Royal Family Criticized Over Holiday Card

By Chris Stouffer

Public figures make themselves targets of criticism whether they want to or not. By now we know there's not choice. So of course the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no exception. Last week Cosmopolitan posted an article which included the picture on the right, and backlash from Meghan Markle's half-sister. The photo shows a silhouette of the Royals as they watch fireworks at their wedding. Honestly, I think it's a beautiful photo.

I get it. Sometimes we tend to try and read between the lines because we want an explanation. What if no explanation is needed? What if we try to hard at times to see something that isn't there? It's possible, right? I'm guilty of it. According to the article, Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, found the photo offensive saying "it's incredibly rude to turn your back on a Christmas photo..."

Is there proper Christmas Card etiquette that the rest of the world isn't aware of? If there is, I certainly wasn't aware of it. An article lasts year on Eventbrite gives tips on some easy etiquette rules to remember when sending out holiday cards, but there isn't any rule which indicates you shouldn't have your back turned. There is however a rule on pictures of you alone with your cat, as to not remind everyone how sad the situation looks (insert laughing emoji here). Obviously that rule is intended to make the reader laugh, so don't read into it.

Some of you may agree and some of you may not, but that's neither here nor there. Some of you could care less about the photo, and that's fair. For those of us who aren't personal friends of the Royal Family, it just doesn't matter. I still think it's a beautiful photo. What are your thoughts? Do you follow any rules of etiquette when including a photo with your holiday card? If so, please share in the comments below. Have a happy holiday season, and be nice to someone.

Bachelorette Party Lacks Tact

by Chris Stouffer

A bachelorette party should leave the bride-to-be and her friends with memories of their last night together as single girls. When those memories are followed with an unexpected invoice however it may reflect poorly on the bride. At least it did for the guest of one such party where each girl was sent an itemized bill showing what she owed for each individual snack according to an article in the Independent.

According to the invoice posted online, it included expenses for pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, and even a honeydew melon, which when divided by seven guests, came to $.36 per person. In the accompanying digital video provided by Fox News, the woman who shared the invoice online said any person who takes the time to split the cost of a melon by seven is insane.

The overall cost for each guest was $23.81. Given it may not be a large amount, an invoice is an invoice nonetheless. Why not just charge each guest a cover upfront and collect immediately? Considering I've never planned a bachelor(ette) party, I may be a little biased, especially in this situation. I just don't know that I could throw such an event, and surprise guests with fees for services rendered after.

I spoke to a few women whom had either thrown bachelorette parties or had one thrown for them. One thing they all agreed on (other than not being identified by last name) -- billing your guests after the fact is a totes party faux pas.

Valerie served as maid of honor for one wedding party and a bridesmaid for another where she helped plan bachelorette parties for each. "I volunteered to do the planning because I think that's part of the deal when you're maid of honor," she said. "When sending out invites, I asked that guests plan to pay for their own drinks and dinner...I can definitely see how being presented with a bill after the fact would rub people the wrong way. I would definitely not tell someone after the fact that they owe money. It's better to set expectations beforehand."

Janie and her husband married in 2009. Her friends planned and paid for most of her bachelorette party, adding that guests paid for their own food and drinks at dinner. "I think it would be a really good laugh to get an itemized bill," she said regarding sending guests an invoice after the bachelorette party. "If you're planning your own party, I don't think it's ok."

Mary, a banking project manager, said she threw a bachelorette party for a friend and absorbed all the costs along with two others in the bridal party. "(An) itemized bill is tacky," she said, adding that the bride who sent her guests a bill did not set any expectations.

I understand that throwing a party can be costly, but be mindful about planning your event. Be sure and set expectations for your guests so they know exactly what they're getting into. Above all, be sure you have a fantastic time!


Photo provided by Noah Llamaz