What are your thoughts?

mirabeth22

This is going to be my second wedding and my DFH's first. I had a big huge fancy wedding and it wasn't for me. Luckily my DFH doesn't want a big wedding- THANK GOD!

We are getting married in Ft Lauderdale, FL in October. We've given our families ample planning time to attend. We are expecting only a handful of friends and family. My fiance and I are footing all of our wedding on the beach and cruise to follow. We want to have a reception when we get back for our close friends and family back home.

Okay, so here are my questions:

1. What should we do for our guests that come to the DW? We aren't made of money so footing the whole bill isn't an option, but would it be appropriate to help plan travel and accomidations?

2. What about a bridal shower or bachelorette party before we leave for the wedding? No one has said anything about throwing me one, but I am betting it will come up soon.

3. When should we have our reception and any ideas for it?

Any other advice is appreciated ladies!

geordieboysgirl

My sister got married last week in St. Lucia. The only guests were our parents (not even his). My parents paid their own way, but they can. My sister and new hubbie will have a casual reception this weekend at a local restaurant.

On the other hand, we are footing the bill for two brothers coming from England for our wedding, but not any other relatives.

Point being, I think it depends on the individual circumstances. If there is someone you really want there that cannot afford it, help them out if you wish. No need to make a big deal of it so others think they should get the same treatment. You certainly are not obligated to pay for anyone.

I would think a party in your hometown would be great. As long as the guests are invited to the reception, I would think it would be fine.

CCH

Sue-n-Kevin

Congrats & Welcome!

We have attended out of town weddings often, because our family moved out of state. No different than a destination wedding: those that can afford to attend will.But I'd probably send the invitations to everyone you would invite to the reception, with a note in there that if they can't attend, you understand, but will be having a reception on X date at home, with that info.  

1. What should we do for our guests that come to the DW? We aren't made of money so footing the whole bill isn't an option, but would it be appropriate to help plan travel and accomidations? Google your little heart out, make some calls, arrange for a block of rooms at a hotel nearby, and include the info in the invitations on a separate sheet of paper. That's usually what happens when we've been invited to an out of town wedding. People are adults, and can make their own arrangements for hotels, cars, etc.

2. What about a bridal shower or bachelorette party before we leave for the wedding? No one has said anything about throwing me one, but I am betting it will come up soon. I don't expect one, because we both have homes of our own, and will need to GET RID of stuff, we don't need more stuff! If either comes up, go with the flow. Or talk to a close family member or friend who won't take your question as a hint, to see if anyone's talking about it.

3. When should we have our reception and any ideas for it? That's up to you and your new husband. Most of the posts I've seen have them anywhere from a month to 3 months later. You can have it in your home, someone else's home, a restaurant, or hall. It depends on what you want to spend. The impression I get is that they tend to be less formal than a wedding reception on the day of the wedding.