FAQ's
JUDGING & CRITERIA
How is the Pageant judged?
Each contestant will be judged in four areas of competition; Interview, Beauty, Swimsuit and Evening Gown. Judging criteria includes character, poise, confidence and personality.
Is there a talent portion of the competition?
No, there is no performing talent required. There are four equally scored categories, including interview, evening gown, and swimwear/active wear.
Are you only looking for perfect “10’s”?
Absolutely not! Whether you’re 4 feet tall or 7 feet tall it doesn’t matter. In the swimsuit portion of the competition, the judges will be looking for physical fitness, which includes a healthy and fit body. There’s usually a wide range of body styles and types for the Top 10 Finalists each year. We’re looking for outgoing, intelligent, confident, attractive women excited to represent their state.
Are there any height or weight requirements to compete in the pageant?
Absolutely not! Each contestant in our pageant is an individual and the judges are looking for body proportion and personality, not a specific body measurement.
SPONSORSHIP
How does “Sponsorship” work?
Collecting sponsorship is very important. It takes a time commitment on your part. You start with a list of potential sponsors such as friends and family members and their employers, etc. Plan your strategy, and make a plan to succeed! Schedule appointments to collect your sponsorships. When approaching potential sponsors, explain your goals, your desire to improve yourself , the charities you believe in and your platform. Let them know what your experience will entail. This will be extremely beneficial in developing your communication skills.
Our goal is for contestants to collect 100% of the sponsorship fee. This is a tax-deductible advertising expense for those businesses that assist you with sponsorship. If you work hard on collecting sponsorship, it is possible that you will not incur any expenses out of pocket.
What if I raise more sponsorship money than the required sponsorship fee?
You may collect more than the required sponsorship fee. If you do collect over the required amount of the sponsorship fee, please send in the full amount to the state pageant offices. You may use additional sponsorsorship toward special “Spotlight ads” in the Official Program Book.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When will the national pageant be televised?
The national pageant is typically livestreamed in August each year.
When will the semi-finalists be named?
The semi-finalists in the pageant will be named during the first portion of the pageant finals on the last day of the pageant weekend. No one will know who the semi-finalists are until that moment in the pageant finals show.
If I am not named as a semi-finalist, will I still be in the pageant finals?
Absolutely. All contestants will participate in the gown review, special awards, naming of the semi-finalist, musical performances, and naming of the titleholders. You will be on stage at many times during the pageant finals, even if you are not named as a semi-finalist.
Do I need a different gown for finals than the one I wear for preliminaries?
No. We highly recommend wearing the same gown for both preliminaries and finals. Nearly all contestants at the state pageant wear the same gown for both.
What is the “Introduction or Opening Number Outfit” for?
At the beginning of the show for the pageant, each contestant will be introduced to the audience during an upbeat, choreographed introduction musical number (contestant will not sing, and the choreographed moves are very easy – you do not need to be a dancer).
If I win, will it interfere with my work?
We make your personal life our number one priority. Our program only encourages your success! Almost all of your appearances, celebrity events, and charity work will will be scheduled in advance according to your schedule.
Do I have to spend a lot of money on wardrobe?
You do not need to spend fortunes on swimwear, an interview outfit, and an evening gown. It is most important to find outfits that you will feel confident in and that best suit you and your personality. The personal choice of gowns have spanned from simple, elegant to hand beaded. But it is never the gown that the judges are scoring; it’s the women wearing it.
Do I need to pay for my meals during pageant weekend?
No. Most all of your meals throughout the state pageant weekend are provided by the state pageant. Although most of your meals are provided, we do recommend that are prepared for any additional meals that you may want.
Do I need to pay for my hotel room during pageant weekend?
Yes. Each contestant is required to stay at our host hotel on Thursday and Friday of the pageant weekend. We also suggest you stay Saturday night as we have a after-party following the competition. Also, if you are the winner, you will have your first photo shoot on Sunday which will take most of the day.
If my family or friends want to attend the pageant, where do they stay?
They may stay in the pageant’s “Host Hotel”. Friend’s and Family rates normally apply.
How do my family and friends get tickets to attend the pageant?
Ticket information will be listed on the website once they have been set.
What should I do if a sponsor gives me cash for my sponsorship fee?
If you receive cash contributions for your sponsorship fee, you may put that money into a money order or send a personal check. Please DO NOT send cash through the mail at any time. If your cash collected exceeds the sponsorship fee for the state pageant, then you do not have to send in the additional cash.
How many contestants compete at the state pageant?
We only accept 50 delegates due to space limitation at the theater. We typically fill up quite quickly.
What should my family and friends wear to the pageant?
We recommend anything from business casual to formalwear for the pageant preliminaries and pageant finals.
Do I have to have children?
No. Having children is not one of the basic requirements for entry.
Am I too old to win - Am I too young to win?
The judges are looking for a beautiful, well rounded, articulate woman. Age is NOT a factor.
Is there a height requirement?
There is no height requirement to enter or win. Our state winners have ranged in heights from 4’11 to 6’.
I’ve never entered a pageant before; do I have a chance to win?
Yes. It truly depends on the individual. Every one is given a fair opportunity to win!
What kind of woman enters the pageant?
Our pageants attract women of all ages, vocations, and backgrounds. There are auto mechanics and aeronautical engineers, doctors and lawyers, aspiring models and actresses, wives and mothers, as well as traditional homemakers.
Will I be judged on community service?
No. Realistically most married women are extremely busy with their careers and families; they are contributing to the community by virtue of serving their own families.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. We encourage our city and county titleholders to raise the entry fee in their communities. After all they have been exclusively selected to represent the married women in their areas. The entry fee covers the cost of doing business such as renting a theatrical facility, designing sets and music, as well as printing, advertising and phone expenses. Space is provided in the official program book to recognize 10 of your supporters.
Are there local competitions I must enter first?
There are no local competitions, all contestants come directly to the state competition. Local titles are awarded on a first come first serve basis.
How do I get started?
Click on your state above for an application. Email or mail it to the office along with your application fee. Once accepted we will send you a packet of information and get your local title banner ordered