Oktoberfest Etiquette 2016

Style and Etiquette at the World's Largest Folk Festival.

When the dirndls are laced up, the lederhosen are dusted off, and the traditional Bavarian shoes are brought up from the cellar, it's Oktoberfest time in Munich again. Thousands of guests come to the Isar metropolis every year to enjoy Bavarian coziness, sociability, and way of life. Whether locals, newcomers, or guests from all over the world - Oktoberfest is a social event where it is important to avoid embarrassing missteps and gracefully navigate through. Do's and Dont's - Expert Tips for Your Stylish Oktoberfest Appearance What should I, as a guest at Oktoberfest, pay attention to? Is it necessary to wear traditional clothing, or is it okay for non-locals to attend without a dirndl or lederhosen? How should one behave when attending Oktoberfest for business purposes? And what are the absolute no-gos for a stylish and successful Oktoberfest appearance? Oktoberfest Dress Code - Does it always have to be traditional attire? Of course, it is possible to attend without lederhosen or a dirndl. If you don't own traditional attire, you can opt for a combination of jeans and a checkered shirt or blouse. The right accessories such as colorful scarves and bracelets will add the finishing touch. There are also numerous options for creating a stylish Oktoberfest look with hairstyles - a braided hairstyle with ribbons or bows will surely make you stand out! Dirndl Bow - What does it reveal about relationship status? Dirndl aprons are not only important accessories that add variety to traditional wear, they also reveal information about the wearer. If a woman is married, she ties her apron bow on the right side. If she is single, the bow is tied on the left. If the apron bow is tied in the middle, according to tradition, she is a virgin. Tying the bow at the back indicates that she is widowed. However, please note that waitresses also tie the bow at the back. Business Oktoberfest - swaying with the boss? When attending Oktoberfest with clients or business partners, it is important to consider your professional position. If you hold a leadership role, you should maintain it at Oktoberfest. However, this does not mean that you cannot have fun, sway, or flirt - it's all about finding the right balance, and I recommend exercising a bit of restraint. This is especially important when it comes to alcohol consumption, as some careers have been abruptly ended after a visit to Oktoberfest. Multi-Cultural Oktoberfest - How to interact with different cultures? For many people from other countries, Oktoberfest is a fascinating attraction. Visitors from around the world embark on long flights to enjoy Bavarian cheerfulness and sociability at the world's largest folk festival. However, different cultures have different customs, and one can easily make a misstep out of ignorance. Therefore, if you are visiting Oktoberfest with international guests, I recommend researching their customs and traditions beforehand. It is crucial to involve guests to the maximum extent from the beginning. This starts with choosing seating arrangements, which should ideally be within the group and not on the edge of the table. And of course, it is important to actively show your hospitality! In many countries, there is great politeness, gratitude, and respect in interactions, so one should not boast about German virtues, but rather be humble and treat guests with friendly and polite attention. About Lydia Morawietz: Lydia Morawietz is one of Germany's Top 100 Excellence Trainers and a member of the German Speaker Association. For ten years, she has been sharing her expertise on successful and confident appearances - in books, lectures, and seminars. Under the trademark Serviquette®, the certified trainer for the persolog® Personality and Stress Model leads numerous events on topics such as Business Etiquette, Style & Etiquette, Career Coaching, and Personal Development. She is the author of the audiobook "Business Etiquette" and the guide "Oktoberfest Etiquette". Thirty years ago, Lydia Morawietz founded BLM Office Service, an important partner for companies and startups. In 2010, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year. [Article by Lydia Morawietz] LydiaMorawietz is one of the Top100 trainers in our catalog. You can find her profile here!