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Module: 3

Invitations, Greetings and Dress Code

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3.1. Invitations and replies

3.2. Greetings etiquette and handshake protocol

3.3. Dress code

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3.1. Invitations and replies

At this stage, everything has been planned and agreed. You know what sort of event you are

organisingas well as where and when it will take place. In addition, you definitely know who is going

to be invited. Now it is time toactually invite the guest. There are a few popular ways used by event

planners to do this:

Handwritten invitations are usually appropriate for small, intimate affairs, where the guest list is

under 50, including luncheons, private receptions, and small dinner parties. Handwritten invitations

take extra time and commitment, so they are not best suited for larger parties. Hand-write invitations on

attractive stationery or plain white paper.

Printed invitations. Always send printed invitations to formal events or functions such as business

gatherings, and formal dinners,as well as for special occasions like showers, weddings, or events

honouring someone.

Electronic invitations. Nowadays we can send almost anything electronically, including invitations.

Electronic invitations save resources, such as paper and stamps, and provide a quick way to get the

message across. It is especially helpful if you are planning an event at the last minute and you lack the

time to mail the invitations. Many online sites offer electronic invitations, and once you have chosen one,

you can enter multiple contacts at the same time. Once you hit send, everyone on the list receives your

invitation. Some sites even let you know when your invitation has been read, so you are can be sure it

has reached the guest.

Hand-delivered. For kids’ parties and similar, you should mail or hand-deliver the invitations to the

guests’ parents. If you leave it up to the children, you can’t be sure that the invitations have been

received.

What should be included in the invitation?

Purpose of invitation: a birthday party, a wedding, a conference,etc.

Name of Honouree: Who is hosting the event?

Day and date:Saturday, August 29th. When you include the year after the date, the form “August 29,

2016” is correct. However, “August 29th, 2016”should be avoided: the “st”, “nd”, “rd”, and “th”are only

used when the date is not followed by the year.Informal invitations do not require the year. For a formal

event, include the year,but spell it out: “two thousand and sixteen” instead of “2016”.

Time: For informal events,the time is mentioned as “6:00 p.m.”, with small letters and periods for the

“p.m.” For formal events, spell out the time: “six o’clock in the evening”,“eleven o’clock in the morning”.

Use a small “o” and “c”in the word “o’clock”. Before 6:00 p.m., use “in the afternoon”; after 6:00 p.m., use

“in the evening”.

Name of venue:such as “Restaurant” or “at the home of ..........”. It is important to add the physical location

of the place. Give the street address and the city. Include the country, if you are inviting guests from

abroad. Including online driving directions or GPS coordinates might be very helpful.

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RSVP date: RSVP is an abbreviation for the French phrase “Respondezs’ilvousplaît”, which means

“please reply” (so don’t write “Please RSVP”). If you want your guests to respond to the invitation, write

“RSVP” at the bottom, on the left side. You should always include a date by which people should reply,

otherwise some may decide to leave it until the day before the event. Add the name and contact address,

telephone number, or email address of the person to guests should reply.

“Save the date”:If the event is important and but is some time in the future, then send a “save the date”

or “hold this date” card to help your guests avoid making other plans. No RSVP is required for this. Then,

two to four weeks before the event,mail or emailyour invitations.

“Dress code”: If dress code or appropriate attire is desired for your event, such as a “White & Black Dress

Party”,point this out to your guests. Otherwise, you might be surprised at what they choose to wear. It is

not necessary to specify a dress code on formal invitations, the type of the event should give the clue as

to the appropriate attire. However,“black tie preferred” or “white tie” can be included in small print at

the bottom of the invitation, and is likely to be appreciated by guests (you will find more information in

section 6 of this Module).

