Informal Reception for a Formal Destination Wedding
I am having a destination wedding and I had elected not to have a reception at the destination at all, that is, until reading this website. I have come across the opinion that it would be rude to have guests travel and not offer them a meal. It will be a formal event. I do not care what my guests wear, but my attendants and I will be dressed formally. Is it all right to invite my guests to the beach house for barbeque and pizza, or should we go out to eat in a restaurant (with a private room)? I am having a reception back home that is formal, catered, with a full meal, dj and open bar, so it will be a LARGE cost. What is acceptable here?
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jan 30, 2008, 8:23 AM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jan 30, 2008, 10:00 AM
Post #2 of 2
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Re: [Jess_Plum] Informal Reception for a Formal Destination Wedding
[In reply to]
Dear Jess Plum,
Yes, typically our events would be the same formality--wedding and reception. But, with the destination wedding it is understandable that you may not be able to provide the same reception as if at home. So, you are only obligated to offer your guests 'something'. A meal is great, but it could also be a welcome cocktail.
If it were me, though, I would consider what my guests would want and be most comfortable with. After all, I would be host. So, I would do as you are considering--inviting them to my beach house. The refreshments should reflect the food and beverages they would expect for the time of day. So, if this is early afternoon, it could even be a dessert and punch affair.
Informal Reception for a Formal Destination Wedding
