Parties and Events: Proper Behavior

Ahhhhhhhh Summer.  'Tis the season for so many celebratory social functions and parties.  Today's topic will cover a myriad of types of celebrations such as weddings, graduations, birthday parties, and the like.  Here is my quick list of social no-no's for hosts and guests alike:

1.  NEVER entertain beyond your financial means.  Under no circumstances is it OK to ask your invited guests to "chip in" for anything -- and that includes parties you have arranged at a restaurant.  Guests should never anticipate the need to pay for anything nor feel the need to bring a wallet or purse;

2.  Invitations should be promptly answered.  No excuses.  Granted, I'm not a fan of "e-vite" or any of that other impersonal, computerized crap but at least call the person and let them know.  You do not owe the host any prolonged explanation of why you're not attending, a simple "yes, thank you for including us" or "no, I regretfully decline"  is all etiquette requires;

3.  Gift registries and the like are nothing more than dressed up begging.  Despite their rampant popularity, under no circumstances should guests be directed how to spend their money and how much.  I can hear you all wailing about "How do we know what the guest(s) of honor want?"  If you are directed by the guest(s) of honor to consult a stranger to do your shopping with a preassigned price and wish list, you have no business being invited to their personal, milestone event.  You really do not know the guest(s) of honor that well and owe them nothing.  Send a congratulatory card;

4.  Under no circumstances is it OK to throw a party in your own honor.  If you want people around, do not name a specific purpose and have a party for the simple sake of having a party;

5.  Toddler birthdays.  Really?  They are so overboard it's insane.  How much crap can one kid possibly accumulate?

6.  Weddings.  Bear in mind they are really only a big deal for the bride and her mother.  Don't make us suffer with excessive travel plans, expenses, and time commitments.  No, we don't want to be dragged around the country/world.

7.  Graduations.  A fun rite of passage.  Don't get carried away;

8.  GOLDEN Rule for Both Hosts and Guests:  NEVER post pictures or information on any type of social media.  It is impossible to include everybody at every event.   Refrain from "tagging" and other identifying pictures.  After all, your guests blew off Uncle Fred's birthday party citing a sudden food poising illness to attend yours.  How upsetting it would be for the rest of the family if they found out via social media post.