for anyone who writes about galas/formal events in the batman fandom PLEASE keep the following in mind (as someone who’s attended these events both as a guest and as part of the staff)
- punctuality is key. events have timed programs. a time to welcome people. a time for this keynote speaker to talk or for that musical group to perform. some of those nights survive on a schedule.
- social circles are important. people in the invited communities might already know each other. think gotham’s elite. or an event for alumni. i was once invited to a Christmas event by a woman who had her own table and i got to meet her sisterhood which consisted of friends from college and through marriages and such. it was so sweet. 🥹
- you tip the valet and people assisting with your coat! i had a woman not want to accept my tip - my guess is because i appeared to be one of the younger ones in the crowd and didn’t seem adult enough to have to follow the custom. 🤷♀️
no!!! you get tipped! and she did :)
- avoid politics (depending on the circle). if it’s an event emphasizing social reform, advocacy, or just plain politics, then yes. if you’re not that familiar with the people there and their views, maybe think about what would be fitting to say.
- acting like someone is watching you helps make sure you don’t seem aloof. you never know when someone is looking around during a speech and the last thing you want is to accidentally be seen as uninterested or rude. because the truth is, people look around during events all of the time.
- if there are speakers talking as food is being served, you’ll find that that’s the best time to eat. again, there’s a schedule. you’ll be talking with people after, and you can’t carry much of a conversation when you’re trying to enjoy the broccolini.
- going along with that, silverware is LOUD. i’ve lost count of how many times someone’s at the mic and you just hear the clinking as people are eating their salads and cutting their steak. so being conscientious of how you’re using your utensils is great. 🙂↕️
- bread is on the left side, drinks are on the right. it’s the same as when you make the letter L with your fingers to see which way is left. make the letters b and d and you’ll see the order.
- when there’s lots of silverware at your place setting, you work your way in. the outer fork and knife for the salad. the next pair for the entrée, etc.
- sometimes the desserts are placed at your seat before you even arrive. whether you enjoy them right then or later is honestly up to you. etiquette says wait, but i’ve seen older guests just live their best life.
- having a few essentials in your bag can literally save a person’s time there. i was once at a wedding and happened to have ibuprofen on me for the photographer who had hurt their ankle, and band-aids for the guest who got a cut. it’s the little things!
i hope these help! if you use any of these or have anything else to add, i’d love to know! 😊