“Miscellaneous”: Additional information can be included at the bottom of the invitation. For example:

o Whether guests need to inform you of any special requirements they may have, such as transport or

dietary needs.

o Whether the invitation is just for the addressed guests, or whether they can bring a guest. If they can

bring a guest, do they need to let you know who it will be?If so, how should they do this?

o If the event is “invitation only”, state that guests need to bring the invitation with them.

o If the host does not want children present, you should include a statement such as “adult reception

only”.

o Information about photography at the event. Unless it is a public event, you should ensure that guests

are aware that photographs will be taken. This will help avoid issues with permissions. Guests can notify

the photographer on the day if they do not wish to be photographed

How to properly address the invitation

Your invitation should match the style of your event: is it formal, semiformal, or casual? The proper

way of addressing your guests and the wording used in the invitation depend on this.

Married couples can be addressed in several ways, though always on the same line.

1. Married with the same last name:

Mr. and Mrs. Inigo Montoya

2. Same-sex couple who have exchanged vows and have the same last name:

The Messrs. Elton and David John

3. Married with different last names:

Mr. Diego Rivera and Ms. Frida Kahlo

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4. Married with children. If children under 18 are invited, they should be listed from oldest to

youngest on the second line. Don’t forget that those over 18 should receive their own invitation.

Mr. and Mrs. Will Farrell; Magnus and Matthias; Mr. and Mrs. Will Farrell and Family.

5. Married with a title (The person with the title is always listed first)

Dr. Francine Gideon and Mr. Howard Moon; The Honourable Judge David Smith and Mrs. Elizabeth

Smith.

For an unmarried couple, those living together, unmarried gay or lesbian couples, and members of

any other type of long-term relationship, list each name in full, on a separate line, in alphabetical

order.

Mr. Richard Burton and Ms. Elizabeth Taylor.

6. A widow is traditionally addressed as

“Mrs. John Smith”,

If you feel that the guest may not want to be addressed this way, ask how she prefers to be

addressed

7. A divorced woman who has kept her married name is addressed as:

Ms. Jane Alden

When should invitations be sent?

Work in reverse from the date the invitation should arrive. Allow sufficient mailing or hand-delivery

time to address, fill, and stamp envelopes, and plenty of extra time for calligraphic printing,

proofreading, and correction.

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Wording for invitations to formal events

Always spell out full names, dates, times, and addresses. Nicknames and abbreviations should be

avoided where possible, with the exception of Mr., Mrs., Jr., and so on. You may use an initial if you do

not know the full name, or if the person never uses a given name. In regard to addresses, the only

optional abbreviations are for “St.” for “Saint”and “Mt.” for “Mount”; these can be written either way.

No periods (.) at the end of a line.

First letter of each line is not capitalized, unless it is a proper noun. For example, “Sunday, the fifth of

October”and“on Sunday, the fifth of October”are both correct.

Time and date are written out (“half past five, September first, two thousand and three”; “two thousand

three” is also correct and more formal).

Only events taking place in houses of worship should have the phrase “the honour of your presence”

used on the invitations. Otherwise, it’s appropriate to use “request the pleasure of your company”.

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Here are few examples:

Wording for casual eventsinvitations

Although for less formal or casual events,all the basic information that you communicate to your

guests remains the same, an invitation that includes a personalized verse, favourite sonnet, or

informal introduction gives your invitations a contemporary flair. Use your imagination!

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Managing replies

Before you can arrange your seating plan, food and drinks, transportation, and many other aspects

of your event, you need to know how many guests are coming. You can confirm numbers by sending

out RSVPs. As described above,“RSVP” is written at the bottom left of the invitation,which is sent out

at least a month before the event. Your RSVP should make it clear by when the confirmation of the

guest’s presence is requested. “Regrets only” responses should be eliminated from invitation

vocabulary, as it sets a negative imprint on an invitation that is supposed to make a positive

impression. Moreover, a person who is not planning to attend is probably the least likely to make the

extra effort of calling or writing, making it more difficult for you to obtain an accurate count.

To make it even easier for your guests, include an RSVP card and an envelope.

Remember that the formal invitation will be followed by a formal reply. People tend to stick to the

requested etiquette. Expect replies to formal invitations within two days.

