Appropriate time for wedding reception after destination wedding
We are having a destination wedding, with just a few friends attending. We would like to have a reception after we get back from our honeymoon.
1) How long after our honeymoon should we plan the reception? (We have tentatively picked a date about one month after we get back from our honeymoon)
2) We will be hosting the event. Do we call it a "wedding reception," or should it be called something else?
3) We plan to have our reception on a Saturday, and make it a beach-themed reception. The reception will be held in a house/lodge, that has a small lake. What time is appropriate to start the reception, and how many hours should it last?
4) Would it be appropriate for us to wear our wedding clothes at the reception? What about asking guests to wear island attire ( just for fun!), and both of us do the same?
4) We plan to send invites about 5-6 weeks before the reception. If we stick to the reception date we've chosen, we will not be married yet when we send the invites. Should the wording for the invite be something like "XX and XX will be married on (date) in (location). Please join us for a wedding reception on XX?
5) Since our wedding is a destination wedding, do we need to plan a traditional reception (cake cutting, garter toss, etc.), or is it appropriate to just create more of a party or get-together atmosphere?
Any other ideas or suggestions will be appreciated! Thank you!!
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jun 13, 2005, 2:44 PM
Post #2 of 2
(2405 views)
Re: [lillybelle] Appropriate time for wedding reception after destination wedding
[In reply to]
Dear Lots of Questions,
Yes, you may have the same type of reception as you would if your wedding was the same day--cake, garter... . It can also be just a party. It can be scheduled for anytime after your wedding and any time of the day. If your guests will have to travel, make sure you are giving them plenty of time to drive home after the reception. The typical reception lasts three hours. It's your party, so it is your choice.
You can wear your wedding clothes or beach attire and ask your guests to dress similar. You would just list the requested attire on an enclosure.
For your invitations... you would send the typical wedding reception invitations using your current names. Your guests will know that you will be married by the time of the reception. There is no need to explain further. It is self explanatory.
Appropriate time for wedding reception after destination wedding
