(First, just noted on a previous page that all the experts are volunteers. Thank you for taking the time to help us all.) I'll try to be succint -- i've read the elopement/vow renewal/ettiquette sections, but have a remaining Q-- because my situation involves eloping, vow renewing, and receptions.
I'm "unoffically engaged" -- unoficially because we plan to elope and don't want questions asked in advance. I'm Canadian, my fiance is Texan, and we plan to elope to Telluride, Colorado March 2007. We're very close to our families, we just prefer the intimacy of an elopement -- plus, my Canadian sister is pregnant and won't be able to travel till early summer.
We plan on throwing a big, fun, party when we return from the elopement -- still considered our reception, from what i understand on this site. But we'd ALSO like to renew our vows in front of our families before that, once my sister and new niece or neph can travel to TX.
SO-- is this scenario okay?
1. Late March -- Elope to Collorado -- whee!
2. Call parents/sibs afterwards to let them know; to appease any hurt feelings or sense of loss, inform them we will be having a private vow renewal for them soon
3. Early April -- Send out Wedding Announcements post elopement, inviting guests to come "celebrate" our new status as husband and wife at a recepetion, date to follow
4. Early June -- have private vow renewal ceremony for 20 immediate family members. (I understand I can't be "given away" by my father, but there are conflicting opinions on this site regarding my elopement/wedding dress -- may i wear it to renew the vows 2 months later?) Follow vow renewal ceremony with mini-reception of meal/photo session for all the 20 loved ones present.
6. that night, or the next evening, host our big bash -- in honor of the wedding/elopement, NOT the vow renewal.
Please tell me if this is tacky in any way? We're trying to make everyone feel included. Will putting the vow renewal in the middle of the Elopement and official Reception/Party be acceptable?
THANK YOU. Any other advice welcome, Michelle
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Nov 9, 2006, 5:42 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1185 views)
Re: [dadaelon] eloping, vow renewal/affirmation, party
[In reply to]
Dear Michelle,
It sounds like you have done your homework.
Everything sounds fine except the announcement/invitation. You really only need the invitation. Your guests will know you are married or will be by the date of the reception.
You may wear your dress if this is the one you wore for your wedding. You may also wear it for your reception. Guests may want to see you in it.
eloping, vow renewal/affirmation, party