The guest list should be updated as replies are received.

Where timing allows, leave a few days or a week after the deadline for replies before contacting

guests to ask whether they are planning to attend. If you are planning an event at which guests will

wear badges, make additional badges for any guests who have not replied, in case they turn up. You

should also have some blank badges and a marker for other unexpected guests.

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Regardless of how people reply, it’s a good idea to obtain a telephone number, as you never know

what will happen at the last moment. You may want to contact your guests to update them about the

current situation.

INVITATIONS AND REPLIES

When you have determined the day, location and time of the event, it's time to send out invitations to

the guests.

Your client will have provided the guest list.

On this list you must specify the method you use to contact and invite each of your guests.

Today, there are many channels you can use.

You can give them out by hand, send them by post or via email. Email is undoubtedly the most

economical and environmentally friendly way.

The invitation design should be consistent with the event type and degree of formality.

Contact a good graphic designer or ask if the company that hired you has a graphics department to

do the design.

In the invitation wording, the occasion of the celebration, the name of the honoree or host, the date

and place should be very clear. Also, specify if you want guests to confirm their attendance in

advance.

Include any additional information that you see fit, like maps, web links or dress codes.

As you receive the responses from the guests, update the list of those who have confirmed their

attendance.

If your client sees fit, telephone people who haven’t replied to the invitation. Perhaps they didn’t

receive it.

3.2. Greetings etiquette and handshake protocol

Working as an event manager, you will certainly deal with people from different countries, cultures,

and backgrounds. This can be fun, but also can be a little complicated. The customs and rituals

involved in greeting often differ from country to country, and unfamiliar customs may be confusing.

The situation becomeseven more complex when different greeting gestures are required between

men and women, women and women, and men and men. Luckily, the ultimate pleasant gesture is

used in every country. Although occasionally, in some cultures and under certain circumstances, it

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may have negative connotations, this ultimate gesture is seldom misunderstood and can be used in

many situations. It conveys an array of positive emotions, and as such is the great bridge-builder

between the peoples of the world. It is so powerful that it is thought to release endorphins into the

body that generate a feeling of euphoria. It is, of course, the smile.

Below are described the most common gestures, and how they differ from nation to nation.

Handshake, greetings, and kisses

In the USA, it is normal for men to shake hands when they meet, but it is quite unusual for men to kiss

when they greet each other. Greetings are casual, and a handshake, a smile, and a “hello” will do just fine.

In America, people are taught to shake hands firmly. However, a bone-crunching handshake is much too

hard.

In the UK, peopleoften simply say “hello”, followed by “how are you”, when they meet friends. In very

official circumstances, the expression “how do you do” will be used. People usually shake hands only

when they meet for the first time, and it might last for three or four shakes. It is usually the right hand

that does the shaking. Very few people shake with their left hand, and it is considered rude to offer your

hand without taking your glove off first. There are “power handshakes” that occur when one party either

decides that they are superior or simply wants to win the battle of the handshake. In this case, the right

hand is offered with the palm facing downwards. The hand on top seems to signify power. People in

sales will often offer their hand with the palm facing up. This signifies that they will be submissive in the

conversation that follows. Social kissing—often just a peck on the cheek—is common in informal

situations between men and women, and also between women who know each other very well.

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French nationals, including children. The French shake hands and often kiss cheeks as well, upon

meeting and upon parting. Between one and four kisses are given, depending on where the person is

from.Here you should take your counterpart’s lead. If she or he leans in for an air-kiss or two, follow suit.

Some French people might give you a kiss on the cheek as they shake your hand. Very rarely do the lips

touch the cheek,however; usually it is a “pretend kiss”, and only the side of the face will touch yours.

Europe. Handshakes are the standard gesture for business greeting throughout Europe. However, the

European handshake is usually exchanged before and after each meeting, no matter how many times

you’ve already met. An exception is the United Kingdom, where, as in the United States, an initial

handshake is often the only one you’ll receive. European handshakes are more formal; they should be

firm, as weak handshakes are considered limp and cold. A quick grasp and release is the norm. Finally,

it’s customary to let women and those of higher rank extend their hands first. Kissing customs vary

across European countries, and kissing is rather only used in less formal situations, where people know

each other a bit better.

