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belated reception etiquette

summer0810
New User

Post #1 of 5 (1688 views)

belated reception etiquette

My husband and I were married March of 2007 while we were in Reno. It wasn't necessarily an elopement...our families knew about it. It was my second wedding and his first. We decided we didn't want a big ceremony because that meant waiting for a year to get married. Both of his brothers were getting married later that year after months of planning and we didn't want to take anything away from their days since we'd only been dating six months. We didn't have a reception right away either because of that and the fact that I was pregnant and wanted to wait until after the baby. We want to have a reception now to celebrate with all our friends and family and to introduce them to each other...because of distance our families have never met. We had planned to have one earlier this year but because of other activities it hasn't happened. Now we are looking at September. Is it appropriate for us to have a reception, even though it's been over a year since we married? I know no gifts since no wedding and no first dance, etc. But we have people asking about a reception....I kinda figured it'd be weird having it so late. But if it's not...how do we word our invites?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

PS-we would show video and have pics of the ceremony for all to enjoy as well since they couldn't be there.

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #2 of 5 (1686 views)

Re: [summer0810] belated reception etiquette [In reply to]

Once you're married for over a year the time has passed to host a proper wedding reception, sorry. Consider having an anniversary party when the time cpmes and show your video and pictures then.

Best Wishes,
I Do - Take Two Moderator

summer0810
New User

Post #3 of 5 (1681 views)

Re: [the_admin] belated reception etiquette [In reply to]

I kind of figured it would be too late but, I didn't know how to handle it since everyone keeps asking about one. What should I tell them? We have had a lot of relatives who said they would wait until the reception to bring their gifts (which we really don't need) but his family is huge and very adamant about celebrating all big events. Like I said we were married in March, one brother got married in August and the other in November so we had to wait until after all of this. And with Iowa weather being as it is (horrible winter and then the flooding) it hasn't really been feasible to have it before now, along with other commitments (grandma's 80th b-day, sister having a baby, etc.) I guess I am just as confused as ever.

(This post was edited by the_admin on Jul 8, 2008, 10:23 AM)

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #4 of 5 (1677 views)

Re: [summer0810] belated reception etiquette [In reply to]

You can host whatever you like, whenever you like. Smile

There are no etiquette police who will track you down and put you in etiquette jail.

But, when you ask us what etiquette is in place, we have to tell you that hosting a wedding reception for a wedding that took place over a year ago isn't seen as acceptable. Most of the traditional aspects of the reception like announcing the new couple in public, dancing the first dance a s a couple, etc, would seem odd. take out all the tradition and you have a party, period.

I would just tell anyone who asks that you have decided not to have a reception. They can't tie you down and force you to host one. Let them know that you'll be hosting an anniversary party when the time comes. Hopefully that will suffice.
I Do - Take Two Moderator

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT / Moderator

Post #5 of 5 (1673 views)

Re: [summer0810] belated reception etiquette [In reply to]

I agree. And, you can host a plain old party with no title any time. A family get together is great.
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com