Eloping but having a masquerade reception

wendydfisher

My finance and I are eloping to Bora Bora, but plan on having a Halloween/masquerade reception for our friends and family a week later... only problem, I don't know how to execute the feeling of the reception that I want. I do not want orange as a color. Or people coming in silly costumes. I want a nice, classy, slightly spooky yet still romantic reception, with lots of fun still. Any ideas?

[Deleted User]

One way, and I dont know if this would work instead of other favors for your reception you could include nice masks you like or make, so people come in there nice outfits and in your invite include that you will be providing the masks to complete the mood. And to avoid orange you could do violet and black with hints of silver. I have seen the combination done and it was rather stunning for a halloween wedding.

zitiqueen

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_eloping-but-having-masquerade-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:a541149a-f2b8-4ed0-b5bc-43916171e733Post:7f57d3d5-3441-4084-bd60-b681c1bb3f27">Eloping but having a masquerade reception</a>:
[QUOTE]My finance and I are eloping to Bora Bora, but plan on having a Halloween/masquerade reception for our friends and family a week later... only problem, I don't know how to execute the feeling of the reception that I want. I do not want orange as a color. Or people coming in silly costumes. I want a nice, classy, slightly spooky yet still romantic reception, with lots of fun still. Any ideas?
Posted by wendydfisher[/QUOTE]

Mrs.B6302007

Etiquette wise, you give up the reception when you choose to elope since the reception is for receiving and thanking the guests for coming to the wedding.  Just something to think about.

CassieeK

I would suggest using only the term masquerade and not Halloween. Then people will know it is not a costume party. 

SparrowSong

Are they supposed to come in costume at all?

trix1223

I'm with Mrs.B.  You are not having a reception, as a reception is a gathering to RECEIVE your wedding guests.  Unless you're inviting everyone to join you in Bora Bora, it's inappropriate to invite people to a wedding reception.

You're making the CHOICE to elope.  That CHOICE comes with ramifications, one of which is that you forgo things like showers, b-parties, and receptions.

Good luck.

Milsey32

Mrs. B is right... AHRs aren't really necessary if guests are invited to the ceremony. BUT if you are going to do it anyway... Cassiee is right - don't use the term "Halloween" unless you want orange & costumes. 

wendydfisher

Unfortunately, most of our family and friends will be unable to join us in Bora Bora. But they have all expressed the feelings that they would love to all come together and celebrate, hence the reception. 

cac7777

Instead of having a reception (which is, as PPs have noted, more for right after a wedding ceremony), maybe you could invite people to a masquerade ball in celebration of your recent marriage. Calling it a ball definitely would let people know that it's a classy celebration and not a cheap costume party... though you'd definitely need to think about your level of formality and how much money you want to throw at it before giving it a big title like "ball"... If you started the thing later on in the evening (8:30 or later), you could probably get away with serving passed hors d'oeuvres and champagne instead of a full meal.

Things I think of with "masquerade ball": black tie attire, historic ballroom (perhaps the palm court at an old hotel), great live music, warm lighting and candlelight, white-gloved waiters passing around champagne and hors d'oeuvres on silver platters, classy hand-held masks for guests, grand entrance with you in an evening gown... could be fun. 

MeaghanandMichael

They want to come but they can't bc you are having a reception in Bora Bora. Looks like you made your choice about their wishes and yours. The reception is really a moot point so no need to worry about it.

Choices, my dear.