RSVP Etiquette

The Meaning: The term RSVP comes from the French expression “réspondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “please respond.”

What it does not mean: RSVP does not mean, “respond only if you are coming,” nor does it mean, “respond only if you are not coming.” “Regrets only” is the term for the latter instance.

The Importance of RSVP: responding to an invitation assists in --
• Planning for minimum requirements for hotel room blocks
• Planning for banquet halls and breakout room requirements
• Planning for printed material
• Planning for place settings
• Determining the number of servers and bartenders required
• Planning for food and beverage quantities
• Planning for swag bags and/or party favors
• Determining dance floor size requirements
• Floor plan layout
• Finalizing programs
and much, much more…

6 RSVP Etiquette Tips:
1. If an invitation includes an RSVP, all guests are obligated to respond by the specified date on the invitation.
2. If there is no “reply by” date, the general rule of thumb is to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.
3. If a social invitation does not include an RSVP, it is still considered polite to respond accordingly.
4. All business and/or non-profit events require a response. If you are making a charitable contribution but not attending the event, RSVP appropriately and do not attend unannounced.
5. In keeping with today’s Greening efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, an invitation may come via email (try Evite). You are still obligated to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.
6. For the more formal events that choose to send invitations via snail mail but opt to set up an RSVP online (try My RSVP Live), telephone, or a personalized website, be sure to respond within 24 to 48 hours of receipt if there is no "reply by" date.

Who Should RSVP?:
1. If you are sending a representative(s) to corporate and non-profit events, the RVSP should specify whom and/or how many are attending on your behalf.
2. For social and private events, all invitees must RSVP.
3. If the invitation allows for extra guests, and you intend on bringing additional people, be sure to indicate how many extra people will be accompanying you. Typically, it is polite to add no more than 2 extra people per invitation.

Final Tips:
• Be sure to communicate all last-minute changes.
• Be sure to communicate any conflicting events and respond by the specified date.
• Be sure to communicate any special dietary requirements well in advance. Remember, this is different from dietary preferences.
• Arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately and in keeping with the theme of the event. (i.e. Black-tie, formal, business etc.)
• Network and Enjoy!

Sample Invitations, RSVP cards, and favors:
(click on the text below the image to be linked to the sample's corresponding site)

wedding invitation and RSVP card

cocktail party invitation

themed party invitation

golf tournament invitation, RSVP card,
and thank you card

"Hand in Hand" eco-friendly server set & favor

"We Clicked" mouse pad wedding favor

plant favor in drawstring bag
made from 100% organic cotton

Birthday Cakes for Kids

What do kids look forward to the most at a birthday party? The birthday cake! Enjoy these amazing cake designs courtesy of Parenting.com, where they also share the step-by-step recipes for you to make all of these unique cakes on your own! Here are a few of my faves:

For more DIY ideas for kid's birthday parties, check out a previous post of mine called Quirky Kid's Lunch/Party Idea.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Nametag Protocols

Q: If name tags/badges are used instead of a lanyard, do you know what side to pin it on?
A: The right side.

After some research, here is what I discovered:

Per the Etiquette Diva Emily Post: "Although it is easier for right handed people to put a name badge on the left side, they correctly are worn on the right side so the person shaking hands or greeting has easy eye contact with both the person and the badge as a way to help remember the name or to see where he/she is from, etc. This is the purpose of wearing the badges in the first place."

However, per Scott Ginsberg:

There isn't a single book on networking, meeting planning or interpersonal communication that doesn't say nametags should go on the right... [they] say you should wear your nametag on the right hand side so it is visible in the direct line with your handshake. For the most part, I agree. And so do most people. This is one of the few nametag protocols most people are familiar with.
On the other hand, the horizontal placement of your nametag should be dependent on the capacity in which you are wearing it. For example, if you work in a hotel, in retail, at a trade show or any other mobile environment where there are aisles, rows and hallways, consider the possibility of wearing your nametag on the left side of your chest so it is most visible to oncoming traffic. (If you live in a country where you walk on the right side of the path.)
Now, this is a debatable issue. But the bottom line about horizontal placement is this: it doesn't matter which side of your chest the nametag lays, as long as it's above your breastbone and readable from 10 feet away.

Who knew this was debatable? Please feel free to chime in!

MILAN - Baltimore, Maryland

MILAN is Baltimore's first upscale, eclectic Italian Restaurant and Lounge and is located at the threshold of Baltimore’s Little Italy. The restaurant offers Italian/Mediterranean infused cuisine and boasts a one-of-a kind Sushi bar. Complimenting the menu is a selection of top rated Italian wines and cocktails inspired by world-renowned fashion designers. It has three levels and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining throughout the year, and is considered to be a premier venue, “Where food meets fashion!"

We were honored to be on the guest list last week and we really enjoyed the space, food and music. To sum it up: a beautiful, classy, sexy, and great addition to Baltimore, as this is something you would typically see in DC, New York, or California!

