Wedding Blog

My friend is have a destination wedding in October and we were wondering -

1) What is the protocol for requesting gifts or registering?
2) How do we word an invitation for a small get together after the wedding has occured?
3) At the get together, should she wear her wedding dress?
4) Do you send invitations to the destination wedding, although you know many will not be able to attend?

Thanks so much in advance,

Uyen

~~~

Dear Uyen,

I’m also having a destination wedding (DW), so I understand your friend’s uncertainty over how to deal with these atypical situations. My advice is based on what I’ve learned about DW etiquette over the past 6 months. But remember- these are just guidelines, so go with what feels right and makes sense!

1) Many DW couples announce that their guests’ presence at their wedding is gift enough. But it’s still a good idea to register (and many do!) for wedding showers or in case someone insists on buying a wedding gift.

Although DWs can be informal, it is still bad etiquette to mention anything about gifts on the formal invitation. You should let guests know about your registry through your wedding website or word of mouth.

2) When wording invitations to your “At Home Reception” (AHR), make it very clear that you are already married! Here’s an example:

BRIDE
and
GROOM
were married
on DAY
YEAR
LOCATION

You are invited
to attend a reception
celebrating their marriage
on DAY
at TIME
LOCATION

For more sample wordings, check out:

Click on “Verse It” -> “Wedding” -> “Destination” or “Eloped”

3) She can definitely wear her wedding dress if she wants to! Although, if the AHR is a casual barbeque, it probably isn’t a good idea.

Really, a bride can do (almost) whatever her heart desires when it comes to her dress! Knottie Mrs. Presley wore a formal white ballgown to both her casual beach wedding in Hawaii and to her AHR!

4) Yes, you should send an invitation to anyone you would like to attend the wedding, even if you think they won’t be able to make it. Be prepared for surprises! Some guests may get really excited about your DW and find a way to go!

If you have any more questions about DWs, you should definitely check out this great FAQ website put together by DW Knotties.

Smiles,
Miss Ant from the Weddingbee Team