Etiquette

In this author’s humble opinion, it appears we could all use a refresher course with Mrs. Post. While the days of Finishing School are lengthy gone, the want for etiquette is not. Our globe is such a quickly paced a single that we all tend to forget (and hope to be forgiven) our manners and one particular must wonder what Mrs. Post would have to say about our society. It appears lately in the news that manners are coming into concentrate much more and I hope that all of us will open our minds and our hearts to the social graces. Emily Post as soon as mentioned, “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of other individuals. If you have that awareness, you have great manners, no matter what fork you use.” It really is the sensitive awareness that I think we want to function on.

Invitation Obligations

Invitations may come in all forms. A formal invitation is a single that is on fine paper and fills 1 with excitement to open the envelope. They could be a handwritten invitation but most people print them these days. Informal invitations are just as fun to receive and there are so several alternatives for themed parties these days. An electronic invitation is readily available for those last minute get togethers. No matter the form, an invitation need to be received with the exact same very good intentions of kindness as these that had been supplied from the invitee. Although no 1 is obligated to accept an invitation, there are rules of etiquette to be followed.

· One ought to reply if there is a RSVP or Regrets request – more on that later

· If you do not want to attend, your reply should be “I’m afraid we already have plans but thank you for inviting us.” – Do not say you will be out of town and then attend an additional event for the same date

· If you accept, then you must attend. The only acceptable reasons for a alter in acceptance are illness, death in the loved ones or an unexpected, sudden out of town trip.

The RSVP

What does RSVP genuinely mean anyway? Possibly the purpose so handful of actually RSVP any longer is that they basically do not know what it signifies. RSVP is an acronym for répondez s’il vou plait. It is a French term that means respond, please. RSVP implies you Ought to reply either yes, we will attend or no, we will not attend. Regrets only, implies that you only have to reply if you will not attend, it is assumed that no reply indicates you will be there. It is RUDE not to RSVP when requested or not to show up if you did not reply to a regrets only request. It is a pretty basic program to follow.

· RSVP in the manner indicated on the invitation (by telephone, reply card, e-mail, and so on.)

· RSVP in a timely manner (within a couple of days)

· Regrets only implies just that – don’t call or send an acceptance unless you want to speak with the hostess

· If you say you will be there – BE THERE

· If you say you will not – Don’t show up at an additional party you assume is a much better offer you when you’re supposedly sick or out of town unless you don’t want to be on anyone’s guest list

· DO NOT ask to bring someone else who is not invited

· Bear in mind: “It is inexcusably rude to leave someone who has invited you to a party with no idea of how a lot of individuals to expect.” Emily Post

No RSVP – Gameplan

If you are the host and your invited guests have not responded to your RSVP and you require a count for your event, CALL them. I know it could be a small uncomfortable, but CALL them. Just say “Hey, Susie Q, I just wanted to make positive you received my invitation to XYZ party. I just need to have to turn in a count to the caterer and want to know if you and Johnny will be attending.” Far more than most likely, Susie Q either got busy and forgot to reply, or procrastinated and then felt guilty about calling. Either way, there is no harm and no foul by addressing the issue. You get your count and Susie Q may possibly believe twice the next time she gets an invitation and will RSVP for her subsequent host.

Thanks

Each and every guest must thank their hosts twice. Let’s face it, parties are high-priced and a lot of difficulty even for the most experienced party planner. Be kind and respect that. Thank your host at the occasion. A hostess gift is a nice gesture but not required. Call or send a note the next day to thank your host once again. It is just common courtesy folks, not rocket science.