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The Basic Black Tie Table Manners Every Wedding Guest Should Know

Dallas Classy Wedding

DFW Classy Wedding

No matter how big of an avalanche was there, you do not show up in a black tie wedding in DFW wearing jeans and a tee.

You think that was all, right? There’s more to black tie code of conduct than most people think. And it’s not just about following the etiquettes, it’s about how much do you care about making this day perfect for the bride and groom.

We came up with a quick cheat sheet for you if you don’t plan to strike out as the odd-one-out during the dining hour.

As the name suggests, this guide is for those who are invited to a black tie wedding in DFW.

Now, this setting is pretty formal with its unique set of table manners. Here’s what you need to know.

#1 Put your Napkin in your lap, as soon as you are seated

You’ll find beautifully arranged menus and napkins on the table in front of you. Just as you take your seat, put the napkin in your lap, and move the menu to the side. Why? Moving the menu or say, chargers, to the side allows the servers to set down the first course without interrupting you. It’s also a polite etiquette.

#2 The Curious Case of Spoons and Forks

Not sure which to use out of multiple forks, spoons, and knives placed on either side of your plate? As the rule dictates, choose the smallest first – the smallest ones are also the furthest from your plate – and then work your way in toward the plate. As for the set of spoon and fork placed above your plate, they are for cakes and dessert that you’ll be served last.

#3 Identity Crisis

When there are 8-10 people jam-packed around a table, how do you make sure which bread plate and wine glass are assigned to you? Left or right? Here’s a fun way to remember the rules: touch your pointer finger and thumb together on each hands. What do you see? You see a “b” formation in left hand, and a “d” formation in right. That “b” is for bread, and the “d” is for right! So your bread plate is on your left and your wineglass is on your right! Fun times!

#4 When the Silverware is Unwritten Code

You are still working on those ribs and you think of resting your arms for a bit while sipping the wine. As soon as you put the knife and fork down, a server comes to take it away. How to avoid this fiasco? When in a similar situation, always put your fork and knife down in a 4 o’clock and 7 o’clock format. This tells the server that you are not finished. And when you are finished, just place the knife and fork together at 3 o’clock in a way that the tip of the knife and tines of the fork touch the center of the plate together. Phew.