My husband and I eloped in Dec 04. Now, we are going to have a wedding reception in August 05. So, it is not too far away and I would like to keep it simple, but I have NO idea where to start.
We do know this: We are having an outside reception w/a cup cake wedding cake and buffet-style dinner. My mom putting together a slide-show of us from babies to now
1. I have my wedding dress but my husband wore his chef's jacket and dress pants. Should I rent a tux for him? or would it be okay for him to just wear nice pants and shirt.
2. I dried my wedding bouquet. Should I bring it? Should we purchase an additional one and a garter to throw as would have been done if we had a traditional wedding?
3. We didn't have any formal pictures taken at our wedding (we went to the courthouse). Should we have a photographer come to the reception and get formal pictures?
4. Would it be appropriate to have the minister at our church there to bless the wedding, even though we are already married?
5. We had our best friends (who were going to be our maid-of-honor and best-man when we were planning a wedding) with us when we eloped. Should we have a receiving line w/our best friends and parents?
6. Is there anything I am missing that is really important? HELP, I have next to no clue what I am doing?
You both wear what you wore for your wedding. He can wear slacks as long as you aren't over dressed for his attire.
You probably don't want to throw a bouquet or garter because you two have been married for a while. These are really a brand-new-bride tradition.
You could hire a traditional photographer, but you really don't need one. This is a reception, which is a party.
If you wanted to have your marriage blessed, which is a vow renewal, it would be fine. But, please do not get this confused with a wedding. This is not a gift giving event (nor is the reception), so please do not register.
You could have a receiving line because you had others with you as somewhat attendants. However, it just may be a bit confusing since your guests won't know why these people are in the line. They didn't just see them in a ceremony. A receiving line helps introduce your wedding party and parents to your guests. So, here is where the confusion may be generated.
The father/daughter dance may be a bit of a stretch. You have been living as a wife for some time.
Other than that as long as you don't have a vow renewal, your reception can have all of the other traditional events. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
I agree with what Rebecca has said. The only thing I would say differently is the Father/Daughter dance. As a dad I would be very disappointed if I did not get to have this dance with my daughter no matter how long she had been married. Just keep it simple. Best to you and God Bless. Bob Deacon Bob Tousey
Post-wedding reception