In Russia, the typical greeting is a very firm handshake. Assume you’re trying to crush each others’

knuckles, all while maintaining direct eye contact. When men shake hands with women, the handshake

is less industrial. It is considered gallant to kiss women three times while alternating cheeks, and even to

kiss hands.

In Turkey, the casual standard greeting is usually two kisses on the cheek. In some cultures, the

handshake may be concluded with the open palm of the hand being placed on the heart.

In the Middle East, close male friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks. They shake hands with

the right hand only, for longer but less firmly than in the West. A grip that is too firm is considered rude.

The left hand is considered unclean. This is particularly important at communal dinners, where many

hands may come into contact with shared food, but it’s also important when shaking hands or giving and

receiving gifts. Contact between the opposite genders in public is considered obscene. Do not offer to

shake hands with the opposite sex.

In Japan, the common greeting for men and women is to bow, rather than giving a casual handshake or a

hug. The timing, posture, and movement of the bow should reflect sincerity, respect, and graciousness.

The more mature the person you are greeting, the deeper your head should be lowered. An improper

bow hints at a lack of education and maturity. If you are not Japanese yourself, you are not expected to

emulate this ritual faithfully,and a gentle nod will do. Follow your colleagues’ lead, and consider settling

for a handshake instead. In Japan, these tend to be lighter than a paw-cracking squeeze.

Chinese people tend to be more conservative. When meeting someone for the first time, they usually

nod and smile, or shake hands if in a formal situation. Expect handshakes in China to be lighter and

longer than in the West, and remember that there are different cultural expectations about maintaining

eye contact. In the Far East, it is deemed impolite for a woman to shake a man’s hand.

In India, the feet are considered unclean. Do your utmost to avoid touching any part of someone else’s

body with your foot or shoes, and if you do so, apologise straight away. Pointing the soles of your feet at

someone is also offensive. Handshakes are common in corporate settings: it is common to offer your

right hand, and once the handshake has been initiated, you put your left hand over the other person’s

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left hand. This means that the initiator is now giving a two-handedshake. The receiver may also usethe

left hand, but it is not necessary. Bowing is rare outside rural areas and particularly traditional settings.

In Latin and South America. Across most of Latin America and South America, handshakes are lighter

and longer than in Europe. Avoid being the person to pull away your hand first, unless the handshake

has gone on forever, or you might come across as rude.

Finally, in some cultures, some may refuse to shake the hands of people felt to be beneath them. If

you offer your hand for a shake and it is declined, just pretend it did not happen and carry on talking!

Personal space

Individuals each have their own needs forpersonal space. If youneed a lot of space, do notbecome

disturbed or try to end the conversation when someone moves too close to you. In some cultures, it

is normal to be “in the bubble”. In China and Latin America, if people doing businessstand closer

when talking to one another, and casual touching of the arm or shoulder during conversation is not

unusual. On the other hand, some cultures require much more space than in Europe and America.

You should also remember that some religions, such as Orthodox Judaism and Islam, prohibit

physical contact between men and women. Keep in mind that the need for personal space will differ

for everyone, depending on theirupbringing. If you are unsure, start with your own comfort zone and

let the other person move to where they are comfortable.

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Hand kisses

Kissing a woman’s hand is very much a European habit, and has recently seen a revival in Germany

and Austria. Neither British people nor Americans know much about hand kissing or how to do it

properly. A hand kissinvolves only one hand from each person and the skin is not touched by the lips

at all. It serves as a sign of respect when a man greets a woman. However, the greeting becomes

flirting when the man grabs the woman’s hand with both hands, squeezes, plants a kiss on the back

of the hand,or accompanies the entire ceremony with an open or seductive glance. Trying to kiss or

even shake a woman’s hand in Arabic cultures is an absolute no-no. Islam forbids any bodily contact

between the sexes, other than husband and wife and close family. In Turkey, it may be possible

under some circumstances for a man to kiss the hand of a much older woman as a sign of respect.

