May and June are still the most popular months for getting married but a wedding can be held at any time of the year. How do you decide whether or not to attend the wedding of a co-worker or business associate?
The simple answer depends upon your relationship with the person inviting you. If you have a personal friendship as well as a business relationship with someone then by all means attend if you can. If your relationship is strictly business it is not necessary to attend. If you don't have a personal friendship with the person issuing the invitation consider attending if everyone from the office is going or if it is your boss who is getting married. Although a wedding is never a networking event the happy couple will be sure to notice your presence.
If you are unable to attend it is not necessary to send a gift. When several people from the office are invited, you may decide to send a gift from the group, regardless of who will actually be there. It is acceptable to choose to send a small gift and a card even if you do not attend the wedding.
When you accept an invitation, you must send a wedding present. No matter what you may have read or heard, you do not have up to one year from the date of the wedding to do so. Good manners dictate that you send the gift and a handwritten note before the wedding and certainly not more than a month later.
Whether you plan to attend or not, you must reply to the invitation. Too many people overlook this common courtesy today. No one is obliged to provide a reply card and a stamped envelope with the invitation. Although the formal reply -- carefully handwritten and centered on fine stationery -- is fast disappearing, it is still the correct way to respond.
© Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved.
Author's Bio
Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com
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