The event season means it's time to avoid being cheap and tacky
Whether it's a smart casual reception or an all-out formal evening ball, you should put your best foot forward, in your newest shoe, and be presented in the best light possible - from the right, my better side. But good grooming and expensive fashion won't completely cover the truly cheap and tacky. Unlike a couture gown, you can't buy good taste and manners.
To help the uncouth, here is a Do and Don’t list to keep you from being the ugly gate-crasher at any function.
1. Don't dress head to toe in only one designer. Unless you work for a brand, wearing one collection head to toe tells every fashionista you have no personal style or are a lazy shopper. Either way, people will laugh at you.
2. Do be patient. Guest list staff are often harried and harassed with long convoluted pages of names. If they don't find you right away, chill. Barking loudly and rolling your eyes does nothing but make you look petty. Real VIPs wouldn't be so insecure.
3. Don't bring along a cheap plastic fan. Or your oversized backpack bag, etc. eww! We know it's hot and humid. That happens when too many people cram into a party. But no matter how chic you look, once your little fan comes out, you resemble a Divi(soria) housewife at the wet market.
4. Don't lunge for canapés. We're hungry too, but VIPs know they'll be leaving in 20 minutes for dinner at Caprice. You don't need to mosh dive for the last salmon on a platter unless you're willing to out yourself as a poseur desperate for free food.
5. Do show restraint in greetings. Frou-frou custom dictates you offer air kisses or a peck on the cheek to acquaintances, but it's creepy to be over-friendly. Don't hug or smooch people you just met five minutes ago. Too much affection is not proper whether you're drunk or not.
6. Don't ask for a gift bag before you leave. Nothing says, "I'm shallow and only here for free stuff" like carrying around a goodie bag during an event. They are meant as departing souvenirs. Then to check the bag's content will make people hope you do leave. And when the you received your goodie bag, never ever snatched those cute table toppers, or those gorgeous fig! It's so tacky of you!
7. Do be considerate. At a crowded fashion show, put your bag in your lap. It doesn't need its own seat. Who do you think you are? Anna Wintour?
8. Do put down your phone during dinners. A quick reply or checking a new message is fine. But burying your nose in WhatsApp or continuing a trivial conversation as dishes are being served suggests you have no class and serious bachelors won't shoot a second glance your way.
9. Don't hog the front of the bar. If you got your drink, move on and let others get a refreshment. You don't have to catch up with your friend directly between the bartender and half the event's thirsty guests.
10. Do smile. Acknowledge people next to you even if you don't know them. Maybe especially if don't know them. Just look pleasant and engaged. Don't look like Melania Trump.
wondering why you never get an invite? Read our guide and make it as your party bible.
I don't run in circles that I would normally be invited to such parties, but these "rules" also should be observed at all occasions, weddings, graduations, holiday dinners, etc.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. Even though we only party once in a blue moon, giving a good impression is very important.
DeleteWoww this is so fancy! I haven't been to a party like this yet but I will make sure to remember these tips!
ReplyDeleteNO matter how fancy or not the parties are, the same rule applies.
DeleteBut I'm a bit sad about the oversized backpack. What if you're in a party but you also have work and you gotta bring your uniform (with shoes) in said backpack? we're not living in other countries where lockers are available to rent in malls anyways.
Deletegreat list. fab tips and i love the humorous take! i have never been invited to these types of parties except as a #1 so i don't know from experience but i love especially tip #4 had me giggling.
ReplyDeleteJoy at The Joyous Living
That is so true! Also applies for many bloggers' events.
DeleteThis is a good guide for social interactions! It's important to be somewhere for the right reasons so this is nice for people who might not be used to etiquette in certain occasions.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! NO matter what generation we are, good manners and etiquettes never fades and gets old.
DeleteThis is a great primer for behaving at important events like fashion shows. I attend lots of fashion shows and dinners and this advise is spot on! Lavern Moore
ReplyDeleteEven blog events, weddings, etc.
DeleteYou are so right, Blair. I am looking forward to more event etiquette from you. Lavern Moore
DeleteI love going to parties, the very casual ones are the best to attend too. Don't need to be too glammed up for it. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteCasual parties are cool and easy.
DeleteI enjoy attending parties too, and I agree mostly of what you have said especially about the loot bags. Most of the parties I have attended are casual and not too formal so I can wear anything.
ReplyDeleteA casual event would be nice too. But it isn't an excuse to be lousy :D
DeleteIt’s hard to get invited back to parties when you get older with other priorities in life but this is helpful guide
ReplyDeleteHahaha yeah sometimes, we prefer to stay at home!
Deletegood tips if I ever actually get invited to any events like this
ReplyDeleteAnd if you do, you are well armed with these tips!
DeleteThat's a great list that I am going to try keeping in mine, especially the bit about not lunging at the canapes haha. I'm pretty sure I don't do the rest. Do people really carry mini fans to parties?
ReplyDeleteThey do sometimes!
DeleteMaybe I'll get invited to parties like these in a few years, but right bnow, they are soooo out of my league. But yeah, it is important to maintain proper decorum during such events!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting. Learning the decorum doesn't need an occasion.
DeleteReally great tips. Will have to keep this in mind the next time I go to a party.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Lucile!
Delete#6 is funny! HAHAHA! I love the humor and the honesty of these tips. It applies to all events actually.
ReplyDeleteHahaha funny and true!
DeleteYup, proper decorum will ensure that you are a guest worth inviting back to. It applies in all events -- big or small.
ReplyDeleteVery true! Even visiting your friend's house needs decorum!
DeleteThis is totally real talk. But for blog events , #8 sometimes is forgotten.
ReplyDeleteThis is a huge NO NO even during family dinner and dates :D
DeleteGreat tips! And yes we shouldn't make it so obvious that we went to an event for the freebies. 😂
ReplyDeleteOMG I am laughing hard with your comment :D
DeleteI love attending parties too and I completely agree with each and every point that you have mentioned here. You got to be patient and don't show yourself to be too hungry and wait for the VIPs instead to finish their meals.
ReplyDeletePatience is always a virtue
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