Business Cocktail Etiquette

When a guest receives an invitation to a business cocktail party, it's essential to respond to the invitation as quickly as possible. This shows courtesy and consideration, even before the guest attends the engagement. Hosts of the cocktail part should include self-addressed envelopes in the invitation for guests to use to send their RSVPs--if an envelope is not included, attendance confirmation should be made by phone, or a hand-written note should be mailed to the host.

Different cocktail parties require different attire. A cocktail reception is usually a formal affair, which means women are expected to wear gowns, and men should wear tuxedos. If the event is a cocktail buffet, casual dress if often acceptable--men can wear slacks and a button-down shirt, and women can wear a skirt or slacks. A "traditional" cocktail party, where appetizers are served and guests are standing for most of the event, is usually semi-formal. For this occasion, it is best to wear a cocktail dress with heels--men can wear a sport coat and slacks, or a dark-colored suit. Guests should ask the host what the dress code will be to avoid looking inappropriate at the event, if the dress code is not indicated on the invitation.

While it is usually acceptable etiquette to arrive at a party "fashionably late," it's important to remember that a business cocktail party is still a professional event, and showing up on time will help business associates improve their reputations. However, arriving at the party early is not recommended, as this prompts the host to entertain before he/she is prepared.

The main purpose of a business cocktail party is to make professional connections that could lead to successful business mergers. It's important for businesspeople to know the purpose for attending the event before arriving, to stay "on task" during the night. Smiling and giving firm handshakes are great ways to get a potentially beneficial conversation going. Professionals should have plenty of business cards to pass around during the party, as well as a way to keep up with business cards, email addresses, and numbers that are received. It is also acceptable to give and receive resumes at some cocktail parties, so business associates should bring a few copies to the engagement in case they are asked to provide their credentials.

Even though a cocktail party is a business affair, it is also a social event, which means drinking alcoholic beverages is acceptable. However, it is not proper etiquette to drink too much--this can give both the businessperson and his/her corporation a bad reputation. In order to maintain a professional demeanor throughout the cocktail party, it is best to eat before drinking, and to drink a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage. Drinks should also be kept in the left hand, so that the right hand will be free for shaking hands with other guests.