Summer is upon us, which means that formal events, galas and weddings are in full swing. If you have upcoming summer weddings to attend, you know that proper wedding etiquette is an important part of honoring the bride and groom on their special day. In today’s blog post, I will give some tips for gala events and outdoor weddings. If you’re seeking “etiquette classes near me”, look no further than The Dallas School of Etiquette and Lisa Burdette.
Tips for Attending an Outdoor Wedding
- Be mindful of your dress when attending an outdoor wedding. It should be tea length or longer.
- Be mindful of what kind of shoes you wear. Choose comfortable shoes that would be appropriate for any type of outdoor service.
- Prepare for proper head cover from the sun, rain or wind. This could include a proper hat or a parasol. Make sure you always have your sunglasses!
Ten Things to Remember at a Gala Event
- Never leave your partner.
- Maintain proper posture.
- Hold your drink glass properly (cocktail or wine glass).
- Never have more than two drinks.
- Make connections with others and genuinely seek to meet and greet people. Make eye contact, smile and give a handshake or bow in greeting.
- Eat hors d’oeuvres that are clean and sauce-free.
- Ladies – Wear gloves for your arrival.
- Express gratitude to all servers.
- Acknowledge the host of the gala with appreciation.
- Always tip attendants.
The Key to Instant Manners
At any wedding, formal event (or any gathering whatsoever!), keep in mind that manners must start from the heart. As a society, we must learn to live, love and respect the human beings around us more than animals, technology, success or political agendas. We need to resume our position as the only being with a soul. Respect starts with a mindset of consideration for others and an awareness of the needs of others. These attributes must be accompanied by a servant’s heart.
Many individuals today have focused on their tech devices and lost a sense of consideration for their neighbors. I’ve observed people avoiding each other and not giving smiles or a friendly “hello” in greeting. What is the solution to this?
- Learn from positive role models who demonstrate polite behavior.
- Build connections to others through a constant state of situational awareness for the needs of others.
- Above all, offer forgiveness and mercy.
We must keep our minds in a constant state of forgiveness and give others the benefit of the doubt. Manners can only occur when we are sensitive enough to understand the needs of those that surround us in all phases of our life. When someone is ugly to you or does not respond as you wish, give a kind response. The response must be with sincerity or it has absolutely zero meaning. If someone makes a mistake with your order or food, try showing an attitude of mercy before you alert them of their mistake. Mercy opens minds and power illuminates where mercy is granted.
With a society of blended cultures, it is necessary to take the time to learn the customs of other cultures. This is especially important if you are planning to attend a wedding where the couple may celebrate with traditions you are unfamiliar with. Do your research to prepare ahead of time for the event and brief your children about the expected behavior they need to maintain.
Many of our frustrations and anxieties are caused when the behavior of others does not match our own behavior. Tolerance does not exist. Tolerance only exists in the realm of society being able to do and act as they please. I desire to teach young professionals, families, children and corporations about the value of compassion, connection and consideration for those different from themselves.
Interested in Etiquette Classes Near Me?
Lisa offers a variety of dining and social etiquette courses to assist professionals at corporate team-building events or families with teens / children through private etiquette training. Here are a few of the topics Lisa can cover in her etiquette sessions.
Etiquette Core Life Skills for Adults or Children
In this course, Lisa will teach students of all ages how to harness the power of etiquette and manners to elevate a good first impression, build meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact on those they meet.
- Introductions (from family to guests and teachers) and the importance of “meet and greet”.
- The Art of Conversation – What to say and when to say it.
- Informal Dining Etiquette – School lunches or the family dinner table.
- Formal Dining Etiquette – How to act in a formal situation.
- Dress Code – Church, wedding, special events and casual dress.
Social Etiquette
This part of the course is designed to boost confidence and teach students how to build meaningful relationships with others.
- Respect 101 – How, why, what and who.
- Invitations – Thank you cards and written correspondence.
- Mobile phone etiquette.
- Posture – This includes body language, posture, poise, and deportment.
- Emotional intelligence and growth mindset.
- Situational Awareness – How to constantly be aware of the needs of others.
- Gift giving etiquette.
- Self-Presentation – How to master a 5-minute presentation.
Enhance your Formal Events with Etiquette Expert, Lisa Burdette
If you’re searching for business or “adult etiquette classes near me”, you’ve come to the right place. Lisa Burdette is a Dallas expert in dining etiquette and social graces. She offers private etiquette classes for adults as well as group training for business teams. Some of her clients have included the Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others.
In addition to business fine dining etiquette, Lisa can also address North Texas wedding etiquette and how to interpret body language in social settings. She will help you learn how to dress appropriately, as your attire is an important way to show respect while attending a formal event such as a wedding.
Good behavior does not just “appear” at a wedding or formal event. Behavior is a lifestyle and our character and ability to display civility and manners will evolve based on how we spend our time, what we spend our time on and who we spend it with.
Ready to elevate your social skills for an upcoming wedding? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
