PROPER SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

Proper social etiquette, exactly what does this involve and does anyone really use it anymore?  We do not use social etiquette as much as we used to, but there is still a need for some basic proper social etiquette skills.  The very first military ball that I attended was a mixture of excitement at being able to get dressed up but it was also a huge stress, as I worried about the required dress length, and the formal dinner itself, would I behave like a bull in a china shop.  As it turned out everything was fine, but the worry over correct behavior, proper social etiquette, took away from the joy of putting on an elegant gown and going to the ball.

Where does proper social etiquette (et-i-ket) come from and who decides correct or incorrect behavior?  The word etiquette means placard or card.  And its origins have been around for a very long time.  The first known proper social etiquette book was written in 2400 B.C. 

The origins of today’s proper social etiquette began in the royal French courts in the 1600’s under King Louis XIV, and it was on cards that rules were written and posted for everyone to follow, hence name cards you find on formal dining tables today.  In those days proper social etiquette was taken more seriously than today, breach of proper social etiquette rules could have meant being ostracized and rejected from elite societies.  Proper social etiquette has changed over the years.  In the following pages you will learn everything you need to know for attending or hosting any formal occasion.

The most popular use of proper social etiquette is for weddings, here  you will learn the do’s and don’ts of the ceremony, dress codes, invitations and thank you notes, speeches as well as ideas and thoughts for large or small bridal shower, weddings and reception parties.

If you have a formal gathering such as a military ball and need information on formal attire and proper social etiquette.  I will show you all that is required.  I will also discuss formal parties, party ideas, elegant table settings and ideas for home entertaining.
 
I will also give you ideas on ways to have fun with proper social etiquette, introducing children to afternoon tea parties, and implementing these same ideas for adult entertaining.


Whether you need to know about funeral etiquette or just need to know the correct protocol for handling a flag, I aim to answer any proper social etiquette question you may have.  Feel free to browse around and be assured that the next formal occasion you attend you will feel confident in the knowledge that you have a full understanding of the formalities that go along with proper social etiquette.