Dos and Don’ts for Corporate Party Attendees: an Etiquette Guide

Is your office hosting a corporate party at one of the best venues in Edmonton? If yes, then you must start preparing right away. Think about what you’ll wear and how you will reach the venue. If the party is for a special celebration, don’t forget to buy an appropriate gift for the host. But most importantly, amidst all your preparations for the special event, don’t forget things that you must and mustn’t do. Here’s your cheat sheet to be professional and enjoy the party at the same time.

Do Arrive on Time

Many people think that it’s quite normal to reach late at corporate office parties as the real fun begins after an hour or so from the actual time. If you too have been thinking this, you are sadly mistaken. Most corporate events start at the time mentioned in their invitation. Respect everyone’s time and arrive at the venue on time or within the first 15 to 20 minutes. Some venues in Edmonton may be difficult to locate. So keep buffer time at hand and plan your schedule accordingly.

Don’t Get an Extra Guest (Unless Asked)

Office corporate parties are meant for office people, or at the most for guests that your bosses and organizers invite. They aren’t meant for people who don’t receive an invitation card or email. Which is why you must not get your family members, friends, or relatives to the event. Be sure to read the invitation carefully, so you know the company policy on guests. Get a Plus One only if it has been mentioned in the invitation.

Do Dress Appropriately

You don’t want to look out of place in a corporate party, especially when it’s taking place at a classy venue. If there’s a set corporate party theme, see to it that you dress accordingly. Pay attention to the attire guidelines listed on the invitation. Don’t stick to your usual style at least for the party or you may just look out of place. If no specific theme has been mentioned in the invitation, wear formal clothes that will be ideal for a corporate event. Don’t wear anything that is too tight, revealing, or inappropriate from a corporate event point-of-view.

Don’t Smell Bad

The smell of sweat and stinking shoes can kill your vibe even if you are perfectly dressed. People might not even want to be around you because of the unpleasant odors coming from you. Therefore, take a shower before going to the party and make sure that you wear fresh shoes and clothes for the event. Don’t forget to use a pleasing cologne or perfume to smell nice.

Do Put Your Phone on Silent Mode

It makes literally no sense if you are at a corporate party and are still stuck on to your phone. Thus, put your phone away. And when you put your phone away, make sure you put it on silent mode. Loud ringtones are totally unprofessional and also disturb other people. You can’t afford to disturb the speaker or other guests around you. Many corporate events even put up signs requesting guests to put their phones on silent mode or switch them off.

Don’t Overdo Alcohol

This goes without saying that you must go easy on the alcohol. If your colleagues are drinking, and force you to partake too, you should watch how much alcohol you drink. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and alter your judgment after a limit. The decision-making part of the brain becomes less effective as more alcohol is consumed. You may just end up embarrassing yourself and people around you. Hence, limit your intake to one or two drinks, or best, avoid alcohol altogether.

Do Eat in Limits

Remember, you are at the party not for the food but the actual event. Therefore eat within your limits and don’t binge on the buffet. Don’t be the first person to pick up the plate as soon as they start the meals. The best way to avoid binging and being the first one to start eating at your corporate party is to have some snacks before reaching the venue. Note that talking to people with your mouth full of food is bad. So avoid that. Either eat or talk at a time.

Don’t Flirt or Sexually Harass Co-guests

Flirting with co-workers or other guests, being overly friendly with them, talking in a sexually provocative manner, or crossing your line in any way are big NO-NOs for a corporate party. Doing so will only make colleagues lose respect for you on a professional level. Whether intentional or unintentional, unwelcome behavior can end with a claim of sexual harassment against you. So be mindful of your behavior and the way you talk, especially after getting drunk.

Do Thank the Hosts

This isn’t a compulsory must-do, but it’s always good to thank your host for inviting you to the corporate party. It’s just a sweet gesture. When your bosses or party planners invite you to the party, music, food, and other ways to loosen up, you must show gratitude to them. Saying ‘thank you’ is the least you can do to share your feelings and show gratitude. And if you were appreciated or felicitated during the party, it becomes even more essential for you to thank the organizers.

Follow these etiquettes and your company’s rules to enjoy your corporate event to the fullest. Remember, this is not the right place for you to stand out. Instead, blend in and be respectful – that’s the mark of a successful business attendee.