My fiance and I are having a destination wedding with only our grandparents, parents, and siblings invited. Our other family members (cousings, aunts, etc..) and friends who are not invited are asking us to have a reception after we return from our honeymoon. We have a few questions...
1. Who should pay for this reception?
2. Is it rude to invite people to a post-wedding reception? What's the etiquette here?
3. When should we send invitations for this event?... at the same time as the wedding invitation?
4. Should we expect gifts from these people?
5. Do you tell people where you're registered... how do they find out this kind of information?
If someone offers to host this reception for you then they would but if no one offers and you want to throw this party then you pay as you would for any party you would host.
2. Is it rude to invite people to a post-wedding reception? What's the etiquette here?
No, it's perfectly acceptable to have a party after you return from your destination wedding however you would call it a party or celebration in honor of the newlyweds.
3. When should we send invitations for this event?... at the same time as the wedding invitation?
No, you would send the invitations for this event just as you would for any other party you are hosting, maybe 2 - 3 weeks before the event.
4. Should we expect gifts from these people?
You should never expect a gift however gifts for weddings are typically a social obligation so a guest for this sort of event will usually bring a gift.
5. Do you tell people where you're registered... how do they find out this kind of information?
If a guest asks you can tell them where you are registered but never include this information in an invitation. Word of mouth is the best way so let your family and close friends know where you are registered and they can tell anyone who is interested. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Yes, you may have a receiving line if you had attendants and your parents are hosting the reception. However, if you are hosting it, there really is no reason to have one. You would just walk around and mingle. But, there is no 'rule' against having one.
You would send a typical reception invitation using your married name if you are hosting.
Post-Wedding Party
