[happy1105]

I am pregnant and my fiancee and I are planning a destination wedding when I will be in my 5th month of pregnancy. I want to wait until the following June to have a "reception" or announcement of our marriage rather than a reception at the time of our return home from our wedding. By this time we will have been married 6-7 months and the baby will be approximately 3 months old. Is this appropriate? If so, how do we handle any gift giving, invitations - etc.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 19 July 2025 - 06:57 PM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Reception Later,

It is acceptable to have your reception later. However, gifts are supposed to be sent for the wedding not the reception. So, it may be best to send announcements of your marriage directly after your wedding. Not that announcements are a plea for gifts or obligate people to give. This is not the case. But, some may wish to give you gifts at this time because they are happy for you two.

I know that many bring gifts to the reception, so this may still happen in your case. But, the gifts are supposed to be shipped to the bride's home before the wedding.

It would probably be best to register now if you wish to because some people may want to give you something when they find out that you are married.

You could send Save the Date cards for the reception as soon as you know the date and location. Then you would send reception invitations eight weeks before the event to everyone who received the Save the Date cards.

Best wishes,