Ceremonial Etiquette: Essential Rules and Practices
1. What is the Difference and What Does it Denote?
The difference lies in good behavior, education, culture, and refinement. Culture denotes the background of the individual.
2. What are Private and Public Ceremonies?
- Private Ceremony: A special situation attended by unofficial individuals.
- Public Ceremony: An event of order called by a state or government organization.
3. How is Protocol Defined and How Did it Originate?
Protocol is defined as a special order of care. It originated throughout history as a need for established forms and procedures.
4. What is the Protocol of Greeting?
People of lower rank should anticipate the salute to the senior.
5. How to Greet Others Under the Protocol?
Always greet men by shaking hands, unless they are family members, in which case a kiss on the cheek may be appropriate.
6. What Data is Incorporated into an Invitation?
Reception venue, date, time, and manner of dress.
7. How Long Do You Have to Answer an Invitation?
A rapid response is expected, either to confirm attendance or provide a justification for absence within 48 hours of receipt.
8. At a Family Gathering, Who Takes Precedence?
The eldest in the family.
9. Dress Codes
- Formal: Men: Suits with vests. Ladies: Dresses, varied and glossy.
- Informal: No smoking.
- Gala: Men: Tuxedo, dark suit. Women: Short or long dress for the occasion.
10. To Whom Should Invitations be Answered?
Invitations must be submitted to the secretary of the institution or the host.
11. What Does RSVP or SRC Mean?
- RSVP: Répondez s’il vous plaît (Please respond).
- SRC: Se ruega contestación (Please reply).
12. Who Takes the Place of Honor at a Ceremonial Event?
The highest-ranking person, and they are placed to the right of the host.
13. What are Precedence and President?
- Precedence: The location that a person has because of the position they hold.
- President: The most senior person in a place of privilege granted.
14. What is the Treatment for the President and the Supreme Court?
Mr. President, His Excellency the President of the Supreme Court of Justice.
15. What is the Protocol of Gifts?
When you send a gift, it should be accompanied by a card. Thank you for your phone call the same day or the next day.
- Flowers: Send fresh and beautiful flowers without a card personally, or send them the next day with a card.
- Candy: Quality matters more than quantity. Buy from a reputable shop.
- Cakes: Only given to family or close friends.
- Bottles: Bottles of wine or liquor can be given for a casual dinner or when visiting a foreign country. Never give wine or whiskey for a formal dinner.
- Christmas Shopping: A gift of friendship is appropriate for a friend, customer, or physician.
- Gifts from a Company: Appoint a responsible person to buy the gift. The company logo should be on the box.
16. Tips for Preparing a Toast at the Office?
Use a tablecloth and small napkins. Use crystal glasses. Order canapés and sandwiches from a good hotel. Dress for the occasion. Invite guests in advance. Remove unnecessary furniture from the place of the toast.
17. How is a Table Set?
- Right: Spoons up, knives with the edge inward, fish blades, salt cellars go before the covered.
- Left: Forks with the teeth up, bread dish before the fork, individual butter knife to the right of the bread plate, salad.
18. Refer to the Table Decorations?
They should be according to the table’s size and quality. The size should not impede vision. Christmas and national holidays require special ornaments. For dinner, silver candlesticks can be placed in the center, and on a large table, candlesticks are placed lengthwise.
19. Suggestions in the Order of Food Service for Over 24 Guests?
When there are more than 24 people, meals are organized at several tables, except at banquets. There must be an identification for each guest, either with place cards or from a seating chart.