[Ruby1210]

My fiance and I found out we were expecting a few months after we were engaged. We decided to have a small, last-minute wedding with just a few people before the baby was born. We would like to have a celebration, a little over one year later, to which we could invite those who could not attend. I know from reading other posts that it is not appropriate to discuss or expect gifts for such an event, and that is definitely not our intention. I just missed not having my family at my wedding, and would like to have a celebration that they can be a part of. I am wondering what sort of a celebration would be appropriate. Should we include any wedding elements? Should we wear our original wedding clothes? Or should it just be more of a casual 'party' atmosphere? I don't want to offend anyone, and I don't want it to seem like we want gifts, I really just want to emphasize that my family is important to me and that I would have liked them to be a part of this event in my life. I couldn't find any other posts that hit on this exact question, as most seemed centered on the question of gifts, so I apologize if I'm repeating other people but I would really appreciate any advice on how such an event should be handled and what type of a celebration would be appropriate in this situation.

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

Congratulations on the marriage and the new little addition to your family! That's a lot to celebrate, so I understand why you'd want to have a party. :)

Unfortunately, after you've been married for more than a year, a reception wouldn't be appropriate. I'd go with your casual idea and perhaps have everyone over for a party to see the new little one and maybe look at some of your wedding photos or video, if there are any.That way there are no expectations or confusion with regard to gifts or what sort of party this might be.

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness,

[Ohio Wedding Planner]

Really the only thing you can do, to have your family together for an event, would be for your child's birthday event. You could make it a big bigger and invite more people than one would normally do for a first year birthday. You could spend a little more and make the event nicer as well, to sort of treat everyone to a nice event. This would get everyone together for something and you could, of course, have your wedding photos/memories to share during this time. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, there is no way you can attempt to have a wedding "party" a year after you were married without it being etiquette "unfriendly".

[Etiquette Now]

Great advice. I completely agree.

[Jacqueline]

Great advice, proper etiquette, great bonding moment for the entire family and friends, and great excitement getting to meet the baby and looking at wedding photos, videos, and/or photo collages.

[Ruby1210]

Thank you all so much for this helpful and thoughtful advice! I have a small follow-up question - could I say something like: 'A party to celebrate our marriage, our family and our daughter?' I'm just concerned that people who were not invited to the wedding don't feel hurt or left out (it was so last minute we didn't think that it would be fair to invite a lot of people, since they probably wouldn't have been able to make it and would then just feel obligated to send a gift). Thank you again!

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

I don't think it's an issue. We often have privtae ceremonies and larger receptions. People usually understand not being invited to a private ceremony.

[Ohio Wedding Planner]

I think at this point, a year later, no one is expecting any event to makeup for them not having been invited to your wedding. Having everyone together for your child's birthday will show them how important they are to you and your family. If you want to take the time to apologize to them while they are there, you certainly can but I think people understand anymore that sometimes weddings end up small and it isn't personal not to be invited.