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)
Showing posts with label etiquette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etiquette. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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.Who knew this was debatable? Please feel free to chime in!
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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Remarriages: Trends, Etiquette, and Resources
Remarriage Trends
These days, remarriages after divorce is more common. According to a 2002 study by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, statistics show:• 54 percent of divorced women remarry within 5 years
• 75 percent of divorced women remarry within 10 years
• Black women are the least likely to remarry
• White women are the most likely to remarry
However, a new 2007 report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that in 2004 (the year of the study):
• 12 percent of men and 13 percent of women had married twice
• 3 percent each had married three or more times
• 58 percent of women and 54 percent of men 15 and older had married only once
Social stigma dictates that second marriages should not be formal, extravagant or elaborate celebrations, but rather quiet and small ones. The importance should be placed in the fact that it is still the celebration of the union of two people who have found one another, love each other, and have a chance at life filled with joy, happiness, and that “happily ever after” that everyone deserves.
Second Marriage Etiquette Guidelines:
This may vary from one culture to another.
Please remember to be respectful of all traditions.
Please remember to be respectful of all traditions.
• Announcements: before officially and formerly announcing the engagement, it is important that if there are children involved, they should be the first to know. Followed by parents and the ex-spouse. Then, if the couple so chooses, via the newspaper, email or engagement party.
• Engagement Party: no rules, although typically not hosted by the parents or the couple. Most couples choose to have a small intimate dinner out with friends and family instead of having a party.
• Invitations: these can be simple, or elegant and elaborate but should be in theme with the wedding style.
• Whom to invite: etiquette dictates that the former in-laws and ex-spouses, no matter how close they may be, should not be invited.
• Bridal Showers: this is optional and again, there are no hard and fast rules; but it is recommended that it be small and intimate affair for very close friends. As in the first marriage, only those attending the ceremony and reception should be invited to the shower. Do not invite anyone that isn’t invited to the wedding. It is typically hosted by the bridal party. Those invited to the first wedding shower should not be invited to the second and if they are, they are not obligated to bring a gift.
• Gift Giving: these couples are typically already established in life and have accumulated more things than those in their first marriage. If they have not registered and already have a house, it is advisable to give them elegant crystal or china or make a donation to their favorite charity.
• The Wedding Dress: there is no hard and fast rule about not wearing a wedding dress and with the infinite choices available these days, there are many styles to choose from. Remember, it is your day and you want to look beautiful. Th bride can wear any color even white, as it no longer only symbolizes purity.
• Bridal party: it is optional, not necessary, to have attendants, a processional, or someone to walk you down the aisle.
• Rehearsal Dinner: optional.
• Ceremonies and Vows: can be civil or religious. If both bride and groom have children, be sure to involve them in the ceremony if they want to be included. There are many unique ways to incorporate children in the wedding for example: lighting a family unity candle versus the traditional one, unity sand pouring ceremony, escort down the aisle, being one of the attendants or doing a reading, and more. You can personalize your vows to include the children, if you have any. If it is a religious ceremony, be sure to check with your officiant as to what might be different from the first marriage vows.
• Reception: can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Many couples choose to omit the tossing of the bouquet and garter. The receiving line includes the couple and their children, if they have any. Some of the more traditional toasts may be omitted.
• Honeymoon: yes, you may still go on a honeymoon. If both couples have children, you might like to consider a honeymoon that will include the children -- a “FamilyMoon,” a term coined back in 2004. The latter has been a growing trend for many couples who want honeymoons to include their children, which makes for good bonding experiences. Many foreign and domestic destinations are now family-inclusive. For example, beach resorts in Negril, Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia and Antigua to name a few. Other options are to take a Disney or other similar cruise and/or find domestic locations. For more info, go to: www.adventuresbydisney.com, www.austinlehman.com, www.beaches.com, www.butterfield.com, www.carnival.com, www.disneycruise.com, www.ncl.com, www.princess.com, www.eliteislandresorts.com, www.winjammer-landing.com.
In a nutshell: make it the most memorable and enjoyable day of the beginning of your happily forever after.
Resources for the blended family:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)