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Wedding Etiquette Forum

soooo I could use some opinions?

We aren't going to have a ceremony, we are going to just go to the courthouse. However, we do want to have a celebration with our close family and friends. What is the proper way of wording this; is it still a reception? How do I best word this on the invitations? I want it to be clear that it's not the ceremony without sounding rude or anything...Help?

Re: soooo I could use some opinions?

  • It's not a reception, it's a party/celebration of your marriage. It should say something like "A party to celebrate the marriage of Salvatore4Life and Salvatore4Life's husband, which took place on X date, will be held at Y place on Z date.
  • That makes sense. Thank you!
  • Everyone loves a party, just don't turn this into a wedding reception. Wear a fantastic dress, but not a wedding gown. No first dance, bridal party, wedding decorations etc. There can (and should!) be cake, but don't do a cutting of the cake ceremony. This is a party, not a wedding.

    But otherwise, it all sounds fun. Courthouse weddings are great, I wish more people would do this!
  • Yes, be very clear with your intentions. I would keep the word reception out completely. Gathering or party "to celebrate X &Z's recent marriage." 

    It doesn't sound you're going this way, but to be clear, this means no poofy white wedding dress, no fake re-do ceremony with a bridal party and no things that you would normally get at a reception- spotlight dances, cake cutting or boqueut toss. What you can have is a super fun party where you where a killer dress, have great food, booze & entertainment. 
  • kitty8403kitty8403 member
    1000 Comments 250 Love Its First Answer Name Dropper
    edited June 2014

    Everyone loves a party, just don't turn this into a wedding reception. Wear a fantastic dress, but not a wedding gown. No first dance, bridal party, wedding decorations etc. There can (and should!) be cake, but don't do a cutting of the cake ceremony. This is a party, not a wedding.


    But otherwise, it all sounds fun. Courthouse weddings are great, I wish more people would do this!

    I agree with all this except the cake part. Feeding each other *might* be too much, but in my family, we get ceremonial about cake cutting even for birthdays and graduations, and in FI's, it's traditional for the hosts/guest of honor to take a moment to cut and serve cake, whatever party it is. It's something we would do for any party, so a dramatic/corny cake cutting moment doesn't specifically say "wedding" to me.
  • Traditionally you send a formal wedding announcement followed by a separate invitation to your marriage celebration as they are two separate events.
  • Is anyone going to the courthouse with you as witnesses? If so, you need to host them immediately afterwards as well. If you go at a meal time (12-1, 5-7) you should get them lunch or dinner. Otherwise, any kind of food and beverage are acceptable as long as you give them something in thanks for attending your wedding ceremony.
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  • phiraphira member
    5000 Comments 500 Love Its Second Anniversary 5 Answers
    kitty8403 said:
    Everyone loves a party, just don't turn this into a wedding reception. Wear a fantastic dress, but not a wedding gown. No first dance, bridal party, wedding decorations etc. There can (and should!) be cake, but don't do a cutting of the cake ceremony. This is a party, not a wedding.

    But otherwise, it all sounds fun. Courthouse weddings are great, I wish more people would do this!
    I agree with all this except the cake part. Feeding each other *might* be too much, but in my family, we get ceremonial about cake cutting even for birthdays and graduations, and in FI's, it's traditional for the hosts/guest of honor to take a moment to cut and serve cake, whatever party it is. It's something we would do for any party, so a dramatic/corny cake cutting moment doesn't specifically say "wedding" to me.
    Yeah, I wouldn't have anything as formal and ritualistic as a wedding cake cutting where you feed each other, but in my circles, the guest of honor cuts the cake.
    Anniversary
    now with ~* INCREASED SASSINESS *~
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