Event Etiquette
Order of Dress
Have you ever received an invitation to an official occasion and been confused about what to wear?
Here are a few suggestions:
Black Tie:
It is appropriate for men to wear a tuxedo with a black tie. If a man does not own a tuxedo, and would prefer not to rent one, he can also wear a dark suit.
An evening gown or a cocktail dress is appropriate for women.
Business Attire:
It is appropriate for men to wear a suit and tie, and for women to wear a suit with a skirt or pants, or a dress.
Smart Casual or Business Casual:
It is appropriate for men to wear dress pants (no jeans, please) with a shirt, and possibly a sweater, sport coat, or blazer. Ties are optional.
It is appropriate for women to wear a dress or dress pants or a skirt, with a blouse, sweater, or casual jacket.
Wearing Medals
In general, full-size medals are worn at daytime events, and miniature medals are worn at evening events.
Only one full-size neck badge may be worn at a time.
For a detailed description of wearing orders, decorations and medals, please use the link below.
Decoding the Formal Dinner Table
Have you been asked to a formal dining event and not sure about what to do ? Here are some helpful suggestions.
When presented with a variety of eating utensils, remember the guideline to "start at the outside and work your way in". For example, if you have two forks, begin with the fork on the outside.
Bread plates can be found to the left of the dinner plate, above the forks.
If bread basket is placed in front of your table setting, it is appropriate to start by offering one to the person to your left, then taking one yourself, and then passing the basket to your right.
Did you know that it is considered more polite to break bread rolls between the fingers rather than cutting with a knife?
You might want to try holding your knife and fork with the handles in the palm of your hand, index finger on top, thumb underneath.
Typically, you want to put your napkin on your lap soon after sitting down at the table, but follow your host's lead.
The napkin should remain on your lap throughout the entire meal. Place your napkin on your chair, or to the left of your plate, if you leave the table as a signal to the server that you will be returning.
When the host places their napkin on the table, this signifies the end of the meal. You should then place your napkin on the table as well.
When you are finished your meal, place your knife and fork side by side in the centre of your plate.
Common practice is to use cream for coffee and milk for tea. Did you know that if you prefer your tea without milk, it is called "clear" rather than "black" like coffee?