Here are some pictures of our time there:

Entrance

Lower Level Lounge Area

Intermezzo Coffee & Wine Bar

Restaurant AreaOutdoor Patio

MILAN would be perfect for a small, intimate event or a rehearsal dinner! Check them out!

Question of the Day: Posed by Sales Coach Saundra Hadley

"We all know it is important to acquire that client that will not only appreciate your services but reflect your company's brand. But we know that bills come in every month and you can't respond to your electric bill, "Sorry, my target client didn't hire me this month." So, what's a small business , fighting the poor economy and rising expenses to do?"

Her Advice:
1) First be sure you aren't lowering your "brand" standards so much that you are putting yourself and your business in jeopardy.
2) Do not work for free. Do not work for free. Do not work for free.
3) Set clear boundaries and limitations so that you will not be taken advantage of and still make a profit.
And,
4) Know that you are not alone. Not every wedding is dripping with Phalaenopsis orchids and crystals from the ceiling. But it is okay.

I totally agree with Ms. Hadley. This holds true for any event type: be it a corporate, wedding, social or private event and, is even more prevalent in today's economy as budgets are lowered but expectations are still high. So, what is the solution? This is where our expertise and creativity as Special Event Planners comes into play.

Your thoughts?

For the Guys

Lately, I’ve been getting many questions about formal attire from the 'gents. They stated that be it a wedding, corporate, or social event the women run out and buy a new dress and accessories... so they asked, shouldn’t they, too, run out and buy a new suit? And, the next question was obvious: what should they buy?

Style is a very personal thing and careful consideration should be taken when purchasing and/or renting. Try not to go with something just because it is in style or because your favorite public personality is wearing it. Take your friends and make a shopping event out of it. If it is a wedding, involve your fiancee and get all the particulars about the bridal party style and colors.
Image courtesy of Jim's Formal Wear

Understanding event dress codes requires an education in sartorial elegance and for the dapper gents, its all in the details and the accessories. Typically, there are five categories -- Black Tie, Formal, Semi-Formal, Cocktail, and Business:

• Black Tie: The rule of thumb is that it calls for a bow tie. However, you can always put on your best black tie. For the younger guys who don’t like regular ties, you can put on your favorite skinny black tie. A tuxedo with satin lapels, classic notch, and black buttons with a classic white shirt is recommended as it is versatile for weddings to formal events.

• Formal: This is the traditional term or sometimes a synonym for black tie. A tuxedo, a black velvet jacket, formal dark three-piece suit or a standard dark suit will work. Again, stick to the classic white shirt. Today, traditional/cultural garb is also accepted as formal attire.

• Semi-Formal: This is the most difficult of the categories as it covers a broad range, but the rule of thumb is to steer clear from black, which as previously addressed, denotes formal and black tie. This can be anything from traditional/cultural attire, pinstripes, white jacket, regular suit and tie, sweater or blazer with trousers or dress jeans, to khakis and white pants in the summer.

• Cocktail: These events are usually in the evening and are not a sit-down affair. Typically, it allows for finger food, drink in-hand and working the room to mingle with the guests. You can jazz up your regular black suit with attention to your accessories for example, a pocket square, a tie bar, a vest, or substitute the suit jacket with a blazer.

• Business attire: This means the event is happening immediately after work and guests are coming straight from the office. Any nice suit will work although grays are highly recommended.

This article will not be complete without addressing the shirt and accessories. This is where ladies understand that, no matter how beautiful the outfit, what you wear underneath and how you accessorize will either make or break the outfit. This holds true for men as well. Consequently, selecting the appropriate dress shirt and accessories for any occasion will add to the finish look of your suit.

There are three must have shirts:

• Basic White: This is now a favorite among many and every man should have one crisp, white cotton shirt with a collar and cuffs. This extremely versatile shirt can go from office to formal wear by simply changing the color of the suit and accessories. Another must have white shirt is one with a French cuff, which when worn with a nice pair of cufflinks, gives you that haute couture look.

• Solid Colors: Most solid colors and/or neutral toned shirts will work well with any suit and tie in your wardrobe and can dress you either up or down. For example, you can dress up a pair of jeans with a nice solid shirt, which looks great inside any suit. By far the most popular solid color is the light blue shirt, which looks great with any suit, jeans, and skin tone.

• Pinstripe: This is another great versatile shirt whereby any color or stripe will do well for work or play, although caution must be taken when selecting a tie. Generally, a solid tie works best.

Last, but equally important are the accessories:

• These are the finishing intricacies to give you that GQ and/or haute couture look! Articles such as silver cufflinks, white pocket square, skinny leather belt, wingtips, and tie bar will set you apart from the rest of the herd at any event.

The above is just a basic guideline; however, there are many other details to consider such as: jacket lapels, shirt collars, pant cuffs, jacket breasts, buttons and more that go into selecting and putting together of a great and versatile wardrobe. Fortunately, there are many expert helping hands in today's men's formal wear stores to assist you.

If all fails, custom make is the best alternative. I stumbled across a site by some young innovative people who offer men a chance to design their own shirt. Check it out: http://www.blank-label.com or you can Ask the Style guy at GQ.

Good luck on your next shopping adventure!