At the ABC Business of Brides conference, I had the tremendous opportunity to hear Peggy Post (great, great granddaughter in law of Emily Post) speak. She was great! Her relaxed approach makes the guidelines of etiquette completely doable. I have to repeat this fabulous quote Peggy shared:
“It really doesn’t matter what fork you use. What really matters is being interested in the people you’re having a meal with.” --Emily Post
As all my clients know, I am a huge promoter of this concept of etiquette. One of the first things I often tell my clients is that etiquette exists to make us feel comfortable and to resolve awkward situations in a non-offensive way.
Peggy says etiquette is the fuel that helps us build relationships. Here are her three principles:
*Consideration--thinking before acting
*Respect--interest in others as they are (empathy)
*Honesty: being sincere, truthful, tactful
Peggy believes that those who follow etiquette, in essence, abide by the Golden Rule which transcends culture, tradition, race, education, or marital status.
How does this apply to your wedding? Your wedding is about you and the groom, but it also involves your family and guests. You are building the relationships for your future from your past and present. Each of these relationships can only be made stronger when you treat others with consideration, respect and honesty at all times--even on your own special day.
On a note about the future, Cindy Post Senning (great, great granddaughter of Emily Post) writes books for children and parents about manners based on the principles of etiquette and different developmental abilities. I can’t wait to get the illustrated books for three year olds based on a little girl named, what else but, Emily! Peggy and Cindy's books are available online of course, but I also recently saw one of Cindy's at the Baggie Goose in Biltmore Village.
So by now you may have guessed part of my inspiration behind a wedding planning career. Call (828.808.8888) or email me today to talk about how the three principles of etiquette can help you through the sensitive moments of your wedding. I look forward to hearing from you!
Emily and Cindy Post Senning
1 comment:
I particularly enjoyed this post. Even in the age of texting, etiquette is of utmost importance. The comments you posted hit the nail on the head - etiquette helps build relationships and gives us confidence in new situations.
I look forward to following your blog!
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