Even though my friend was the mother of the groom and not in charge of the wedding,  I knew the weekend affairs would be lovely because of previous parties I had attended given by my friend.  This one was, however, going to be even more special.  Some of the people hosting parties and attending the wedding are famous dignitaries.   I knew the events would be first class and sophisticated.  Often when a person receives invitations such as these, they immediately think “Do I know how to handle myself in this situation?”  You know the reception will be a very formal dinner with four or five courses served. You think “Will I know which fork to use?”   You also know that there will be many new people and some dignitaries who you will be meeting.  You then think to yourself    “Do I know how to greet someone properly and how to introduce people properly?”  All sorts of etiquette questions run through your mind when you think of the type of  situation you will be in at the affair.

Fortunately, I was taught etiquette at an early age growing up in my small hometown.  Manners were just a way of life.  I was most fortunate to have the benefit of learning manners and practicing them so that they became second nature.    In most social situations throughout my life, I have felt properly prepared.  After receiving my  certification as an etiquette consultant, I feel even more confident of being able to handle myself in various social situations. I knew  I could attend the wedding festivities and not worry about feeling uncomfortable or out of place with my manners.   None of us likes to be placed in a situation where we don’t know what is proper.  It embarrasses us, and this hinders our ability to shine as the wonderful people that we are.

If you feel the need to polish your manners, read an etiquette book or better  yet, take an etiquette class.  You will be amazed at how much you will learn, and you will find that it is not an overwhelming task to learn some new etiquette tips.

If you have had an experience where you were not prepared and would like to share it, please do.  Or if you were in a situation and your manners led the way, please share this.  Any comments are welcome.

Questions or comments are always appreciated.

Ginny Brown
The Etiquette School of Northeast Georgia
Hoschton, Georgia (Hamilton Mill area, Dacula, GA)
Email Ginny Brown
678-889-4814 office
770-296-4159 cell

http://etiquette-blog.com

The groom never put his  napkin in his lap, talked with food in his mouth, smacked, didn’t know how to use his utensils properly while eating or resting, didn’t know the proper way to order food, etc.  Obviously, he needed help even though he didn’t realize it.  What bothered me and the etiquette  consultant which the bride hired was how the bride spoke to her future husband.  She constantly put her groom down, made very sarcastic remarks about his dining skills, and was  all around obnoxious in the way she spoke to him.  What she didn’t realize was that her behavior was very ungracious.  She was showing very little respect for her future mate.  Her offensive behavior  was as rude as her fiance’s dining manners.  One thing she kept harping on her fiance about was putting his elbows on the table.  One night at dinner, she probably told him to keep his elbows off the table at least six times!  What she didn’t realize is that there is a time when it is permissible to put ones elbows on the table.  After witnessing this, it was clear that she could use some polishing of her dining skills.

I think the idea of hiring an etiquette consultant or coach to polish your dining skills for an important event is a great idea.   None of us wants to put ourselves in a situation where we embarrass ourselves, our partner, or our host.  However to be a truly gracious host, your job is to make  your guest feel comfortable and not out of place.  I don’t know if any of you have seen this show or one like this.  If so, I’d love to hear what  you think.  Also, if any of you have used an etiquette consultant or know of someone who has, I’d like to hear your comments on this also.

Questions or comments are always appreciated.

Ginny Brown
The Etiquette School of Northeast Georgia
Hoschton, Georgia (Hamilton Mill area, Dacula, GA)
Email Ginny Brown
678-889-4814 office
770-296-4159 cell

http://etiquette-blog.com