When it comes to what is and what is not appropriate when sending a greeting card, there are a few set standards of greeting card etiquette to follow.

Some people have ruled out sending real paper cards using snail-mail postal services. They say electronically transmitted e-mail cards are an easier alternative.

While that may be true, old-fashioned card giving can't be beat when it comes to paying tribute to friends and loved ones across the miles at holidays and other special occasions. Ask any recipient! Many people prefer paper cards over e-cards for several reasons:

• Paper cards become a temporary part of the recipient's home décor. No one opens a card, reads the message, and then throws the card away. Unlike e-cards which are read before being deleted. Birthday, anniversary, and Christmas cards especially are “collected” and put on display; on bookcases, fireplace mantels, shelves, and counters. Often times even the envelopes are saved to use as a protective “sleeve” when it comes time to store the cards away in a scrapbook, album, or keepsake box.
• Paper cards are more meaningful. That is because the recipient knows the sender went out of their way to select just the right card, and took time to handwrite a personalized message...just for them! Every time they look at the card they feel special.
• Paper cards are more beautiful. Made from a variety of different paper types, with lovely artwork; many cards have cutouts, and glitter, bow, lace, fabric, foil, or bead accents. Card variety is also more diverse.

Despite the ease and availability of online e-cards, real paper cards sent via snail mail remain as popular as ever. In fact, over 7.5 billion paper cards were sold in America last year. And remember, this is the age of collectables. Today's keepsakes are tomorrow's treasures; memorabilia from days gone past - whether monetary or sentimental in value.

If you love getting greeting cards, and appreciate the art of card giving, there are several greeting card etiquette rules to keep in mind:

• When it comes to sending a card to someone you love, or close family member or friend, always buy quality cards. A single-purchase, hand selected quality card is always more appreciated than an economy card that came in a box with others.
• The more special the occasion, the more important it is that the card reflect the importance of the event. Milestone birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduation, sympathy, etc. are all occasions that “demand” a unique, quality card that has been hand-picked just for that person.
• Always handwrite the message. Don't run the card through a printer, or use a typewriter. Card recipients much prefer handwritten notes, and appreciate the fact that “someone” took the time to write a personal message. Envelopes, too, should be hand addressed. If it is difficult for you to write legibly, ask someone with neat penmanship to help you.
• Especially when addressing a greeting card to someone who is your senior, use proper titles. “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” etc. Avoid slang terms. Instead of “Grandma,” use a more polite “Grandmother.” It shows proper respect to the recipient, and is a good reflection on the sender - regardless of age.
• Funny cards and humorous messages are completely acceptable for some occasions; office party farewell cards, a friend's birthday, sassy love cards, and get-well cards when the illness isn't serious are fine occasions to share wit. But when it comes to more serious occasions, such as sympathy or loss, a sincere, sensitive message is more appropriate.
• Both the opening and closing of a handwritten message in a card are important; they set the tone for the entire message.
• Send special occasion-type greeting cards on time. Beat the seasonal mail rush by mailing holiday cards well in advance. Don't wait until the last minute. Other special occasion cards should be mailed well before the date of the event.
• Be sure you have the correct address before you mail the card.
• Be sure your spelling is accurate. With the exclusion of small children - whose misspelled words are every bit as endearing as their mispronunciations - such careless mistakes can distract from the message.
• When addressing cards to distant friends and relatives, a small snapshot of the sender attached to the card is always appreciated.
• When writing messages, write from your heart. Be proper, be appropriate, but be you. Don't come off as artificial.
• Have fun! Card giving and anticipating the recipient's joy when they open the envelope is only half the fun. The other fun part is in selecting the card.

With such a wide assortment to choose from in a greeting card, you'll be able to find the just-right card. Sending the perfect message and setting just the right tone for the handwritten note you inscribe inside. And at UnforgottenCards.com you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for!

Article written by: Lori S. Anton