Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good party? And in New York City, there are more than enough to get a girl excited. But aside from the traditional gallery or restaurant openings, there is another breed of party that we New Yorkers really look forward to, and that is a gala. 

A gala is much more formal than your traditional after work soiree. Packed to the brim with celebrities, models, and New York cool kids, galas are the place to see and be seen. Usually put together to benefit a charity, foundation, or even a museum, it's a night where New Yorkers all come together to drink champagne and toast to a very worthy cause. So after attending last week's Dior International Gala Pre-Party at the Guggenheim, I thought, why not share my insight into the world of New York City galas? But before you get out your ball gown and sparkly shoes, here are a few things I've learned from attending a gala (or dozen) that you should know before heading out for your big night.

[Photo via @cvazzana]