Judges should value the ribbons they award to the extent that what is given is deserved by the exhibitor. It is encouraging to amateur and some commercial exhibitors to receive ribbons, but encouragement should be balanced against the integrity of the ribbon. Etiquette Miss Manners does not need to know anything about orchids to help with ribbon judging etiquette. The first item is the invitation. Answer in a reasonable amount of time.
Most societies send a self-addressed stamped postcard.
All that is usually needed is for an X to be marked in the appropriate boxes, a signature, and then the reply card neds to be mailed. If the reply is negative, that s the end of the story. If the invitation is accepted, the obligation begins. If one cannot fulfill this obligation, notification of the society is required. The society can then make the necessary adjustments in its luncheon plans.