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About Cynthia Lett
Expertise
Proper manners with friends,family,colleagues,neighbors and everyone else you know.

Experience
I have been an etiquette expert teaching and consulting on the subject worldwide since 1983. I started and run the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals and am considered a leader in the field. I edited "Etiquette for Dummies" and have recently written "Lett's Talk - Everyday Etiquette Dilemmas and What to Do about Them". I taught the Business Protocol class to Master's level students at the George Washington University, Washington, DC. Chief of Protocol for MCI Telecommunications.

Organizations
International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals, ASTD, PCMA, National Speakers Association

Publications
I have been quoted over 700 times in the past 5 years worldwide. Publications include Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Washington Times, NY Times, Washington Business Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, London Times, Newsweek Japan edition, Newsweek US edition and many many more.

Education/Credentials
I am a Certified Etiquette Professional (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professional (CPP) earned by examination through ISPEP. I have a Master's degree in hospitality law and undergrad degrees in Restaurant & Hotel Management and Public Relations/Interpersonal Communications from Purdue University.

Awards and Honors
Who's Who Worldwide,Who's Who of American Women, Distinguished Darden Professor (Purdue University).

Past/Present Clients
World Bank, United Nations,US Dept. of State, US. Dept. of the Army, Pentagon, Barclays Global Investors,Accenture,AT&T,Bank of America,American Association of Clinical Pharmacies,Ritz Carlton Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels,Starwood Hotels,and many more.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Self-Improvement/Self-Help > Social Etiquette and Good Manners > Graduate Party Invitations

Social Etiquette and Good Manners - Graduate Party Invitations


Expert: Cynthia Lett - 11/2/2009

Question
My wife will be graduating with her doctorate degree and she wants a party with all her friends and family.  Some people like to bring gifts.  Is it inappropriate to ask for monetary gifts if the guest wants to give a gift?  My wife wants to go on a cruise following the party and she really is not in need of material items.  How could I state that on the invitation without sounding rude, if it is all right to state?

Answer
Dear Steve:
It is never appropriate to ask for gifts - any gifts.  It is especially rude to ask for money.  Your wife will have to enjoy what she receives.  Please remember that people give from their heart and to instruct about what to give defeats the purpose. Many people would be resentful if told they have to give a gift and money is a particularly impersonal one to give.  It sets a price on the relationship.

I appreciate your question.

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