I am the MOB and my daughter and her fiance have chosen to have a small wedding. Parents, grandparents and siblings are the only wedding attendees. The wedding is end of June 2006. My dilemma is two-fold and I'm not sure the proper etiquette.
1) The groom's family is hosting a bridal shower even though they won't be invited to the wedding. I was planning on hosting a wedding shower, but didn't really feel comfortable since none of the attendees are invited to the wedding and the mother of the bride shouldn't be hosting anyway. However, I have had family members ask if there is going to be a shower even though they are not invited to the wedding, and
2) I' ve discussed having a reception in August for the Bride and Groom to celebrate their marriage and introduce to family & friends. They are open to the idea. My brothers and sisters (aunts and uncles) are hurt they aren't invited to the wedding; but I've mentioned that we will have a reception in August to welcome the new couple and show photos and/or video from the wedding. The event would be a luncheon at a local banquet hall.
Questions:
1) Would a bridal shower on the bride's side be inappropriate? Only immediate family is invited to wedding.
2) Are there any special etiquette rules surrounding a reception hosted by bride's parents 2 months after wedding? Is it appropriate to indicate where bride and groom are registered?
In a pickle
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
May 15, 2006, 10:47 AM
Post #2 of 2
(2774 views)
Re: [tearl719] Small Wedding with later bigger reception
[In reply to]
Dear MOB,
You are correct that family shouldn't be hosting and only those invited to the wedding should be invited to the shower. So, it would be best to suggest that the groom's family just send wedding gifts if they want to give them something. A shower wouldn't be proper. They could also host a reception in their location.
Even if your family asks for a shower doesn't mean that there should be one. If these family members want to ship a gift for the married couple, they may. The shower would be inappropriate.
A belated reception is common and appropriate. But, mentioning where the couple is registered is not. If someone asks, you can tell them.
The gifts are supposed to be for the wedding, not the reception. So, these guests are not obligated to give a gift.
Small Wedding with later bigger reception
