[YOUR PAGEANT NAME] — What to Expect

Welcome! This document tells you what to expect before, during, and after pageant day so there are no surprises. Please read it all before pageant week.

Key Dates

• Rehearsal: [DATE] at [TIME], [VENUE]
• Pageant: [DATE], [VENUE]
• Doors open: [TIME]
• Crowning: approximately [TIME]
• End of event: approximately [TIME]

Rehearsal Day Schedule

• 9:00am — Contestants arrive, check in
• 9:15am — Opening number rehearsal
• 10:00am — Stage walk-throughs (entries, exits, marks)
• 11:00am — Volunteer introductions, Q&A with the director
• 12:00pm — Rehearsal ends; contestants dismissed

Pageant Day Schedule

• 1:00pm — Contestants arrive for hair and makeup
• 3:00pm — Final briefing
• 4:00pm — Doors open for audience
• 4:30pm — Pageant begins
• 7:00pm — Crowning
• 7:15pm — Photos with titleholder

What Your Daughter Needs to Bring

• All competition attire (evening gown, interview outfit, talent costume)
• Hair and makeup supplies, if not using provided stylists
• Healthy snacks and water
• Backstage shoes (comfortable, quiet on hard floors)
• A good attitude

Who Parents Contact

On pageant day, please do not DM the director — she’s running the show. For questions:

• Before the event: [EMAIL]
• Day-of logistics: Contestant Wrangler, [NAME], at [PHONE]
• Emergencies: [EMERGENCY PHONE]

Where Parents Can Be

• Lobby and audience seating: open throughout pageant day
• Backstage: NOT PERMITTED during competition. Parents may drop their contestant at the check-in desk, then re-enter via the audience.
• Dressing rooms: only the contestant and authorized volunteers. No exceptions.

This policy protects every contestant and keeps the event running smoothly.

How Judging Works

Contestants are judged in four categories:

• Interview — 40%
• Talent — 30%
• Evening Wear — 20%
• On-Stage Question — 10%

Each judge scores independently. Scores are tabulated by a separate person from the judges. In the event of a tie, the contestant with the highest Interview score wins.

How Results Are Announced

All contestants are called to the stage for final results. Placement is announced in reverse order. Every contestant receives a certificate of participation regardless of placement.

After the Pageant

• Every contestant will receive her personal scoresheet by email within 48 hours. The scoresheet shows her scores by category and any judge comments.
• Photos will be distributed within two weeks.
• The titleholder will begin her year of reign; details in her separate Year-of-Reign document.

Dropout Policy

Please see our separate Dropout Policy document. In summary: full refund before [DATE], partial refund through [DATE], no refund after — but transfer to next year’s pageant is available at no cost.

Code of Conduct

Contestants, parents, and family members are expected to treat one another, volunteers, and judges with respect. Behavior that disrupts the event or is disrespectful to others may result in removal from the venue and disqualification.

Dispute Process

If you have a concern about the pageant, judging, or scoring, please submit it in writing to the director at [EMAIL] within seven days. The director will respond in writing within seven days of receipt. Judges’ decisions are final.

Questions?

Email [EMAIL]. We’re looking forward to pageant day.

— [DIRECTOR NAME] Director, [YOUR PAGEANT NAME]

Customize the schedule, contacts, and policies to match your pageant. Share this document at registration — setting expectations early prevents 90% of day-of issues.