Touching

This may seem OK, but be careful. In some sects of Judaism, the only woman that a man will touch

in his lifetime is the woman to whom he is married. In Japan, Scandinavia, and England, touching is

less frequent. In Latino cultures, touching is encouraged. Generally, though, never touch a person’s

head. This may even be religiously offensive. Just don’t touch, except to shake hands. If you are

comfortable, let the other person guide what is appropriate to them.

ETIQUETTE FOR GREETINGS

Protocol has established a set of rules that are followed when holding certain official or formal

events, and that have been established by decree or custom.

As an event organiser, you must know how to greet people from different cultures and advise the

host of an event how to behave and follow rules.

Methods of greeting depend on the country of origin of the guests.

In America, men often greet, smile and shake hands firmly. Offering the left hand is usually a sign of

poor education.

In the United Kingdom a handshake followed by a "How are you?" is usual among friends.

In more formal circumstances the greeting should be more formal.

If you offer your hand with the palm up, you are implying an attitude of submission, as the giving

hand with the palm down shows more power.

The social kiss is used between men and women or between women who have some confidence.

French citizens shake hands and often kiss when greeting and parting.

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You can give one to four kisses depending on your place of origin.

Kissing can be simulated. It’s not necessary to kiss the other person’s face, it can be just a touch of

cheek to cheek.

In continental Europe, unlike the United Kingdom, you not only shake hands when arriving and

leaving, but also when something is agreed or a deal closes.

The handshake should be firm; a limp handshake is interpreted as weakness or coldness.

In Russia, handshakes are very firm and eye contact is maintained.

More gallant people kiss women three times on the cheek or even on the hand.

Turks usually kiss twice on the cheek. To conclude a dialogue, they hold the palm of the right hand

over the heart.

In the Middle East, between friends, hugging and kissing cheeks is usual.

They shake hands for longer than in Europe, but less strongly, since tightening is synonymous with

rudeness.

Contact between opposite sexes in public is considered obscene, so don’t offer your hand to a

person who is not of the same gender.

The Japanese greet leaning slightly forward.

In China, when meeting someone for the first time, you usually nod and smile.

If the situation is formal, a gentle handshake is given.

It’s frowned upon for a woman and a man to shake hands.

In India, the right hand is offered first, grasps the other person’s hand and then the left hand is

placed on top.

In Latin America, the handshake is lighter than in Europe.

3.3. Dress code

One of the crucial factors in holding a successful event is to achieve the perfect atmosphere that

enables your guests to relax, interact with one another, and enjoy the proceedings.

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There is no single action you can take that will conjure up this perfect atmosphere. It takes a

carefully planned and well-managed combination of factors, skilfully coordinated to ensure your

event is everything that could be hoped for. One factor that will help the guests feel comfortable is an

appropriate dress code. While dress code may not be an issue for casual celebrations, for more

formal events, it is entirely appropriate to describe the dress code at the bottom of the invitation. If

it’s a themed event, you may also request that form of dress.

As an event planner, you should also adapt your attire to your clients’ request and vision of the

event. Appropriate dress shows respect for the business and customers. Showing up to a meeting

poorly groomed shows the other person that you do not care enough about the meeting to bother

making an effort. When you are properly dressed, there is also nothing to distract others from your

message. It is extremely helpful and considerate to mention to your guests that your event will be

held outdoors. To do so appropriately, simply mention it in the wording of your invitation. For

example, prior to giving the location name and address, include a line that states “in the garden”,

“under the stars”, or “on the terrace”, as appropriate.

Guests will definitely appreciate a polite indication of the required dress code on the invitation. It will

also save you a time and questions regarding how people need be dressed.

Here is the list of formulas for indicating the desired attire.

