My fiancee and I have been together for 12 years and he proposed last year on Valentines Day. We've talked over our various options and can't seem to make a final decision. He was married before in a civil ceremony and I had a big wedding. We both really enjoy the theater and had thought about making a short play about meeting, living together, getting engaged then the final scene of the play would be us getting married. What with all the details of planning a ceremony and reception, I think this might be a bit too much to handle since it would require me to be a quick change artist to avoid everyone from seeing the bridal gown until the final moments.
We have also talked about simply having a very small civil ceremony in our favorite vacation spot (which would not be able to handle a large wedding) and have a follow up party a few months later where we would invite our family and friends and show them a 'movie' of the our story at the reception.
Do you think it's appropriate to plan an 'elopement' then send out the inivitations to the reception after the ceremony? We don't want anyone getting their feelings hurt because they weren't invited to the ceremony (which we don't think will happen) but it's still a toss up for me whether to have the big shindig or a small one. My fiancee is supportive either way. Any advice you have would be appreciated.
Thank you!
(This post was
edited by Yecats44 on Jul 18, 2007, 10:44 AM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jul 18, 2007, 11:43 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1079 views)
Re: [Yecats44] Big or Small Ceremony
[In reply to]
Dear Yecats,
It is entirely your choice what size wedding you wish to have. And, it is perfectly fine to host your reception a few months later. You would just skip some of the traditional elements that seem odd for a married couple. If you choose to host this later, you would just send the typical reception invitations. You don't have to mention the wedding as it is a no-brainer that you are married if you are sending reception invitations.
Your guests may not find a play as charming as you might imagine. Some might find it a bit odd and wonder what you are doing. The video at the reception may be a much better idea.
Re: [Et.byRebecca] Big or Small Ceremony
[In reply to]
Rebecca,
We had thought it was a unique idea but I agree that it could be percieved as a bit odd especially since my family are not very interested in the theater. Looks like the video is the way to go. Knowing that ettiqute wise it's ok to have the reception a few months later, should make the decision for our ceremony a bit easier.
Thank you for the advice!
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jul 19, 2007, 12:42 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1058 views)
Re: [Yecats44] Big or Small Ceremony
[In reply to]
You are entirely welcome. And, the belated reception is becoming more common these days, especially with so many of our young people being deployed. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Big or Small Ceremony
