Small wedding; post reception invitation - when to mail?
Our son and future daughter-in-law are planning a small family wedding. This is her second marriage. We have a large network of friends and extended family to whom my husband and I wish to invite to a reception that we will host 3-4 weeks after the wedding. We wish for our friends to know prior to the wedding that we plan to host a reception to which they will be invited. Can we send invitations prior to to the wedding? Is the wording below inappropriate?
(Groom and Bride) will be married in a private family ceremony on (date).
Because you have shared in their lives by your friendship and love (grooms parents) joyfully invite you to a reception in their honor (date, details....)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
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Re: Small wedding; post reception invitation - when to mail?
[In reply to]
Dear Sandusky,
The couple would have to agree to this reception, as the wedding and reception are not really supposed to be social events for parents any more. So, unless the friends of the parents are also very close friends of the couple/groom, they wouldn't be invited to the reception. And, the couple would have to be in agreement with all plans even if you are paying for the event.
The invitation could technically be used, but there really is no need to mention the wedding. It is as if you are reminding the recipient that they were not close enough to be invited to the main event. It would be much better to send a traditional reception only invitation.
Please do not mention anything about gifts in the invitation. And, please note that this is not a gift giving event.
These would be mailed about 6-8 weeks before the event.
Small wedding; post reception invitation - when to mail?