White tie means ultra-formal. Women wear only long, formal evening gowns. Long gloves may also

be worn. A woman may keep her gloves on during cocktails, when dancing, and when going through

the receiving line; they should, however, be removed during dinner. Men wear a black coat with tails

and a white pique vest over a white formal shirt with white pique bow tie and black patent leather

shoes. Charity or society balls are usually white-tie events.

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Black Tie. This is usually a formal event or a party suited to formal attire. Men should wear black

tuxedos or dark suits with a long armed formal shirt and a tie or bow tie. Women preferably wear

floor-length elegant gowns. However, classy cocktail dresses that fall below the knee are now

acceptable as well. Woman wear hair in an elegant up do or partial up do, and should put on their

best jewellery.

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Creative Black Tie allows your personality to influence your formal wear. Men can go with a more

modern tuxedo—perhaps a black shirt and no tie. Women can wear long or short dresses or

separates (maybe a long lace or sequined skirt with a sleek blouse).

Formal usually means the same as black tie. If your host is especially trendy, men may wear a black

shirt and no tie with a tuxedo. Tradition, however, requires that men wear the standard tuxedo and

that women wear long cocktail dresses or dressy evening separates.

Semiformal is the trickiest of all the dress codes. Typically, it means that tuxedos are not required,

nor are long dresses. An evening event (after 6:00 pm) would still require a dark suit for men and a

cocktail dress for women. Daytime semiformal events demand a suit for him and an appropriate

short dress or dressy suit for her.

Lounge suit. Lounge suit dress codes call for a suit and tie for men (black, navy, or tan) and a

glamorous frock for women (floor length or three-quarter length). Accessories are important. For

ladies, metallic accessories are lovely; for men, a silver watch and tie (a splash of bright colour to

match your partner) is ideal.

Cocktail dress code usually means semiformal short, elegant dresses, although they dresses may

be of various lengths. For men, such attire consists of a jacket, with or without a tie, and long dress

pants (trousers). Cocktail attire is often more fashion-conscious with coloured suits and shirts.

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Business attire. On the scale of formality, business attire is more formal than casual but less formal

than cocktail attire. Business attire for men consists of a suit (usually dark in colour), including a pair

of trousers and a matching jacket. The suit is worn with a long-sleeved shirt and a tie or a polo shirt

with dress pants. Attire for women is, in its strictest interpretation, patterned after the male

standard—a suit consisting of a jacket with matching skirt or trousers, plus a blouse.

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Informal may mean the same as casual; however, when the event is associated with a wedding or

another special occasion, some form of decorum should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of

slacks and a shirt for him are informal, but respectful.

Smart casual. Usually causes the most confusion from the dress codes. This etiquette varies across

countries and even companies. Generally, safe smart casual attire is office attire with some added

accessories to dress it up a little. A smart jacket with closed shoes or heels is recommended. If you

do opt for jeans, your denim should look somewhat dressy, fresh and sharp, with no wear or holes. A

great tip for woman: add a blazer for an extra touch of class.

Casual. Casual dress is more laid-back than any other dress code. You can wear anything from a

cotton blouse to a T-shirt. Appropriate shoes are part of this dress code: Many assume that flip-flops

(thong sandals) are suitable wear, when in fact they are not. Avoid inflammatory or otherwise

offensive graphic tees.

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Nightclub chic: suggests nothing other than black and sleek.

Sophisticated resort-wear: means upscale sundress for her and subtly coloured linen trousers for

him.

Theme or festive attire means that attire should match the event’s theme. Themed attire is

becoming more common,and dress codes have expanded to fit the occasion. To encourage your

guests to dress in costume, include a specific request on the invitation, such as: “Renaissance garb

requested, but not required”. Be sure to let quests know that they may still attend even if they do not

dress according the theme. Otherwise, you may alienate guests who don’t feel comfortable in

costume.

