Etiquette School of Ohio

Monogram Etiquette – Single Initials

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

If you would like to use a single initial for a monogram, the following guidelines apply:

Single individuals should use the first letter of their first name.

Married individuals or couples should use the the first letter of their last name.

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Monogram Etiquette | 1 Comment

Monogram Etiquette – Married Couples

Posted on April 9, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

A married couple has a choice of three types of monograms, traditional, modern and single initial.

A traditional monogram for a married couple reading the monogram from left to right:

1) Wife’s first name initial.

2) Husband’s last name initial. This initial is larger than the initials on each side of it.

3) Wife’s maiden name initial.

A modern monogram for a married couple reading the monogram from left to right:

1) Wife’s first name initial.

2) Husband’s last name initial. This initial is larger than the first name initials on each side of it.

3) Husband’s first name initial.

A single initial monogram for a married couple is the first initial of the husband’s last name.

An engaged couple should never use the married monogram until after the wedding ceremony.

These are the basic rules for monograms. Additional guidelines do exist for situations such as the bride keeping her maiden name and will be discussed in separate entries.

Posted in Monogram Etiquette | Tagged husband monogram, married monograms, Monogram Etiquette, monogram initials, monograms, single monogram, traditional monogram, wife monogram | 13 Comments

Socks – Professional Attire

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

The color of your socks should coordinate with your slacks. If you are wearing black slacks, wear black socks. Brown socks are a smart choice to wear with brown slacks.

Do not wear white socks in a professional setting. White socks are only appropriately worn with white slacks or athletic apparel.

Also, make sure your socks are long enough so your skin cannot be seen when sitting or crossing your legs.

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Gentlemen's Etiquette, Professional Dress | Tagged athletic socks, dress socks, match socks to slacks, professional attire, Professional Dress, sock etiquette, white socks | 1 Comment

Obscene Language in the Office

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

Obscene language is never appropriate in the office environment or any professional setting. If you let obscenities fly, you may offend someone or ruin your opportunity for promotion.

Posted in Business Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Office Etiquette | Tagged business etiquette, obscene language in the office, obscenities in the office, Office Etiquette, professional etiquette | Leave a comment

Are you obligated to give a gift to a couple who elopes?

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

If you receive an announcement of an elopement, you are not obligated to send a wedding gift. If you are close to the wedding couple, you may want to send a wedding gift to share in their celebration.

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Wedding Etiquette | Leave a comment

Recycle Wedding Flowers

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

Rather than throwing wedding floral arrangements away, consider sending them to a nearby nursing home or hospital after the reception. The residents or patients would enjoy looking at them. Receiving flowers always lifts a person’s spirits.

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Floral Etiquette, Wedding Etiquette | Leave a comment

Dress a Step Up – Interview Technique

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

There is a saying, “Dress for the job you want to be promoted to, not the job you’re interviewing for.”

If the Director of Sales wears a suit and tie or business suit to the office, you should wear a suit and tie or business suit to the interview even though you are interviewing for a salesperson who usually wears slacks and an open collar shirt or a skirt and blouse.

Research the company you are interviewing with before the interview and find out what the dress code is. Always dress a little sharper than the normal day to day attire of the company.

It doesn’t hurt to follow this rule on a regular basis if you want to be considered for a promotion. Allow management to visualize you in the new position.

Posted in Etiquette Tips, Interview Skills | Leave a comment

Example of a Condolence Note – Funeral Etiquette

Posted on March 20, 2009 by Sandy Hyde

One of the most difficult things to write is a condolence note. However, it is one of the most appreciative things you can do for a family at a time of loss.

A handwritten note is much better than a pre-printed card. If you must send a pre-printed card, write a few lines of your own in the card.

Keep the note brief. Never offer your sympathy in an e-mail.

Try to personalize the note. We frequently hear or read the words, “With deepest sympathy at this time of loss”, but be more specific. Use the name of the deceased loved one or refer to them as husband, father, or sister.

Dear Rebecca,

I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. There is little anyone can say at a difficult time like this. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Sandy Hyde

If you knew the deceased person very well, mention something about your connection. I was very touched by the following words written at the time of my father’s death.

“Mike was one of the most dependable people I ever worked with. He was not only my mentor, but a loyal friend. His dedication to preserve justice in our town will not be forgotten.“

Be cautious of using words that are not factual. For example: “I know how you feel.” Do you? “You were so happy together.” Were they? “He’s in a much better place now.” Is he?

The focus of the letter should be about the deceased not your past experience with death or illness or how you assume the family is dealing with the grief.

Posted in Correspondence/Stationery, Etiquette Tips, Funeral Etiquette | Tagged condolence notes, Funeral Etiquette | 1 Comment

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