RSVP - Do you?

DO YOU RSVP? What does it mean?

RSVP is French for respondez s'il vous plait meaning "please reply." This is the #1 complaint I hear all the time: people don't respond to business or social engagements or volunteer meetings.

Be unique and let someone know if you can or cannot attend. RSVP means you contact the host to let him/her know whether or not you will be there. "Regrets Only" means you call ONLY if you cannot attend (NEVER USE THIS PHRASE! You will not get an accurate account of attendees.)

Remember, look at the e-mail or invitation to see who is actually invited; never show up with an uninvited guest.

Wedding guest etiquette

Are you attending any upcoming weddings? Yes, there is wedding guest etiquette.

Respond to the invitation as soon as possible. Do not ask to bring a friend. Look at the envelope carefully and you'll know exactly who was invited.

Arrive at least fifteen minutes early before the ceremony.

Do not take a gift to the wedding or reception UNLESS it is at the home of the new bride or groom. Gifts become lost, the cards fall off, sometimes gifts are stolen or they are dropped. Send it ahead of time or even after. (Whoever started the rule that you have up to one year? The couple could be divorced by then; send it soon.)

A man does not wear black tie before six o'clock in the evening.

A wedding gift is addressed to the bride and sent to whoever issues the wedding invitation.

It is in poor taste to carry a drink when going through the receiving line. Also, this is not the time for a lengthy conversation with the bride and groom!

Punctuality - to be on time or not to be on time

It's the new year. Make a habit of being on time.

• For business meetings, arrive at least 10 minutes early and give your business card to the receptionist so that the person knows who you are. Ask for his/her name and repeat their name
• If you're going to be late to any appointment/meeting/service - always have your contact's cell phone number with you and call even if you're gong to be 5 minutes late.
• Arriving at a restaurant: if you'll be late, call your contact's cell phone number. If you don't have it, call the restaurant. If you arrive before your guest, don't sit down "unless" you're the host.
• Bottom line: you're more confident if you arrive a few minutes early. THE EXCEPTION? A party! Don't show up early but never be more than 15 minutes late "unless" it's a drop in open house.