In our increasingly casual society, there is a greater need for special dress codes. Here are common

pitfalls of dressing etiquette:

Wearing casual wear to the office (unless the company has, e.g., a Casual Friday policy)

Wearing beach wear in the city

Not dressing in one’s best at church

Wearing bright or coloured clothes at a funeral

Wearing entirely black outfits at weddings

Wearing flip-flops (thing sandals) everywhere

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Ignoring the specific dress code of an event.

When working abroad or with people from different cultures, or with very religious individuals, you

will need to dress carefully to avoid offending anyone. Here is a list of five countries where very strict

dress codes applies.

1. France: Ban on burqas and niqabs. In April 2011, France’s law against burqas and niqabs went

into effect. Essentially, the law is a ban on the traditional female Muslim dress, and it allows a police

officer to verbally request removal of the veil before escorting the violator to a police station for ID

verification and removal. The fine is 150 Euros for a first-time offender, and 30,000 Euros for a male

who forces a woman to wear a burqa or niqab.

2. Saudi Arabia and Iran: Ban on bare skin and crossdressing. Saudi Arabia and Iran are home to

some of the strictest social laws on the planet, many applying exclusively to women. This separation

of legal restrictions by sex seems austere by Western standards. Aside from requiring a male

guardian, a woman must also wear a niqab and an abaya in public so as to not expose bare skin.

Men also have restrictions—they are not allowed to crossdress.

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3. Bhutan: Gho and kira required in public. Considered one of the happiest countries on the planet.

While it is rare to read a word on Bhutan without being reintroduced to this policy on happiness,

there are also other, less well-known measures in place to maintain Bhutanese culture. For example,

all Bhutanese citizens must adhere to a strict dress code. In public, men must wear a knee-length

robe called a gho, and women must wear a kimono known as a kira. The dress code is older than

the current kingdom, and is known as driglamnamzha.

4. North Korea: No pants (trousers) for ladies; haircuts for men. In North Korea, men are

supposed to trim their hair every 15 days. Older men are given leniency: their hair may grow long

enough to cover bald spots. Most men are allotted a maximum hair length of two inches;males fifty

years and older can grow their hair an additional 0.75 inch. Women are not permitted to wear pants

(trousers), and if an infraction occurs, the pants-wearing offender faces a stint at one of the North’s

labour camps.

5. Sudan: No makeup for men; lashes for pants-wearing women. Women are punished for wearing

pants (trousers) with lashes and a hefty fine. Sudanese public decency laws are extremely strict and

express the beliefs of the predominantly Arab north. The tumultuous country is home to violent

religious differences. While women are prohibited from wearing trousers, men also have laws

governing their behaviour. Some time ago, seven men were arrested and charged with public

indecency for wearing makeup at a fashion show.

DRESS CODE

In organising an event, remember to ask the client which dress code he wants.

The costumes will define the degree of formality of the celebration.

Guests should be informed on the invitations what the dress code is.

Broadly speaking, events can be labelled either formal or casual.

Within the casual category is also business casual.

The casual code is usually used for outdoor events such as meetings and sporting events, while the

business casual code is only for the workplace.

Formal dress code applies to more serious and elegant events such as a wedding or a company

anniversary, or any event at which the organisers consider that guests should be very well dressed.

Etiquette dress code is the most elegant of all styles, used for social galas of a high standard. It

might be used for a wedding celebration with a lavish party but is also widely used for royal events or

political meetings.

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Exercises

1. Choose the correct answer.

What kind of information is necessary on an invitation to an event? A ) Purpose, name of host, RSVP, dress code, host’s website B ) Dress code, RSVP, food being served, host’s website C ) Purpose, name of host, day and date, name of venue, RSVP

2. Choose the correct answer.

How far in advance of the event should the invitees to a formal dinner party be given? A )1 week B )3 to 6 weeks C )3 to 6 months

3. Choose the correct answer.

In which country is this common way of greeting: “the common greeting for men and

women is to bow, rather than giving a casual handshake or a hug”.

A )France B )Japan C )Russia D )United States