My close relative had casually designated me to be her "wedding coordinator", yet she hasn't heeded any of my recommendations. Now she has planned a lavish, formal church ceremony (1pm), but wants an informal reception (chips and beer) at a local school gym (8pm) that same day. I told her that this would be unfair to our guests -- majority are from of state -- for not only will they have to wait around for several hours, but then only have snack foods? While she still insists on this mismatch, she has agreed to let me "improve" on the reception, but I would have to pay for it. I'm completely frustrated! Everyone in the family agrees with me but refuses to interfere. How do I prevent this reception from turning into an etiquette no-no?
It may be time for an intervention. Perhaps all of her family and her fiance needs to speak to her. She and her fiance are hosts if they are inviting guests. They need to consider the guest's comfort. And, just because she wants to dress up as a princess in a formal dress isn't a good enough reason for a formal wedding and to submit her guests to a chip and dip beer bash 7 hours later. This is an insult to the guests.
Perhaps all of you can get her to read an etiquette book or our site, which focuses on proper etiquette.
Please do not give in and pay for her reception. And, if it were me, I'd try the intervention and then cut and run. If she is grown up enough to marry, she is grown up enough to plan and host.
Formal ceremony/informal reception?
