Tuesday, November 17, 2009

How this Blog was Born

I became a certified professional bridal consultant in August and ever since I've wanted to start a blog. I wanted my blog to have some substance, something that could be valuable to my readers. I tossed around the idea of writing wedding tips, but once I started doing a little research I found that there is enough of that already out there, and frankly a bit boring for some of the gents in the world. I didn't want to just start a blog to simply start a blog, I wanted to ponder it and really brainstorm what would be most beneficial.

As a proud member of The Association of Bridal Consultants I was honored to win the Illinois Chapter Scholarship to attend their Annual Meeting. The meeting was held November 8-10 in Indianapolis. One of the keynote speakers was Peggy Post, great grand-daughter in-law of the infamous Emily Post, the queen of etiquette. Being a proud supporter of proper etiquette since I was a little girl I was so excited to hear her speak and meet her in person. A little back story, in sixth grade I did a "How To" project on how to set a table for a formal dinner party and used Emily Post as my point of reference...hey I wonder if Mr. Paolini (my 6th grade teacher) still has that on VHS! Sorry, I digress.

In the midst of Peggy's presentation and after buying her Wedding Etiquette book (I am a wedding planner after all!) and hearing her awful stories of bad etiquette (and seeing her gasp from a fellow-members story, so funny) the light bulb went on! "I must write a blog about etiquette that people my age can read and relate to."

So here it is - my etiquette blog. I'm hoping many people can benefit from, and share with others, what is talked about on this blog. Etiquette after all is respect and we all want to be respected. Remember that sign in your high school gym: Respect: Give it. Get it.? Well it is so true. Things have changed since Emily Post wrote her book in the 1920s, there is no doubting that, but some things still live on and here is where I will share what is still "a la mode," as the French say, and what isn't!

Post your questions and I'll be happy to address them OR just check in every now and again to see what the latest is. I don't claim to be an expert, but with my research, networking with some of the best event planners in the nation, and of course the Post family, we'll become the most respected generation yet!

Happy reading my soon-to-be and current etiquette junkies.

7 comments:

  1. Leigh, I'm so excited to read your blog. I love etiquette... well only good etiquette!

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  2. Leigh - I am officially a blogger and a follower of your blog! Can't wait to get the etiquette scoop and to share stories.

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  3. leigh we are so proud of you reach for the stars

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  4. Mr. Paolini!

    I think this is a fantastic idea, Leigh. I especially like how you want to make it relevant to our generation. Relevance is key to creating genuine interest. I really look forward to reading more.

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  5. When someone invites you to a formal dinner party at their home or restaurant I think personal thank you notes are proper etiquette, no matter what your generation.
    Another one of my pet peeves is RSVP's. Do people not know what this means? I can't tell you how many times I've had to track down people to find out if they are coming to a party/dinner/wedding etc.
    Leave it to the MOM to make the first official blog. Have a great day!

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  6. Leigh
    I'm so glad that I finally found a place that allows me to gauge my bad behavior against some sort of commonly accepted standard!
    I'll check in every now and then to see if there are any rules that I wasn't aware of, so that I may break them as soon as circumstances allow.
    Love Ya! - Mr. Calleja... um... check that, I meant to say-
    Love to give ya a big squeeze - Sam's Old Man!

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