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Austin South Asian | July 2021
10 Refreshed Etiquette Tips For Today’s Wedding Attendees Even before the pandemic, wedding etiquette was tricky. After a year like no other, the dos and don’ts around “I do’s” and being a good guest have become even more complicated. Some protocols remain true. Do RSVP quickly. Don’t be late to the main event. Others are less clear. Should you send a gift for virtual ceremonies? What’s the best way to greet others at in-person events? Hilton, a global hospitality company that hosts thousands of weddings annually, encourages travelers to make new memories and reconnect this summer. And to help you maintain perfect wedding guest status, they’ve partnered with international etiquette expert Diane Gottsman to provide these tips: 1. Put a stamp on it: Even if the invite says you have months to respond, it’s best to reply within one week. Waiting too long is a sign you are hesitant. 2. Dress to impress: Let the sug-
gested attire on the invitation or couple’s website be your guide. Still unclear? Reach out to the
ness right now,” says Gottsman. “Pay attention to non-verbal cues. If someone reaches out for a handshake, hug or fist-bump, reciprocate if you feel comfortable. If you’re not ready for physical contact, offer another friendly gesture, such as a heartfelt nod. It’s okay to pull back, smile and say cheerfully: ‘I can’t wait until I feel comfortable with hugs; I’m just not there yet.’”
hosts. As a general rule, dress up rather than down to show you put thought into the event. Finally, don’t wear white. It’s reserved for the bride. 3. Honor air hugs: “Everyone has a different comfort level with close-
4. Know posting protocol: Unless the couple guides you otherwise, “They get the right to post the first photos on social media,” says Gottsman. If they encourage you to post at will, it’s A-OK to share your snaps. Use provided hashtags and remember that the official wedding photographer and videographer get first dibs on great shots. 5. Stash your smartphone: Use your phone to take photos, but once you’re done, tuck it away. It’s potentially distracting for you and off-putting for others.
5 Ways To Celebrate Your Love Of Music
This season, there is no better place to celebrate a love of music than outdoors. Here are five ways to make it happen: 1. Plan a block party: Whether you host a smaller gathering for a handful of neighbors and friends in the
backyard or organize a larger event in a public park or street, a block party is a great way to gather the community together while giving local bands and musicians an opportunity to showcase their talent and creativity. 2. Make yourself portable: Having
an instrument that’s portable is key to on-the-go music-making versatility. Keyboardists should check out the ultra-compact Casiotone CT-S200, a go-anywhere keyboard with all the features and functions needed to start the party. To make music wherever and whenever you want, just pop in six AA batteries and grab the built-in carrying handle. Dance Music Mode lets you easily create and remix EDM tracks, triggering drum loops, basslines, synth parts, effects and transitions. You can play on your own or enjoy the library of 60 built-in songs.
3. Go to a music festival: As every festival attendee knows, these events bring together like-minded enthusiasts from near and far for a full day or an entire weekend of music.
And after a year of social distancing, festivals are finally back. Book tickets now to guarantee your attendance. 4. Attend the theater: In the warmer months, theater companies and symphonies around the country bring their productions outdoors to amphitheaters, makeshift stages in parks and other locations. Check your local newspaper or community social media pages for listings. 5. Update your outdoor speaker system: Give your backyard or outdoor space a tech makeover to up your hosting game and enjoy better sound quality outdoors. Be sure any speakers you install are weatherproof and designed for outdoor use. With the right tools and inspiration, you can celebrate your passion for music anywhere this season. (StatePoint)
6. Get accustomed with other customs: Before attending a wedding incorporating cultural customs unfamiliar to you, do some prenuptial prep. “Every culture has different customs,” says Gottsman. “Knowing how to dress, how to gift and what to expect is the responsibility of a good guest.” 7. Connect with courtesy. If staying at a hotel with friends and family, keep courtesy top-of-mind. For instance, if you booked connecting rooms through Hilton’s new Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton option, “Think about how often you’ll spend time together and when you’ll keep the connecting doors shut and open,” says Gottsman. While you and your roomies may embrace the up-allnight slumber party vibe, nearby guests may not. Keep the volume down and the fun contained to your cozy cove of connecting rooms. To book two or more connecting guest rooms ahead of a wedding or summer reunion trip, visit Hilton.com/
ConnectingRooms. 8. Duck debate: “Conversation will no doubt turn to hot topics, like politics, religion and vaccines. A gracious guest will make every effort to steer clear of volatile debate,” says Gottsman. 9. Give comfortably: The first etiquette rule: send a gift, even if you can’t make the event. The second: don’t feel pressured to give more than is comfortable. Gone are the days when guests are expected to cover their per-head cost. Not sure what’s appropriate? Follow the registry. Cash and checks are great alternatives as well. 10. Get glam for the cam: Attending virtually? Grab the suit instead of sweats. “The same courtesies apply,” says Gottsman. “RSVP swiftly, dress for the occasion, arrive on time, show your smiling face and send a gift. Even if it’s virtual, a wedding is a celebration and time to reconnect.” (StatePoint)
Make A Difference – Reduce Paper Usage By Vidya Kumar How things have changed since the pandemic. As most of us are working from home I am sure that the usage of paper at office is considerably reduced. Even at home printing the reports or documents is on a need basis and hence, there is a reduction in the tree cutting I suppose. Yet, compared to 25 years ago our usage of the paper has increased as we use kitchen paper towels readily and even for use in the washrooms to dry our hands or cleansing wipes or the use of toilet paper. Did you know that making one roll of toilet paper requires 37 gallons of water, 1.3 Kilowatt/hours of electricity and some 1.5 pounds of wood according to Lloyd Alter of treehugger.com? And one 20-foot pine tree weighs 1080 pounds which means you get 720 rolls and an average household (2.6) members uses 409 rolls per year which means one tree for every two households per year. This is just for toilet paper. If we look at paper towels which
are made from virgin paper that is no recycled content as per Creighton University sustainability issue, we need 17 trees and more than 20,000 gallons of water to make one ton of paper towels. Just replace one roll of virgin paper towel with 100% recycled content we could save 544,000 trees. Same is the case with facial tissues. Trees are being cut at the faster pace than growing in order to meet the demand for these paper products. My wonderful husband is the case in point. He uses these paper towels at home even though I have kept washcloths in kitchen all because it is convenient. How do we make a person understand that we are using up the resources faster than generating them and at this pace we will not have a home called earth anymore? Using washcloths, reusable towels and bringing back handkerchiefs as a fashion vogue is the ideal way to move forward. I was thrilled to see washable makeup remover cloths at Costco and wish more such products are manufactured.
