[klh7669]

Last July my husband and I were married in my parents backyard in a tiny civil ceremony with only immediate family. I was pregnant and we wanted to be married when the baby came. Well, now we are having our marriage blessed by the Catholic church in a small chapel ceremony and my parents would like to have a huge reception to celebrate our marriage with friends and family. my questions are, is it appropriate for me to wear an informal off-white gown? I wore a black maternity dress at our civil ceremony and would really like to feel beautiful and special for this occasion. Also, we never received gifts from family or friends. Is it okay to register and accept gifts at our reception?? Help, this is making me so uncomfortable and I want to make this a celebration of our new family and marriage together!

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Had a Legal Civil Ceremony,

A reaffirmation is not considered a gift giving event unless it is for a major anniversary, so you wouldn't want to make gifts a focus of your reception. However, people may want to give you gifts, so you may register for those gifts you want. It just should not be a focus for the reaffirmation.

Yet, if this is the only reception you have had, your guests may consider this the reception to your original wedding. Many couples differ their receptions to a date well after their weddings. This is considered a gift giving event. So... there you go--register.

You just wouldn't include registry information with the invitations to the reception.

Best wishes,

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

Please go ahead and wear your "off white" gown since white symbolizes joy nowadays, rather than virginity.

Congratulations!