Formal Etiquette Rules

If you are invited to be present at any formal setting, you need to keep some very important things in mind. And these things are good manners; be it while greeting people, having a meal, wearing suitable apparel, or just talking with guests. Knowing these formal etiquette rules is very essential to avoid embarrassment and people having a bad impression about you. If you are invited to attend a formal event in another country with a different culture, it is suggested that you read an appropriate formal etiquette book for knowing what are the things you have to avoid doing.

Etiquette for a Formal Setting

Appropriate Dress
It is very important to wear the proper dress if you are invited to go to a formal setting. If the event is before six in the evening, a proper dress code for men would be a dark suit with a white shirt and a tie. For women, it would be a late afternoon wear or a theater suit. But if the event is being held after six, a 'black tie' should be considered. A black tie does not mean only a black tie with any wear. For men, it relates to a single- or double-breasted dinner jacket worn with a black silk bow tie. In the case of women, long evening wear or evening separates can be considered. Wearing well-polished black leather shoes is a standard for footwear in formal settings. If women are wearing gloves, it is suggested to take them off before shaking hands with people.

Upon Arrival
When entering, men should hand over their outerwear such as hats, umbrella, gloves, etc. to the check assistant. If he is coming with a lady companion, he should guide her to handover her outerwear and accessories to the check assistant. After entering the place where the event is being held, you first need to greet and meet people and introduce yourselves to them. Do not enter in and just start to drink and eat.

Greetings
Greet the host and then give a suitable gift for that occasion. If you are not sure whether to bring a gift or not, it is better to get one, as gifts are always acceptable. While greeting a man, you should offer your right hand with the palm facing sideways. While greeting a woman, you should offer your right hand with the palm facing upward, to gently hold the woman's fingers and lift it slightly. After greeting the host, do not start taking about business matters or any other matters.

Seating
When it comes to seating on a dinner table, it is bad manners to sit down before the host requests to do so. If place cards are not present, choose a proper seat and stand near to it until the request to sit down is not made. If you are with your escort, you will be responsible to help her sit on and get up from her seat.

Dining
This is the main part where most of the formal etiquette rules are to be used. Do not reposition the standard table setting. If a woman has hand-gloves on, they should be removed and placed on the lap, and not on the dining table. Do not move your dining plate to the food for being served. Also make it a point to not chew food with making noise, and do not speak while you have a morsel in your mouth. Use appropriate items to lift foods. If you are not certain as to which items should be used how, wait for someone to use it and then follow them. After the food is over, do not move the plates and other utensils.

After the event is over, do not miss out on meeting the host and thanking him/her for the hospitality. These are some of the very general formal etiquette rules that are to be followed to avoid embarrassment in a formal event. Just follow the etiquette and have a nice and enjoyable time at the occasion.