Today my boyfriend came home from his parent's house with an invitation addressed to his name and "Girlfriend" for a New Year's Eve party that one of his family members is throwing. I looked over the invitation, and let him know that there's about two handfuls of etiquette violations. It was a great educational opportunity lol and then he dared me to post it all on here so you guys can have a field day. Dare accepted.
1. "Girlfriend" invite: I explained that this is rude because it's not that difficult to open Facebook and figure out my name, my name is not "Girlfriend." He agreed.
2. The invite specifically states "No kids, no adding friends, adults only, couples only." He asked why that's rude, his rationale being that if it's your house and your party, you should be able to say who is allowed and who is not. I told him it's rude to state on an invitation who is not allowed, and that the only appropriate way to do that is to address the invite to the people you want there, and if they try to RSVP with others, call 'em up and say "The invitation is actually just for _____ and ______." To my pleasant surprise, he replied "Hm, that actually makes perfect sense."
3. POTLUCK! Not only is it a potluck, but apparently each guest is assigned what to bring! The invite had his name written on it with "Beers" next to it, and on the next line down that said "Girlfriend," the potluck assignment line just had an 'x' written in (so I guess I'm off the hook? Lol) Even better, the fine print indicated that all beverages had to be delivered to the host's house no later than 12/30, cold food must be delivered by 12pm on 12/31 and hot food be delivered AT 8pm on 12/31. It didn't take much to convince him that it's insanely rude to not only ask your guests to subsidize the party YOU decided to throw but to dictate what they must bring. He said "How are you supposed to force people to bring food or drinks? WTF?"
4. DRESS CODE! Men must where black pants with a white shirt and a green necktie or bow tie. Women must wear a white dress and something green. This one annoyed him the most, as he replied after I read that part of it to him, "Hold on, I didn't even see that part, they can't tell me what to wear! If I was even thinking about going, I'm definitely not now!"
We won't be attending either way, especially since we won't be back from our vacation until about 9pm on 12/31 and the last thing we're interested in doing is going to a party with a dress code more strict than Catholic school. I have to admit, though, that after all of that nonsense included in this invitation, they're still much better people than my boss, because they invited me whereas she only invited couples who were married. The fact that I'm included is enough to make me feel good.
I have an update!! My SO told him that his mom went to this party and there was practically nobody there because the invitation was so stupid and annoyed so many of the family lol I did see a couple pictures that his little sister posted (odd, because she's 15 and I thought it was couples & adults only!), and while she did do the white and green outfit, she wore pants & shirt.
There ya go, lurkers.... your controlling, dictating, rude invitations will not be appreciated!