Refreshed Etiquette Tips for Today’s Wedding Attendees By Desert Star Staff Even before the pandemic, wedding etiquette was tricky. But, 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 for 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
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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 suggested attire on the invitation or couple’s website be your guide. Still unclear? Reach out to the 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 closeness 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.’” 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. 6. Get accustomed to other customs: Before attending a wedding incorporating cultural traditions unfamiliar to you, do some pre-nuptial 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-all-night slumber party vibe, nearby guests may not. So 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
Before attending a wedding, brush up on these ten refreshed etiquette tips. Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton steer clear of the 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
California Is Producing the Most Solar Energy in the U.S. Continued from Page 1
energy investments come to pass. For now, however, renewables overall (17.7% of total electricity generation) still lag behind natural gas (38.4%), coal (23.4%), and nuclear (19.6%). Moreover, within the renewable category, solar (9.9% of renewable production) trails wind (40.6%) and hydroelectric (39.5%). Despite its small but growing role in overall U.S. energy production, solar is a significant part of the energy mix in several states. The undisputed leader of these states is California, which leads all others both by total solar energy production and the share of electricity derived from solar. California’s total solar energy production is nearly four times that of the runnerup state, North Carolina. In terms of geography, California is one of the U.S. states with the highest insolation levels or exposure to the sun. However, insolation is a factor for many other leading states for solar production, including Sun Belt locations like Texas,
Southwestern states Nevada and Arizona, and Southeastern states North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Politically, California’s policymakers have created an environment that all but guarantees heavy reliance on solar energy. For instance, California has one of the most ambitious renewable portfolio standards of any U.S. state, intending to generate 60% of energy from renewables by 2030 and 100% from renewables by 2045. Additionally, in 2020, the state began requiring August 6, 2021
most new homes to include rooftop solar panels. The analysis found that in 2019, California generated 28,331,513 megawatthours of energy from solar. Out of all states, California is producing the most solar energy. Here is a summary of the data for California: Annual solar energy production (megawatthours): 28,331,513 Change in solar energy production (YoY): +5.0% Solar share of total energy production: 14.0%
Solar share of total renewable energy production: 29.1% For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States: Annual solar energy production (megawatthours): 71,936,822 Change in solar energy production (YoY): +12.7% Solar share of total energy production: 1.7% Solar share of total renewable energy production: 9.9%
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