[liz25]

We are having a destination wedding with a short honeymoon in October. For the ceremony, it will just be us, his brother as a witness and a notary. We will have a reception in New England for his family the following weekend and another one in the South for my family in November. Is it appropriate to send out announcements of our plans along with an invite to the reception nearest them? Or should we just send out invitations for the receptions and either call or include a hand written note of our plans for the the wedding ceremony. Ideally, I would like to send out announcements after the wedding and include the invite to the reception but the schedule does not allow this.

Thanks!

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Wanting to Announce,

This sounds more difficult than it is. Thankfully.

Send your reception invitation at least eight weeks before the date of the reception. This is because you will be spread out with the wedding and two receptions--lots of planning. There is no need to explain to your guests that you are marrying. They will automatically know that you will be married by the time the reception is hosted.

Only send announcements to those not invited to your receptions. They will be the only ones who will not know. And, do this after the wedding.

You wouldn't want to send letters to everyone letting them know of your plans because some may want to come with you. Then you will have that awkwardness of having to tell those you care about no.

Best wishes,