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Keep in mind when inviting International guest to your wedding or if you are invited to a cultural diverse wedding that some dining etiquette is culturally relevant. For example, in the United States people cut their food with the knife and fork and then transfer the fork to the right hand to use it for eating the food. In Continental Europe, this method would appear rude. Instead, diners should keep the fork in the left hand and eat from the fork with the fork’s prongs curving downward. In Korea, all dishes are typically served at once, including the soup. In Thailand, soup is drunk straight from the bowl, without a spoon.

These are just a few tips to help you prepare for a culturally diverse celebration.

Featured Blog on I-meet.com 2 months running:
Here are a few tips to start off the New Year.

Lets me start out by saying I am no Emily Post! Nor am I a killjoy when it comes to having fun. However, I will admit to being a professional Event planner, designer and producer. With that being said, I do believe those titles come with a responsibility not only to our clients but to the brand we are building for ourselves.

After speaking with many of my colleagues and they sharing the same sentiments I felt this was a necessary post for the top of the year.

Excuse me for being shocked when I’m asked if I’ll be staying for the entire event (because I own the company) or what time would I like to sit and eat and my favorite “you don’t let your staff drink” (alcohol during the event)? First, I’m staying to the very end; second, If I’m eating while the event is taking place then I’m not working and that’s why you are paying me and third, NO, NO, NO drinking of alcohol during the event for myself or staff (even if the event is with an alcohol company).

Here are a few tips that I think are good reminders for all of us in the Events industry.

1. Dress like you’re working the event, not attending it – If it’s casual, dress one step up from casual and if it’s semi-formal or formal you should not be overly glittered. And ladies, put the additional gifts that you have been given in the front and the back away (cover up!)

2. Wear neutral colors – Wearing black comes from the theater and the idea that those working behind the scenes should blend in. This doesn’t mean you can’t have personal style but most importantly you are working.

3. You’re not a guest – Your client has paid for the guests to eat so vendors and event staff should not eat on the floor of the event or take items from the waiters. Instead, arrange for vendor meals in a place off to the side. Personally, I have this conversation in advance with my client and make sure that the vendors and staff have food they can munch on when they get a moment as well as enough chocolate to keep folks going.

4. Keep personal habits personal – If you are a smoker that’s your choice, but neither guests nor your client should see you smoking and no one should smell your smoke.

5. No chewing gum during an event – I know 101 but I just encountered a Manager of a hotel that walked into the event chewing gum and it was noticeable to the point that I overheard someone saying “maybe she needs to go eat something”.

6. Grooming – for men and woman, hair, nails, make up, etc need to be on point. Even during set up I ask staff to look presentable (yes even as we are climbing ladders). Set up clothing doesn’t mean you can’t be pulled together.

7. Be informed – Once guests arrive never say “I don’t know”. If you don’t know, know who does and if you really don’t have a clue and it’s not in your production book (you know the timeline that I’m sure every single event person creates so everyone knows what’s going on) then let them know you will confirm back with them in a moment.

I think little reminders like these and so many others help to continue to build our industry into a viable career option. So we want to hear from you. Please share your event etiquette tips with us.