love to explore the dance floor with you at the prom!"
• Timely Ticket Delivery: Punctuality is highly valued in Austrian culture, so consider incorporating this into your gift. Purchase a prom ticket and deliver it to your prospective date in a creative way, ensuring that you do so well in advance of the event. You could attach the ticket to a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates, along with a note that says, "I know Austrians value punctuality, so here's your ticket to the prom, delivered right on time!"

Remember, when giving gifts to Austrians, it is generally recommended to keep them moderate in price and not overly lavish or excessive. The key is to be thoughtful, respectful, and timely in your approach. Good luck with your prom invitation!

Asking publicly vs. asking privately

Asking someone to prom is a big deal, and it can be nerve-wracking to pop the question. Whether you decide to ask your date publicly or privately, it is important to consider your date's personality and preferences. Asking publicly can be a grand gesture, but it may also put your date on the spot. Asking privately, on the other hand, allows for a more intimate and personal moment. Here are some things to consider when deciding between the two approaches:

Asking Publicly:

• The Grand Gesture: Asking someone to prom in front of their peers or a crowd can be a bold and romantic move. It showcases your confidence and willingness to take risks. If your prospective date is an extrovert or enjoys being the centre of attention, they may appreciate the dramatic gesture.
• Creativity and Fun: A public proposal allows for creativity and can be a fun experience for both you and your date. You can involve their friends, family, or even the entire school in the ask. It can be a memorable moment for everyone involved.
• Involving Others: If you decide to ask publicly, you can enlist the help of others to make it even more special. For example, you could ask your date's friends to create a cute poster or banner that they can hold up during the big moment.
• Consider Their Comfort: While a public proposal can be exciting, it's important to consider your date's personality. Some people may feel overwhelmed or embarrassed by such a public display. Make sure you have a good idea of how your date might react to being put on the spot in front of others.

Asking Privately:

• Intimacy and Personal Touch: Asking someone to prom in private allows for a more intimate and personal moment. It can make your date feel special and valued. If your prospective date is an introvert or prefers low-key moments, they may appreciate the thoughtfulness of a private invitation. Austrians generally value privacy and reserve in conversation, so a private ask may align better with their cultural norms.
• Direct Communication: Asking privately enables you to have a direct conversation with your date. You can express yourself clearly and gauge their reaction immediately. This approach aligns with Austrian etiquette, which values a formal, polite, and direct style of communication.
• Flexibility and Customisation: When asking privately, you have the flexibility to customise your proposal to match your date's interests. For example, you could ask them during their favourite activity or at a location that holds special meaning for them.
• Time to Prepare: By asking privately, you give your date more time to prepare for prom, especially if you're asking in advance. Austrians value punctuality, so giving your date enough time to plan their outfit, transportation, and other details is important.

Ultimately, the decision to ask publicly or privately depends on your date's personality and preferences. Consider what would make them feel most comfortable and appreciated. Remember, Austrians value punctuality, so regardless of how you ask, make sure to give your date enough time to prepare for the big night.

Frequently asked questions